Turda Gorge from Cluj: the Trail, How Long It Takes and How to Get There

Photo (cropped): Cristian Bortes, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) is the easiest escape into nature from Cluj: in under an hour you are in a canyon cut through limestone by the Hășdate stream, with sheer walls, paths along the water and birds of prey overhead. The reserve has around 60 caves and over a thousand plant species, some of them rare.

How long the drive takes

About 36 km and 45–60 minutes from Cluj. The main entrance, with the chalet and car park, is on the Mihai Viteazu side; the second entrance is at the other end, near Petreștii de Jos.

The trail through the gorge

• Length: the gorge is about 1.5 km long, and the path runs end to end
• Time: 1–1.5 hours one way at a strolling pace with stops
• Difficulty: easy to moderate — rocky stretches, a few sections with railings and cables, bridges over the stream
• Shoes: trainers or trail shoes, not sandals; after rain the rocks are slippery

For more, marked trails climb out of the gorge onto the plateau above, from 2–3 hours upwards. The walls are also one of Romania's classic climbing spots.

Important: paths and bridges in the gorge have been closed temporarily several times in recent years for repairs or after storms. Check the reserve administration or local news before you go.

Planning the day

The gorge pairs naturally with Turda Salt Mine, 15–20 minutes away: the gorge in the morning while it is cool, the salt mine in the afternoon. In summer it is the perfect combination — the mine stays at around 12 °C all year.

A longer hiking day can continue to Rimetea, in the same direction, another 30 minutes on.

What the transfer costs

• Cluj – Turda Gorge: ~36 km, from 170 lei per car (up to 4 passengers), one way
• Cluj – Turda Salt Mine: ~35 km, from 160 lei

For a "gorge + salt mine" day, with the driver taking you between them and back in the evening, we set a package price when you book. If you want to be dropped at the chalet and collected at the other entrance, just say so in the form.

Read also: Cluj to Turda transfer · Beliș-Fântânele Lake