Padiş – Karst Landscape, Caves and Hiking Trails

Padiş lies in the northern part of the Munții Bihor, a mountain range of the Munții Apuseni. The Padiș–Cetățile Ponorului karst area is considered the most important tourist area in the Munții Apuseni. There are 27 marked hiking trails in the Padiș–Vârtop tourist area. You can compare the described trails by duration, difficulty and seasonal regulations.

Other destinations: Nucet

Natural area

The Padiș–Cetățile Ponorului enclosed basin belongs to the Padiș tourist area. Izbucul Ponor drains the waters of streams that disappear underground on the Padiș Plateau. Cascada Evantai forms where the water of the Galbena Valley emerges from a cave again and plunges about 10 metres into the depths. On the route through Lumea Pierdută, Avenul Gemănata features an 82-metre-deep vertical drop.

The portal of Peștera Cetățile Ponorului is 75 metres high and is described as the highest cave portal in Europe. Pietrele Galbenei is a protected natural monument and has been a geological reserve since 2000. Avenul Borțig is about 40 metres deep and is described as Europe's second-largest ice cave after the Scărișoara Glacier. Peștera Șura Boghii is 212 metres long.

Trails

The Circuitul Cetăților Ponorului is a difficult circular hike lasting about 6.5 hours; safety cables are installed at key points, and the trail is not recommended in winter. The circular route through Lumea Pierdută crosses the karst plateau, is a fairly demanding hike, takes about five hours and is not recommended in winter.

The visitor trail to Izbucul Ponor leads to a spring inside a small grotto; the relatively easy hike takes about 30 minutes. The visitor trail to Pietrele Galbenei is a short, moderate-difficulty branch off the classic Circuitul Văii Galbena and is not recommended in winter. The trail to the Pietrele Boghii viewpoint is forbidden in winter. When planning your time, you can take into account not only the trail lengths but also the different winter regulations. The stated times range from a short access route of about 30 minutes to circular hikes lasting several hours. Together with the information on difficulty and winter regulations, this provides a practical way to distinguish between the described trails.

Orientation on site

The visitor and tourist information centre of the Apuseni Natural Park administration is located at the Padiș forestry district office. A forestry district office and a supply point are located in the La Grajduri clearing; most tourists travelling with a tent camp there.

When comparing accommodation for your trip to Padiş, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the respective offer page. Pay close attention to the details for the exact period and room type you are considering.

History

The four viewing balconies on the Circuitul Cetăților Ponorului were built by Czaran Gyula in the 19th century.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bihor.