Bears' Cave (Peștera Urșilor) is one of Romania's most beautiful and most visited caves. Located in the village of Chișcău in the Apuseni Mountains, it stuns visitors with spectacular galleries, rare stalactites and stalagmites, and authentic cave-bear skeletons.
What is Bears' Cave?
Bears' Cave was discovered by accident in 1975 during marble quarry blasting. It owes its name to more than 140 cave-bear skeletons found inside — animals extinct for about 15,000 years. The cave has four galleries, three of which are open to the public.
How do you get there?
From Cabana de Sub Deal the cave is about 55 km away, roughly a 1h 20min drive. The route crosses scenic parts of Țara Moților with memorable views. Parking, a restaurant and a small museum are available at the cave.
How long does the visit take?
The guided tour lasts around 1 hour and covers the three public galleries. With travel time, plan a full-day or ~6-hour outing. The cave stays at a constant 10°C — bring a jacket even in summer.
Why is it worth visiting?
Bears' Cave is one of Romania's most impressive underground experiences, accessible to all ages.
What to expect:
- galleries with spectacular limestone formations
- authentic cave-bear skeletons on display
- accessible guided tour, wheelchair-friendly
- paleontology museum and local cuisine restaurant
You can combine the trip with Scărișoara Ice Cave or Vârciorog Waterfall.
Stay nearby
For a comfortable base to explore the Apuseni, Cabana de Sub Deal is the ideal starting point. Located in Arieșeni, the cabin offers comfort, peace and quick access to the best trails in the Apuseni Mountains.
