# Scărișoara Ice Cave

> Scărișoara Ice Cave lies in the Apuseni Mountains at 1,165 metres above sea level and is Romania's largest ice cave.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/scarisoara-ice-cave/

A large cave in the Apuseni Mountains holding a permanent block of ice, reached by a steep staircase down into the shaft. Bring a warm layer even in July and plan on a short walk from the car park.

Scărișoara Ice Cave lies in the Apuseni Mountains at 1,165 metres above sea level and is Romania's largest ice cave. It is 720 metres long and up to 105 metres deep; the entrance shaft is 48 metres deep and 60 metres across. The ice has a volume of about 75,000 cubic metres, and the cave is more than 3,000 years old. Inside there are several sections, including the “Church” at the bottom of the shaft and the “Cathedral”, as well as impressive ice formations.

The approach is via Gârda de Sus; the cave can be visited daily, but ask about opening times in advance. The descent is by a staircase into the shaft, and from the car park it is a short walk. Take warm clothing even in high summer, as it is much colder inside. The staff on site speak Romanian.

- **Nearest town:** Gârda de Sus, Romania
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 46.4879, 22.8148

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Romania: Vignette needed for motorways.** Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [Welcome to Romania: Scărișoara Cave](https://www.welcometoromania.eu/Apuseni/Apuseni_Pestera_Scarisoara_e.htm)

## Nearby

- [Rimetea](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-rimetea/) – 58 km
- [Turda Gorge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-turda-gorge/) – 67 km
- [Cluj-Napoca Old Centre](https://camping-spirit.com/places/cluj-union-square/) – 67 km
- [Alba Carolina Citadel](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-alba-carolina/) – 74 km

## FAQs

### Where is Scărișoara Ice Cave?

Scărișoara Ice Cave is in Gârda de Sus, Romania, at GPS 46.4879, 22.8148. It is about 69 km from Cluj-Napoca.

### Can you camp near Scărișoara Ice Cave?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping la Danut, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Scărișoara Ice Cave?

Places worth a stop nearby: Rimetea (58 km), Turda Gorge (67 km), Cluj-Napoca Old Centre (67 km) and Alba Carolina Citadel (74 km).

### When is the best time to visit Scărișoara Ice Cave?

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)