Bears' Cave

Peștera Urșilor

A spectacular show cave near Chișcău named for the cave bear fossils discovered inside. Its galleries display richly colored stalactites, stalagmites and preserved prehistoric bones.

Things to do

• Tour the Bears' Gallery — Walk the main illuminated galleries to see the dramatic formations that give the cave its fame among Romania's show caves.
• See the cave bear skeleton — Examine the reassembled Ursus spelaeus skeleton and scattered fossilized bones of prehistoric cave bears found on site.
• Admire the Council Hall formations — Look for the richly colored stalactites and stalagmites nicknamed for shapes like the Bear and the Mosque in the cave's ornate chambers.
• Visit the paleontology exhibit — Browse the small on-site display explaining the 1975 discovery of the cave and its Ice Age fauna.
• Explore Chișcău village — Wander the small Apuseni mountain village at the cave's foot for craft stalls and mountain scenery.
• Hike the Apuseni Nature Park trails — Set off on nearby forest and karst trails in the surrounding Apuseni Natural Park.

Food to try

• Balmoș — A rich shepherd's polenta cooked with cream, butter and sheep cheese, traditional in the Apuseni highlands.
• Bulz — Baked polenta balls stuffed with local sheep cheese and often topped with a fried egg or bacon.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour tripe soup with garlic and sour cream, a warming favorite in Crișana kitchens.
• Tochitură ardelenească — A hearty Transylvanian-style pork stew served with polenta and cheese.
• Țuică and pălincă — Strong plum or fruit brandy distilled locally in the Bihor mountains, often offered to guests.
• Cheese and honey from mountain stalls — Buy fresh sheep cheese, forest honey and homemade preserves from vendors near the cave entrance.

Local customs & good to know

• Book and dress for the cave — The interior stays around 10°C year-round, so bring a jacket and expect a guided visit on fixed schedules.
• No touching the formations — Visitors must not touch stalactites, stalagmites or bones, as skin oils damage the delicate cave features.
• Photography rules vary — Flash and tripods are often restricted, so check with staff before shooting inside the galleries.
• Combine with Apuseni sights — Base yourself near Beiuș or Ștei to also reach nearby caves, waterfalls and mountain villages.

Nearby

• Apuseni Natural Park — 6 km
• Stâna de Vale — 15 km
• Scărișoara Ice Cave — 20 km
• Băile Felix — 67 km