Turda Salt Mine

Salina Turda

A vast former salt mine transformed into a surreal underground attraction with an amphitheater, Ferris wheel and boating lake deep beneath the earth. Its otherworldly caverns are unlike anywhere else in the region.

Things to do

• Ride the Ferris Wheel — Take a spin on the underground Ferris wheel set within the vast Rudolf Mine chamber over 100 meters below the surface.
• Row on the Underground Lake — Rent a rowing boat and paddle across the salt lake at the bottom of the Terezia Mine, surrounded by dramatic salt-encrusted walls.
• Explore the Amphitheater — Descend into the Rudolf Mine's tiered amphitheater, where concerts and events are occasionally held beneath the towering cavern ceiling.
• Descend the Franz Josef Gallery — Walk the long 917-meter horizontal entrance tunnel lined with salt stalactites formed over decades of dripping brine.
• See the Crivac Winding Machine — View the massive 19th-century horse-powered wooden winch, one of the last of its kind used to haul salt to the surface.
• Play Mini Golf and Bowling — Enjoy the underground recreational area with mini golf, bowling, table tennis and a sports field carved into the salt chamber.
• Try Halotherapy — Breathe the salt-saturated air believed to relieve respiratory ailments, a traditional draw for visitors seeking natural remedies.
• View the Iosif Mine Echo Room — Speak or clap in the bell-shaped Iosif Mine chamber renowned for its remarkable natural echo.

Food to try

• Ciorba de burta — A sour, creamy tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar, a beloved Romanian comfort dish found in Turda's restaurants.
• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, slow-cooked and typically served with polenta and sour cream.
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless sausages of spiced minced meat, a popular Transylvanian street and pub food eaten with mustard and bread.
• Papanasi — Fried doughnut-like cheese dumplings topped with sour cream and sour cherry jam, a classic Romanian dessert.
• Cabbage a la Cluj (varza a la Cluj) — A Transylvanian layered casserole of chopped cabbage, minced meat and rice popular in the nearby Cluj region.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress warmly — The mine stays a constant 10-12 degrees Celsius year-round, so bring a jacket even in summer heat.
• Book ahead in peak season — Buy tickets online and arrive early, as the mine draws large crowds especially on weekends and holidays.
• Choose stairs or elevator — You can descend via hundreds of stairs through the galleries or take the panoramic elevator down to the Rudolf Mine level.
• Combine with Turda Gorge — Pair your visit with the nearby Cheile Turzii gorge, a scenic hiking spot just a short drive away.

Nearby

• Cluj-Napoca — 24 km
• Alba Iulia — 60 km
• Scărișoara Ice Cave (Crișana) — 76 km
• Biertan — 76 km