The Romanian countryside has a lot to offer, and especially if you are looking for great day trips from Cluj-Napoca !
There are several beautiful places in the area that can be visited on a day trip. So without further ado, here are some day trips ideas from Cluj-Napoca, from the Apuseni Mountains to Sighisoara, including a hike to Groapa Ruginoasa !
Located about 30 km west of Cluj-Napoca, Lake Tarnița is a scenic artificial reservoir surrounded by forested hills.
The Apuseni Mountains are renowned for their stunning landscapes, caves and charming villages. This area in the western Carpathians is a true gem for hikers and nature lovers.
Located in the Apuseni Mountains, Scărișoara Glacier Cave is one of the largest ice caves in Romania. The cave has an underground glacier that stays frozen year-round and ice formations everywhere.
Usually, once there are a few people with a ticket, a guide will lead everyone down the cave and give explanation on the various ice formations.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and gloves if you can, it gets REALLY cold down there, even in the summer.
Entrance Fee : 20 RON (4€) for adults and 10 RON (2€) for students.
Opening Hours : Open from May to October, Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm (reduced hours in winter).
Located in Valea Seacă, Groapa Ruginoasa (the Rusty Pit) is a unique natural site with red-colored rock formations caused by the erosion of iron-rich soil.
You have to hike uphill for about 30-40 minutes, IF you find the right path, otherwise you can at least double that time !
So here are the instructions to find the shortest and best trail : you have to add those coordinates in Google Maps to get to the beginning of the hike 46.518804, 22.661504.
Cheile Turzii is a beautiful gorge with impressive limestone cliffs and dense forests. This natural reserve, located about 10 km from Cluj-Napoca, is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and nature walks.
Entrance Fee: Free from October to April, otherwise 6 RON (1,2€) for adults and 4 RON (0,8€) for students & seniors.
Salina Turda is one of Romania’s most impressive and well-preserved salt mines, located about 30 km from Cluj-Napoca.
The mine dates back to the Roman era and has been transformed into an underground amusement park with an underground lake surrounded by salt formations everywhere. It is considered one of the most impressive salt mines in the world!
I would suggest coming early morning, before it gets crowded for the attractions.
Entrance Fee : 50 RON (10€) for adults on weekdays, 60 RON (12€) on weekends, and 20 RON (4€) for students & seniors.
Opening Hours : Open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Sighișoara is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval citadel located 2 hours from Cluj-Napoca. With its cobblestone streets and vibrant colors, this village will win your heart. It is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula.
This has been our favorite village in Romania, it is very colourful and you will find cute details around every corner :
Biertan is a fortified village located in the heart of Transylvania, known for its impressive 16th-century fortress church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village also offers charming views of the countryside.
I would recommend stopping by only if it’s on your way, because it’s quite small and not much to do.
Sibiu is a city known for its medieval architecture. As a former European Capital of Culture, Sibiu offers a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings. My best advice here is to wander in the colourful streets, try their delicious kneaded pastries and push the doors of the different churches.
That’s it for my recommendations on day trips from Cluj-Napoca ! Whether you’re exploring the scenic landscapes of the Apuseni Mountains, stepping back in time in Sighisoara, or hiking to Groapa Ruginoasa, these day trips from Cluj-Napoca provide the perfect escape into Romania’s countryside.
If you want to spend a day visiting Cluj-Napoca, check out my article here to know what to see and do. Or click here for the list of all my Romania’s related posts.
If you need a custom itinerary, you can fill this form and I’ll make your own personalised itinerary.
