The Winter Face of Turda Gorge

I am always hesitant when it comes to hiking/trekking in the wintertime, because I don’t have the necessary gear for it. But I wouldn’t want to miss the fun of the outdoors in the winter months, so I’ve decided on taking baby steps and do some easy-terrain trips to see how things are and eventually be brave enough to go on harder hikes (once I’ve purchased the gear I’m missing). So we decided on the Gorge of Turda, a familiar hike – many of us have been to the gorge already, but mostly in the spring and summer – so we knew approximately what to expect but were still curious about the place which was now under snow and ice.

road leading to Turda Gorge

As you can see, the road leading up to the start of the trekking trail was perfectly clean, no ice and snow on it whatsoever, so you can easily approach it by car. Once you get to the beginning of the trail and start your journey, you might bump into a sign that says something about an entrance fee that needs to be paid in order to enter the gorge. But there was not a single person anywhere, so there wasn’t anyone to give the fee to (and it was the same last time I was here too).

shed at the entrance of Turda Gorge

The path is well-marked (follow the red dot), and is mostly straight (there are only a few ups and downs), so it is accessible to everyone from little kids to older folks. You must be careful when the snow layer is thinner, because underneath the path can be very slippery.

trekking in Turda Gorge

first steps in Turda Gorge

The route goes all the way by the riverside, and there are four wooden bridges you need to cross along the way. Although they seem a bit unstable, we had no problems whatsoever in crossing them, so I can report that they were in an acceptable state on the 3rd of January.

bridge in Turda Gorge

lovely Turda Gorge

As you go deeper into the gorge, the path starts to get narrower. At one points there are ropes to help you cross the narrow path, which you should take advantage of unless you want to slide into the icy stream.

narrow path in Turda Gorge

One of the most spectacular things to see in the gorge are the many caves, and the waterfall, frozen this time of year. It was a true treat to see the small waterfall frozen and especially to cross the path in front of it – which was full ice.

frozen waterfall in Turda Gorge

Going through the whole path took us approximately an hour and a half (we made several stops along the way), but if you don’t make any stops you can easily get to the other side in approximately 45 minutes. We weren’t in any kind of hurry so going through and coming back took us about two and a half hours.

at the other side of Turda Gorge

I have to admit, I like to return to some places. I am not in a hurry to tick destinations off my list, and like to see a town/natural place more than once, preferably from another perspective (returning after many years, or just seeing it in a different season).

If you’d like to explore the area I recommend you check out the amazing Turda Salt Mine and if you’re visiting in the summer, Ramet Gorge – a playground is a must!

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Related posts:

The Gorge of Turda Old Man’s Cave and Izbândiş Spring Colibita – The Lake of Summer Escapades Turda Salt Mine