Things to see and do Padiş

On the road towards Deva, near Pietroasa, this waterfall of 80 meters is part of a geological reserve (precipices, waterfalls, water holes…), forest and floral, refreshing in summer. Attention, access is not easy. Located in the Apuseni Natural Park, the place is quite impressive and places beautiful landscapes in this natural region away from any human domestication.

The gorges of the Galbena (Cheile Galbenei) offer a breathtaking spectacle: deep gorges, secret corners, forgotten clearings, innumerable waterfalls... It is an ideal place for hiking, even if some paths are sometimes dizzying and uneven. Climbing or canyoning are also options, for the more adventurous. One of the trails starts from Cabana Padiș (9-10h, yellow dot marking). You will pass through the cave of the Feu vif glacier (Ghețarul Focul viu), which takes on an astonishing reddish hue at certain times of the day.

The citadels of Ponor(Cetățile Ponorului) are a fascinating natural site, popular with speleologists. It's one of Europe's most grandiose karstic landscapes, with waterfalls and astonishing formations, along an underground river that runs through a 4 km tunnel. It's reached by a beautiful hike, very rugged in places, starting from Cabana Padiș (12 km, 6h, blue dot marking). Boulders over 70 m high mark the entrance to the cave. To explore it, it's best to be accompanied by experienced cavers.