Private Day Trip to Turda Salt Mine and Alba Carolina Fortress
Active
8h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Delve into the coolest underground theme park in the world and visit the star-shaped Alba Carolina Fortress in a one-day trip from Cluj-Napoca.
Available options
2020 Season
2020 Season<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Transportation with a modern vehicle
Bottle of water
Detailed itinerary
1
Your day trip from Cluj-Napoca starts in the morning when you will meet up with your tour guide and head to Alba Iulia to discover the city that was the largest Roman castrum, and its star-shaped fortification, Alba Carolina. Situated in the heart of Transylvania, over time, this settlement was transformed by the German and Hungarian populations which enriched its cultural diversity. Because of the influences imprinted over centuries, you will be able to observe that the buildings and churches have different architectural styles: Baroque, Romanesque and even Babylonian.
Alba Carolina Fortress is surrounded by 12 km of walls in order to protect the center of the city that won’t cease to amaze you. At its beginnings, the fortification was a Roman Fort, afterward a fortress during the Middle Ages and later a Vauban type Citadel provided with 7 bastions. Regardless of which entrance we’ll use you will be pleasantly surprised by all the Baroque decorative elements considered unique in European military architecture. The sensation of the past centuries will be sustained by the Austrian guards in their vintage clothes who protect the citadel even nowadays.
2
Your day trip continues on a small road that takes you to Rimetea, a small village filled with white houses with their lovely green windows, loved by time and cherished by its inhabitants. You will have lunch in this beautiful place and you will remain with an image to treasure all your life.
3
Stop 3
Your day trip from Cluj continues with a descent into the world’s largest salt mining history museum, known as Turda Salt Mine. The exploitation of the rich deposit was started by the Romans 2000 years ago during their occupation in Dacia. The museum includes three mines: Terezia, which reaches a depth of 90 meters, followed by Anton and Rudolf, both of them offering spectacular views. After admiring the huge room carved in salt we will go down to the bottom of the mine and reach the salty lake where you can enjoy a boat ride at the lowest point of the museum. A one of a kind overview of the mine can be savored while ascending or descending with the glass elevator. A constant temperature between 10 and 12 degrees is maintained naturally all year round with a humidity of around 80%.
Besides being a museum, the Salina Turda is also an amusement park where you can play tennis, mini-golf, ride a Ferris wheel, or even take a boat ride on the underwater salt lake.
4
After the Turda Salt Mine tour, your day trip will come to an end, and you will be transferred back to Cluj-Napoca.
What's not included
Lunch (approx. €13/person)
Photography fees
Tips for the tour guide
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
9 reviews
5★
8
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
15 reviews
5★
13
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide;
Not wheelchair accessible;
Minimum age is 5 years;
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults;
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Please note: Entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Minimum age is 12 years
• You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is a vibrant university city known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene. Often referred to as the 'Heart of Transylvania,' it offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern energy, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
St. Michael's Church
A stunning Gothic-style church and one of the most iconic landmarks in Cluj-Napoca. It is one of the largest medieval churches in Transylvania and features beautiful stained glass windows and a tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Historical/Religious
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome), Tower climb: RON 5-10
Matthias Corvinus Statue
A striking statue of Matthias Corvinus, a famous Hungarian king who was born in Cluj-Napoca. The statue is a prominent feature of the Central Square and a popular gathering spot.
Historical/Architecture
15-30 minutes
Free
Botanical Garden
A beautiful and serene botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers. The garden is a perfect place for a peaceful stroll and offers a welcome escape from the bustling city.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
St. George's Orthodox Cathedral
A beautiful Orthodox cathedral with a striking golden dome. The cathedral is an important religious site and a notable example of Romanian Orthodox architecture.
Religious/Architecture
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome)
Banffy Palace
A magnificent Baroque palace that now houses the National Theatre of Cluj-Napoca. The palace is a stunning example of 18th-century architecture and a cultural hub of the city.
Historical/Architecture
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome for guided tours)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork or beef), rice, and spices, served with sour cream and polenta.
Main Course
Contains meat and gluten
Mici
Grilled minced meat rolls made from a mixture of pork, beef, and sometimes lamb, flavored with garlic and spices.
Snack
Contains meat and gluten
Papanași
Fried dough balls filled with sweet cheese, usually served with sour cream, jam, or powdered sugar.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten, can be made vegan
Popular Activities
Hiking in Turda Gorge
Rock climbing in Turda Gorge
Exploring Salina Turda
Picnicking in the Botanical Garden
Shopping at Central Shopping Center
Visiting a traditional Romanian bathhouse (baia turcească)
Exploring the medieval citadel in Sighișoara
Visiting the National Theatre in Banffy Palace
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and plenty of outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during this period.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Romanian
- Widely spoken: English, Hungarian, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Romanian Leu (RON)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (Eastern European Time, EET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cluj-Napoca is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Avram Iancu International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Cluj-Napoca Central Station
By bus
Autogara Transilvania Nord, Autogara Centrala
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network is the most extensive public transport system in Cluj-Napoca, covering the entire city and many suburbs. Buses are generally reliable and affordable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Square (Piața Unirii)
Hoia
Iris
Day trips
Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii)
30 km from Cluj-Napoca • Half day to full day
Turda Gorge is a stunning natural attraction featuring a deep canyon with towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and a variety of wildlife. It's a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and nature walks.
Salina Turda
40 km from Cluj-Napoca • Half day to full day
Salina Turda is a unique underground salt mine that has been transformed into a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the mine's chambers, take a boat ride on an underground lake, and even visit an underground amusement park.
Sighișoara
140 km from Cluj-Napoca • Full day
Sighișoara is a charming medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's known for its well-preserved citadel, colorful buildings, and rich history. The town is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula.
Festivals
Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF) • Late May
Jazz in the Park • July
Cluj-Napoca International Theatre Festival (FIT) • October
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Explore the city's vibrant street art scene, which showcases the work of local and international artists
- Visit the city's historic cafes and bookshops, which offer a glimpse into Cluj-Napoca's rich cultural heritage
- Take a day trip to the nearby Turda Gorge or Salina Turda for a unique and unforgettable experience
- Attend a local festival or event to immerse yourself in the city's lively cultural scene
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
