Rosia Montana gold mine & hike (1 day, from Cluj)
Active
12h - 13h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour combines the beauty of nature with historical and cultural impressions as well as a touch of adventure.
To get to Rosia Montana you will ride on the Transapuseana road, the newest and the most panoramic road in the Apuseni Mountains. Stops with 360 degrees panoramic views will enchant you spirit on the way. Arrive in the once to be village-with-100-lakes, the newest UNESCO site in Romania. Enter one of the oldest gold mine in Europe, exploited 2000 years ago, in Roman times. The day will end with an amazing hike in the legendary realm of the giants.
The tour is destined for people concerned with heritage, community life, sustainability, anthropology, history and nevertheless nature. The tour is finally meant to give hope with the perplexing life example of the power of the people against corporations & corruption.
Available options
Shared tour
min. 3 & max. 7 participants: If less than 3 participants, the tour will not take place and you will receive a full refund or an alternative date / tour.
Private tour
min. 1 & max. 7 participants: This option insures you that no other traveller will joint you on the tour.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
services of a professional English / French speaking guide / driver
entry tickets (for the gold mine)
all transportation by private vehicle or minibus (gas, road tax and parking fees included)
hotel pick up and drop off (only for private tours)
Detailed itinerary
1
Pick up from your accommodation and departure from Cluj at 8 am. Transfer to Rosia Montana along the Transapuseana road, the most panoramic mountain road in the Apuseni Carpathians. Stop on the way to admire the 360 angle scenic landscape and the old traditional wooden architecture.
2
Gold mining area known for over 2000 years, Rosia Montana met it’s first moment of glory during the Roman times. As Dacia became part of the Roman Empire, this area was populated with colonists from the Adriatic Sea and got to be called Alburnus Maior. In 271 AD, the Roman Empire shrinked towards the South, but mining in Rosia Montana continued all along the Middle Ages and even Modern times. The mine galleries carved by the Romans would now put Rosia Montana on top of the list with the oldest mines in Europe.
Visit the Mining Museum and walk on the footsteps of the Romans. Great chance to learn about the evolution of mining and uncover the reasoning behind strange mining technics, like using fire, water and vinegar :)
3
The corruption that came with the fall of the communist regime, put Rosia Montana on the built & natural heritage annihilation list. The biggest cyanide lake in Europe was supposed to be built here instead. Like so many other places in the present world, Rosia Montana was doomed by a policitians-corporation alliance. This lead to the biggest chain of civil society protests in Romanian modern history. After 20 years since the evil plan appeared and after 9 years of international trial, the new mining project was stopped. Rosia Montana was finally included in the UNESCO heritage list in 2021.
Take a walk in the village to admire the historical buildings that now have a chance to be restaured.
Take a hike to admire an ancient mining cultural landscape, with scenic beauty and nature reserves. Become part of the many that share the joy.
Walking duration: 2h30min
Length: 8 km
Elevation: min. elevation 847 m, max. elevation 1112 m
4
Return to Cluj in the evening, along the Aries Valley.
What's not included
your personal expences
your meals & drinks (picnic lunch required)
your personal hiking equipment (we may help with hiking poles)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Important information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for people with bad knees or other mobility problems
Dress code required: appropriate outdoor clothing & equipment we recommend (season wise): 25l-35l trail backpack, good hiking boots, hiking pants, midlayers, waterproof jacket & pants, hat/cap, sunglasses, gloves, hiking poles, water bottle / hydration packs (min. 1 l)
Meeting point
Meeting in front of KFC, Unirii Square.
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
