The Apuseni Mountains are a limestone plateau riddled with caves, gorges, and meadows kept short by grazing sheep since the Neolithic. Unlike the high Carpathians, the Apuseni reward slow walkers — trails wind between traditional Moți villages, past cave entrances and waterfalls, and through karst valleys that appear suddenly from flat-looking farmland. This six-day route combines surface hiking with a descent into the underworld at Scărișoara, where a 3,500-year-old glacier sits in permanent darkness.
Arrival in Cluj-Napoca. Transfer to a guesthouse at the edge of the Apuseni plateau. Welcome dinner with local wine from the Crișana hills.
First full day on the plateau — a gentle circular route through pastures and spruce forest to the Cetățile Ponorului cave system, whose entrance hall is large enough to hold an aircraft. Lunch at the trail shelter.
Morning hike to Scărișoara — one of Europe's largest underground glaciers. A guided descent into the cave reveals ice formations built up over 3,500 years. Afternoon walk through the Ordâncoșa gorge. Overnight in Gârda de Sus village.
A slower day visiting two Moți villages — one of Romania's most isolated traditional communities. Lunch with a local family. Visit to a working water mill. Optional short walk along the Arieșul Mare river.
Final hiking day through the Râmețului gorge — a narrow limestone canyon carved by the Geoagel river, ending at the 14th-century Râmeț monastery. Farewell dinner in the village.
Transfer to Cluj-Napoca or Alba Iulia for onward travel. End of programme.
5 nights in village guesthousesAll breakfasts + 3 dinnersCertified hiking guideCave entry feesPrivate transportInternational flightsTravel insurance