Scărișoara Ice Cave
Discover Europe's largest underground glacier, a frozen marvel over 10,500 years old, accessed by 232 steps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy cooler cave temps
Scărișoara Ice Cave
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy cooler cave temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Europe's largest underground glacier, a frozen marvel over 10,500 years old, accessed by 232 steps.
"It's a unique natural wonder, but be prepared for the stairs and the cold!"
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
Cave is a chilly 2°C year-round. A sweater or jacket is a must!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be descending and ascending 232 steps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Europe's Largest Underground Glacier
Inside the cave
Witness the ancient ice, formed over 10,500 years ago, in this remarkable natural wonder.
The Grand Staircase
Cave entrance
Descend 232 steps into the earth, an impressive feat of natural formation and access.
Historic Discovery
Cave entrance
Learn about the cave's discovery in 1847 and its significance as a geological site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Descent
Timing is Key for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
Cave is a chilly 2°C year-round. A sweater or jacket is a must!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be descending and ascending 232 steps.
⏳ Short Visit Time
Expect to spend only 30-40 minutes inside the cave.
🅿️ Paid Parking Available
Parking is available at the start of the path to the cave.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
Cave is a chilly 2°C year-round. A sweater or jacket is a must!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be descending and ascending 232 steps.
⏳ Short Visit Time
Expect to spend only 30-40 minutes inside the cave.
🅿️ Paid Parking Available
Parking is available at the start of the path to the cave.
🥧 Local Delicacies
Try the tasty local pies and forest fruit syrups.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Scărișoara Ice Cave a unique natural wonder, particularly its ancient underground glacier and the impressive descent of 232 steps. However, many note the visit is quite short for the price, especially without family discounts, and emphasize the need for warm clothing due to the cave's consistent 2°C temperature.
"The Glacier Cave was nice to visit. Due to low temperature inside the cave a warm layer is recommended. If you're in the sorrounding areas and spend the weekend here or you're transiting is worth visiting, but if you're only coming for the cave visit and drive 3-4 hours from home then another back home...not worth. Tickets can be purchased on site and you go down with a small group with local guide. Toilet inside the ticket office. The cave isn't big and you spend 30 maybe 40 minutes, the entire visit. Compared to the price asked and that the guide speaks like 10 minutes it's expensive especially if coming with family. No family ticket available. You can park where path to the cave starts, paid parking. The local pies are tasty. You can buy syrups from made from local forest fruits, honey and souvenirs. The road leading here is narrow and twisty but gives very nice views of the region."
Daniel AM
"You should be prepared to descend (and later on to ascend) 232 steps, to the cave. It's not difficult of course, but it's quite impresive. Also, you should be prepared (with a sweatshirt) for the 2°C in the cave (all summer long) and, in case youa are visiting in winter, for -4°C.
The ice that forms the glacier, it was formed 10.500 years ago. You are visiting the biggest underground glacier in Europe. The cave has been discovered in the 19th century, year 1847."
Constantin Rares Tecsa
"Long descent, problem is, one need to climb back up. A bit chill, is closet to 0 Celsius (obviously), short way to visit inside, a place to tale pictures set up."
Floriana Ungureanu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The road leading to the cave is narrow and winding, offering scenic views. Paid parking is available at the trailhead.
The road is generally accessible but can be narrow and twisty. Drive cautiously and enjoy the regional scenery.
From the parking area, a path leads to the cave entrance, which involves descending a significant number of stairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket office.
While prices can vary, some visitors mention it's around 4 EUR, but consider it potentially expensive for the short duration.
Unfortunately, there are no family tickets available, which can make it costly for larger groups.
The cave is open year-round, maintaining its internal temperature. It's advisable to check for any seasonal operational changes.
You can purchase tickets on-site and join a small group with a local guide. Advance booking is generally not required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The actual visit inside the cave is quite short, typically lasting around 30 to 40 minutes, with the guide speaking for about 10 minutes.
The cave maintains a consistent temperature of approximately 2°C (36°F) year-round, and can be as cold as -4°C (25°F) in winter.
There are 232 steps to descend, which is impressive but manageable for most. The main challenge is the climb back up.
Yes, photography is allowed. There are designated spots set up for taking pictures.
The ice is part of Europe's largest underground glacier, formed approximately 10,500 years ago.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find tasty local pies and souvenirs, including syrups made from local forest fruits and honey, near the ticket office.
Visitors often recommend trying the local pies and purchasing syrups made from forest fruits.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive staircase leading into the cave and the unique ice formations within. Designated photo spots are available.
Yes, the cave is consistently around 2°C, so dress warmly even when holding your camera.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cave is a unique natural wonder, be aware that the actual time spent inside is short (30-40 minutes), and there are no family ticket discounts, which might make it a pricier outing for larger families. Consider if the overall experience aligns with your family's expectations for value. The scenic drive and the opportunity to try local pies might add to the overall enjoyment of the day trip.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
Be prepared for the cool temperatures inside by bringing a light jacket. The short duration of the cave visit means it can easily fit into a day's itinerary. Consider it a worthwhile stop if you're in the area, especially if you enjoy geological formations and a bit of adventure. The local pies and souvenirs offer a nice touch to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel: Scărișoara Ice Cave
Accessing this natural treasure involves a descent of 232 steps, a journey that is as impressive as the destination itself. While the steps are well-maintained, the climb back up requires a bit of effort. The cave's interior temperature hovers around a constant 2°C (36°F) throughout the year, necessitating warm clothing even in the height of summer. In winter, this temperature can drop further to -4°C (25°F), making it feel like a true subterranean winter wonderland.
Despite the relatively short time spent inside the cave (around 30-40 minutes), many find the experience worthwhile for its uniqueness. The guided tours, though brief, provide insights into the cave's history and geological significance. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the power and artistry of nature, frozen in time.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Warm clothing is non-negotiable. Even during summer, the cave's temperature remains around 2°C, so a sweater or jacket is essential to enjoy your visit comfortably. For those visiting in winter, the temperature can dip to -4°C, making warm layers even more critical.
While the cave visit itself is brief, the surrounding area offers opportunities to sample local flavors. You can purchase tasty local pies and souvenirs, including syrups made from forest fruits and honey, at the ticket office. The road leading to the cave is narrow and winding, offering picturesque views of the region, so enjoy the scenic drive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit