From Poiana Glăvoi it is about a 30-minute walk to the viewing balconies above the sinkholes.
About the place
Cetățile Ponorului lie at 950 m, at the end of the Cetăților valley. The cave entrance is a portal 70 m high and 30 m wide in the wall of the first sinkhole; inside, a strong river forms waterfalls and lakes along an active gallery about 2 km long. The site was first described in 1886, and Emil Racoviță and R. Jeannel studied it in 1929.
From Poiana Glăvoi take the forest road towards the Cetățile Ponorului chalet, and after about 500 m follow the blue-dot marking. In about 30 minutes you reach the first of four viewpoints (the Ponor Balconies); this part is easy. The descent into the sinkhole and the full circuit are difficult, and the underground gallery is only for equipped cavers.
Good to know
- With children, stop at the balconies; the descent into the sinkhole is steep and slippery.
- Do not enter the cave without gear and a guide; the underground river is dangerous.
- The road to Padiș goes via Sudrigiu and Pietroasa; leave Ștei with a full tank.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.