Cluj-Napoca in 1 Day for Friends - Guided visit to Salina Turda (Turda Salt Mine)
In Collaboration with CURLY GUIDE . Updated on February 13, 2026.
Full-day small-group nature trip from Cluj-Napoca visiting Salina Turda (Turda Salt Mine), Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) and the traditional village of Rimetea, with a short stop at Rimetea Monastery. Transfers, entrance fees to the listed attractions, bottled water, and hiking sticks are provided.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with CURLY GUIDE , inspired by the tour Curly Tour - Day trip from Cluj :). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to Salina Turda (Turda Salt Mine)
- Hike in Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) — choose 5 km or 9 km circuit
- Walk through the traditional village of Rimetea and short stop at Rimetea Monastery
- Small-group format with bottled water, hiking sticks and parking included
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Cluj-Napoca at the Matthias Corvinus Statue at 09:00. Full-day route: Salina Turda -> Turda Gorge -> Rimetea village & monastery -> return to Cluj-Napoca. Moderate walking and optional longer hike available; not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Meeting point — Matthias Corvinus Statue (Piața Unirii)
Meet the guide at the Matthias Corvinus equestrian statue in Piața Unirii. Boarding and brief safety/orientation before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early and wait on the steps in front of the equestrian statue near St. Michael's Church so the guide can find you quickly.
- Carry a small daypack with a light layer and any personal medication — the group departs promptly after boarding.
- Use nearby public restrooms in Piața Unirii before departure; facilities in the first transfer stop are limited.
Transfer to Salina Turda (Turda Salt Mine)
Drive from Cluj-Napoca to Salina Turda; bottled water and parking fees are included.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect roughly a 35–45 minute drive depending on traffic; keep cameras ready for countryside views en route.
- Keep your phone charged; mobile coverage can be patchy inside the salt mine.
- If you rent a small bag or coat, store it in your daypack – the mine interior is noticeably cooler than outside.
Salina Turda (Turda Salt Mine) — guided visit & free time
Guided tour in English of the historic salt mine and then free time to explore the main attractions inside the mine (boardwalks, viewpoints, and the underground chamber).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm layer — inside Salina Turda temperatures are cool (usually around 10–12°C).
- Follow marked walkways and the guide; headlamps/flashlights are not required but useful for photography in low-light corners.
- If you plan to use recreational facilities inside (where available), check availability on arrival — the guided portion and mine entry are included.
Transfer to Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii)
Drive from Salina Turda to the Turda Gorge trailhead (approx. 30 minutes). Prepare for the outdoor hike and uneven terrain.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the transfer time to apply sunscreen and refill your water bottle; bottled water is provided on the tour.
- Confirm with the guide which hiking route you prefer (short ~5 km or longer ~9 km loop) before arriving at the trailhead.
- Wear sturdy shoes with grip; trail surfaces are natural and can be slippery after rain.
Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) — hike (5 km or 9 km option)
Guided hike through the canyon. Participants choose a 5 km or a 9 km circular route depending on fitness and group pace. Expect steep sections, steps and rocky paths.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers and a hat; some sections have exposed rock and narrow paths.
- Stick with the guide and the marked trail; do not attempt unmarked climbing routes.
- If you prefer a gentler walk, choose the 5 km option — tell the guide at the trailhead so the group can be organized.
Transfer to Rimetea village
Drive from Turda Gorge to the traditional village of Rimetea. Scenic rural driving; prepare for a short village walk on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive to Rimetea crosses rural roads; if you get motion-sensitive, sit in front of the vehicle and open a window slightly for fresh air.
- Have some cash on hand for small local purchases — card acceptance in small village shops may be limited.
- Confirm any dietary needs with the guide if you plan to buy food in Rimetea (a warm traditional meal is commonly available locally but is listed as not included).
Rimetea village — village walk and time to purchase food
Walk through Rimetea’s white houses with green shutters and learn about local architecture and history. Note: a warm traditional meal in Rimetea is commonly available locally but is listed under excluded items for this activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect private property: take photos from public streets and avoid entering private courtyards without permission.
- If you want a sit-down warm meal in Rimetea, ask the guide for local recommendations and note that the meal is not included in the standard tour price.
- Wear a light layer; village streets are cobbled in parts and can be uneven underfoot.
Rimetea Monastery — short stop
Short visit to the local monastery (admission included). A quiet stop to see religious art and the painted interiors noted in the itinerary.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly for the monastery (covered shoulders and knees) and follow any signage regarding photography.
- Speak quietly and follow the guide’s instructions while inside the monastery precincts.
- Keep a small donation or change if you wish to support the monastery — many small religious sites appreciate modest contributions.
Return transfer to Cluj-Napoca — drop-off
Drive back to Cluj-Napoca with an expected arrival in the early evening. End of tour; drop-off at central Cluj-Napoca (guide will confirm approximate drop-off point).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off location in Cluj with the guide when you board in the morning to allow efficient routing.
- Check your personal belongings before leaving the vehicle; phones and cameras are commonly left behind after long days.
- Estimated arrival time is around 17:30 — traffic or road conditions can affect the final arrival by a small margin.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Culture |