The Apuseni Mountains are often called the “Garden of Paradise,” and a visit to this mountain area certainly reveals why they receive such praise. Hidden among the peaks and valleys are impressive natural treasures, and Poarta lui Ionele Cave in Gârda commune, Alba County, is one of these underground wonders.
Poarta lui Ionele Cave
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Location
Poarta lui Ionele Cave is located in the Bihor Mountains, in Gârda de Sus commune, Alba County, and is part of Apuseni Natural Park. It was discovered in the second half of the 19th century, and research on it began after the 1920s. Since 1999, it has been part of a legally protected area in Romania. Learn more on wikipedia.ro
Water in Poarta lui Ionele Cave
Access
The cave is located near Arieșeni and is easily accessible from the center of Gârda commune, in the Ordâncușa Valley. A short walk or drive along country roads will take you to the cave entrance. From Gârda de Sus, you reach the cave after about 2.5 km through the Gârda Seacă Valley, following the DJ750. It is practically the same road that leads to the Scărișoara Ice Cave, in the Ordâncușa Valley.
Driving distances to the cave:
from Alba Iulia – 2 hr 11 min (113.2 km) via DN75 and DN74
from Cluj-Napoca – 2 hr 50 min (105.9 km) via DN1R and DJ103K
from Timișoara – 4 hr 7 min (262.0 km) via A1
from Deva – 2 hr 26 min (123.3 km) via DN75 and DN74
from Bucharest – 7 hr 25 min (469.9 km) via DN7/E81
from Arad – 3 hr 19 min (192.3 km) via DN75
from Sibiu – 3 hr 10 min (195.0 km) via A1 and DN74
from Oradea – 2 hr 23 min (130.6 km) via DN76/E79 and DN75
The Cave – A Door to the Underground
Poarta lui Ionele (“Ionele's Gate”) is also known as “Poarta Bihor,” and its name comes from its impressive appearance – a huge, gate-like cave entrance that recalls the legend of the cave, according to which a shepherd named Ionele disappeared into the cave with an entire flock of sheep.
Inside the Cave
Poarta lui Ionele Cave has been set up for visitors and can be explored even by little ones. With illuminated metal stairs and walkways guiding you inside, this lit cave, located at an altitude of 810 meters, is an accessible experience. It has a total length of 131 meters, and its entrance will delight you with an impressive portal almost 12 meters high.
As you enter this cave, you are greeted by a fascinating underground landscape. You will find a complex network of passages and chambers, as well as a series of star-shaped formations, stalactites and stalagmites. This underground world reveals a beauty sculpted over millennia by water and limestone. With the right lighting, you will be amazed by what you see.
The upper gallery of Poarta lui Ionele Cave is no longer open to the public, a measure taken to protect two bat colonies that live there.
For much of the year, the cave is flooded, but the walkways make visits possible.
Tourist Attractions in the Area
Scărișoara Cave entrance
Near “Poarta lui Ionele” Cave in Gârda, there are numerous tourist attractions that can round out your exploration of the Apuseni Mountains, the Arieș Valley and the Ordâncușa Gorges. Here are a few of them:
Scărișoara Cave: Located in the Apuseni Mountains, in Alba County, this cave impresses visitors with a true underground treasure: a perpetual glacier. It is the largest ice cave in Romania and one of the largest in the world.
Vârtop Ice Cave: Located near Sălciua commune, this cave shelters a glacier about 3,000 years old. Visiting it offers a glimpse into the beauty of the underground world of the Apuseni.
Colțești Fortress: A few kilometers away, you can explore Colțești Fortress, a medieval stronghold built in the 13th century. It is a place where history and the mountain landscape intertwine in an impressive way.
Traditional Villages: In the area, you will find traditional villages that offer a glimpse into authentic rural life in the Apuseni Mountains. The villages of Rimetea and Sălciua are remarkable examples, with traditional houses and picturesque wooden churches.
Turda Gorges: Located a reasonable distance away, the Turda Gorges are known for their impressive scenery, with steep cliffs, karst formations and lush forests. It is a wonderful place for hiking and nature watching.
Turda Salt Mine: If you are interested in the history of salt, Turda Salt Mine is a salt mine turned tourist attraction, offering a unique underground experience. It is about an hour's drive away.
Piatra Secuiului: This spectacular rock formation is located in Rimetea village and offers hiking trails with breathtaking panoramic views.
“Pădurea Craiului” Nature Reserve: Located a short distance away, this reserve offers an excellent opportunity to observe the biodiversity and unspoiled nature of the Apuseni Mountains.
Also in the immediate vicinity, you can visit the Ordâncușa Gorges, Coiba Mare Cave, Tăuz Karst Spring, Cotețul Dobreștilor Karst Spring and the Mununa Pothole, as well as the Arieșeni resort. These are just a few of the attractions you can explore near “Poarta lui Ionele” Cave. The Apuseni Mountains are a true treasure trove of natural and cultural attractions, so make sure you plan to visit as many of them as possible during your trip. We also recommend Pișoaia Waterfall.
Weather in Gârda de Sus
Poarta lui Ionele Cave is a natural treasure not to be missed if you are visiting the Apuseni Mountains. This wonderful underground cavern not only delights with its beauty, but also takes you on a journey through time and space, offering an experience that will captivate you. So exploring this cave will not only open “Ionele's Gate” for you, but also the “gate” to the boundless beauty of the Apuseni Mountains.
