The Apuseni Nature Park

Among the nature parks that should be visited in Romania, we can include the Apuseni Nature Park, which is considered to be the cavers` paradise because of the fact that it has one of the most interesting cave fauna in the country. Although several caves of the Apuseni Nature Park have been closed down, there are also many that can be visited. Those who have a fascination for geology can certainly visit this place.

The most famous cave of the Apuseni Nature Park is the Scǎrişoara Cave, which is famous for its 3000 year old ice deposits. The whole cave is not open for visitors, only about 250 m of it.

If you want to discover the authentic village life, go back to simplicity, to the still preserved traditions I would recommend one of the villages of the Arieş Valley. In villages like Albac, Garda and Arieseni you will find skilled artisans who carve musical instruments and houses from the local wood. In this traditional village way of life you will find tranquility and peacefulness. The famous Alps horns are used for generations in the Apuseni Mountains and in the village called Patrahaitesti you will have even the occasion to hear them.

In my opinion the Apuseni Nature Park is a unique place, where you should stay for a few days ( the best way is to rent a cottage). By staying at a cottage you will manage to escape the everyday rush and enjoy the simple things in life. After all, getting off the beaten track can't do any harm!Less