The salt mine is located in Turda, the second biggest city in the Cluj district. It’s about 40km from Cluj-Napoca and it took us about 40 minutes to get there.
The 2000 year-old salt mine started operating in the medieval times and shut down in 1932. It was around 1939 when the second world war started that the local authorities reopened it and used it as shelter for Turda citizens.
In 1992 the salt mine was transferred to a tourist attraction both for adults and children.
We drove to the mine after visiting Cluj-Napoca, and from there we continued to Brasov (a drive of 3.5 hours).
We were really impressed by the area around the mine. Everything is so green. There are also a lot of shops and fast food places.
Before entering the mine Roman got me a hot dog for 5 Lei. We got tickets, and went downstairs to see the magic.
From the moment we stepped downstairs it became freezing, so bring some warm clothes with you. We started walking until we got to the end of the tunnel but there was only an exit at its end. Walking in such a long tunnel and knowing that it was built by humans was really impressive.
We continued to the “Echo Area.” You yell something and then you hear your voice echoing. It was soo cool.
We continued to see the rest of the museum and later we kept going downstairs. I went down the elevator and Roman took the stairs. We stuck to the stairs after that. There are a lot of people waiting for the elevators, so you should bring some comfy shoes and get ready to go up and down the stairs a lot.
Attractions at the Salt Mine
When we went downstairs we discovered a world of attractions. They had mini golf, ping pong, tennis, bowling, ferris wheel, and more. We decided to go on the ferris wheel.
After an awesome time at the ferris wheel we kept going down the stairs (about 6 flights) and then we got to a beautiful salt lake where you can rent a boat and just sail. It seemed really nice, but since my navigation and sailing skills are lacking, decided to give up on the idea 🙂 To rent a boat it would cost you 15 Lei and you can have a maximum of 3 people.
We really enjoyed our time at the mine. It’s unbelievable how men could build such a thing with their bare hands without any of today’s technology.
Other things you need to know of the salt mine…
I recommend going to the salt mine on a weekday and not in the holidays or on the weekends. It was completely packed, and we went on a weekday. The elevators are packed, and the stairs get pretty crowded as well since they’re very narrow.
You should bring warm clothes in your backpack. It was warm outside but the temperatures go down with you go to the mine. It’s actually really cold.
Also don’t forget to pack some comfortable shoes with you, the place is hugeee, like an entire city, with a lot of stairs.
Address:
Aleea Durgăului 7, Turda 401106
Hours: 09:00-18:00
Ticket fee: 30 Lei for an adult, 15 for child/senior/student
La Jupanu – a great restaurant near the mine
Most of the restaurants surrounding the mine offer pretty similar foods. We picked the corner restaurant, because the waitress understood English, and I’m picky with my food so I needed her to understand my requests. There was also shade, and some nice view.
We were satisfied with our choice.
I ordered a hot dog in a bun and Roman ordered wings, hot dogs, rice, and pickles. After eating all of that he ordered some more of the hot dog and cabbage. Don’t you just love a man with some healthy appetite.
It was so good, and we were so hungry that I forgot to take pictures of everything. I only got one 🙂
The bill was 35 Lei for a very satisfying meal.
