Fortress of Ponor
Fortress of Ponor
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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5.0
28 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ignas K
Kaunas, Lithuania136 contributions
June 2017 • Family
Truly, we traveled more then ten days around Romania, and this was our top place in Romania. Enchanting immensity of the nature. We walked with five years kid and it was not a big challenge to reach this place from the campground. We recommend it for everyone who explores surroundings.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin V
Munich, Germany47 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
We never went down to the base of this crater like place. We did the full circular walk along the rim though.
This is in no way a path that is signposted and maintained the way you would expect in the mountains of Austria or Switzerland for example. Sometimes fallen trees block the path completely and going off trail through bush becomes necessary. I would say some of the slopes and sizes of the stones you have to climb over is unsuitable for kids under 10 years old.
We visited in November just before first snow. During the off season, there is absolutely nothing to eat drink up there. The last bit of road to get there is not suitable for a regular car I think. Some big holes in it. We had a 4x4.
This is in no way a path that is signposted and maintained the way you would expect in the mountains of Austria or Switzerland for example. Sometimes fallen trees block the path completely and going off trail through bush becomes necessary. I would say some of the slopes and sizes of the stones you have to climb over is unsuitable for kids under 10 years old.
We visited in November just before first snow. During the off season, there is absolutely nothing to eat drink up there. The last bit of road to get there is not suitable for a regular car I think. Some big holes in it. We had a 4x4.
Written 3 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bufnita007
Oradea, Romania57 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
The Fortress of Ponor (Cetatile Ponorului in Romanian) is one of the most beautifull portals/ entrances in a cave. Amazingly wild, peacefull and impressive is a place that really stays with you after you have seen it even once. It takes about 4-5 hours if you really take your time and enjoy the trip.
You should wear good boots, and if you travel with children maybe have some rope - some part of the trail is a bit more difficult. You should also carry some water with you as there are no spings on the way.
You should wear good boots, and if you travel with children maybe have some rope - some part of the trail is a bit more difficult. You should also carry some water with you as there are no spings on the way.
Written 10 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob-from-Amman
Amman, Jordan13 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
Nearly beyond description. Read Wikipedia and elsewhere for the geology of the area. But the descriptions won't do the area justice. The Fortress of Ponor was spectacular. The nearby caves of Warm Somes were even better. Hiking trails are particularly well marked. My group hiked for three days at the beginning of May. The weather was fabulous, but the real kicker was...so few other hikers. We practically had it all to ourselves most of the time. One other plus, the mountain roads leading into Apuseni had just been paved. A great trip. Be careful when you pick your fellow hikers. The hiking is demanding and you'll be happiest if everyone has similar skills and conditioning. I highly recommend this area.
Written 21 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sza_bee
Timisoara, Romania346 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
i would recommend this place not only for the thrill seekers but also for kids, parents, schools, foreigners, whomever likes nature in its untouched state.
To visit the cave you will have many marked routes to follow, shortest being 1/2 hours from a dirt road. This road can be still done by normal car, with patience and slow driving.
You have to prepare that the end of each trail (towards the fortress) becomes heavy and needs more effort to push through.
On some places chains or ropes are on the wall to help climbing down or up.
Our trip was after some rainy days, which means that you'll definitely need boots as there is plenty of mud deep in the forest, even if the road is already dry. No place for sandals or even tennis shoes.
Not far from the fortress there is a camping site, where you may find food and aid too in case of need.
To visit the cave you will have many marked routes to follow, shortest being 1/2 hours from a dirt road. This road can be still done by normal car, with patience and slow driving.
You have to prepare that the end of each trail (towards the fortress) becomes heavy and needs more effort to push through.
On some places chains or ropes are on the wall to help climbing down or up.
Our trip was after some rainy days, which means that you'll definitely need boots as there is plenty of mud deep in the forest, even if the road is already dry. No place for sandals or even tennis shoes.
Not far from the fortress there is a camping site, where you may find food and aid too in case of need.
Written 17 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wagner R
Timisoara20 contributions
July 2015
Ponor Fortress is the most spectacular karst complex in Romania, a true masterpiece of nature that impresses with steep walls over 300m, hiding springs, waterfalls, tunnels and a beautiful cave with 14 lakes, whose portal reaches 74m, the cave the highest entry of Romania. Cave complex consists of three huge sinkholes (karst crater-like), with 300 m deep and more than 1 km in diameter. Basically there are 3 grand amphitheater of rock, which communicate with each other through portals particularly spectacular, with only one natural entrance Valley Fortress
Written 3 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Calin C
Oradea, Romania6 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
The Padis Plateau in the Western Carpathian Mountains it's a must for hikers. The natural portal - Fortress of Ponor - is home to cave rivers. The whole landscape is iconic.
Written 23 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiaDemi
Timisoara, Romania11 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
One of the most amazing things i have ever seen !
All the Padis area is absolutely impressive but this tops everythig. A huge cave (i think the biggest cave entrance in Romania) where of what i have heard a huge amount of water gathers from all aroun the area, bouth from under and over earth. It is sorounded by enourmous high rock walls, maybe even 200m tall.
It is one of those places you fell the need to revisite over and over again.
It is a wonder of nature and of Romania !
All the Padis area is absolutely impressive but this tops everythig. A huge cave (i think the biggest cave entrance in Romania) where of what i have heard a huge amount of water gathers from all aroun the area, bouth from under and over earth. It is sorounded by enourmous high rock walls, maybe even 200m tall.
It is one of those places you fell the need to revisite over and over again.
It is a wonder of nature and of Romania !
Written 4 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MeA18
Paris, France25 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We went up on a very rainy day, and there was no problem, just make sure you're adequately equipped, because the track is not so easy, although doable by everybody. It was the most wonderful landscape we had ever seen.
We also went inside the cave with headlamps, which was unforgettable (we recommend to do it with experienced people and water boots).
As the site has been kept as it is, in its most natural way, you won't find any restaurant/bar in the national park, so make sure you bring your own food and drinks.
We also went inside the cave with headlamps, which was unforgettable (we recommend to do it with experienced people and water boots).
As the site has been kept as it is, in its most natural way, you won't find any restaurant/bar in the national park, so make sure you bring your own food and drinks.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marius
4 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
I went with my family expecting a bit of climbing, but we were suprised with a tall route that was also slipy because stones made out of chalk.
I recommend wearing hiking equipment.
I recommend wearing hiking equipment.
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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