Turda Travel Guide (Cluj County/Transylvania/Romania/Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Turda

Located in Cluj County, in the Transylvania region of Romania, Turda is a small town that is quickly becoming a must-see destination for travelers. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural offerings, Turda is the perfect place to experience the beauty and culture of Romania.

List of Places to Visit in Turda

If you are planning a trip to Turda, here is a list of places you must visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Salina Turda: An ancient salt mine turned into an underground amusement park. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and a must-visit attraction.
Turda Gorge: A breathtaking natural wonder with tall cliffs and scenic views which is perfect for hiking.
Alba Carolina Fortress: A beautifully preserved 18th-century fortress that is a testament to the town’s rich history and culture.
Princely Palace: A palace with a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architectural style from the 17th century. It’s an unforgettable experience for history and art enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Turda: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Turda Gorge: Known for its hiking routes with picturesque landscapes, the gorge is definitely the best place for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
Cheile Turzii Natural Reserve: Another fantastic place to hike, with a varied landscape, unique geological formations, and scenic vegetation.
Tarnita Lake: This lake offers various recreational activities, from swimming and paddle-boating to nearby restaurants and cafes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Turda

Wander through some of the most beautiful trails and experience the thrill of cycling through amazing landscapes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Turda:

Transylvanian trekking trail: A exceptional mix of forests and mountain ranges with undoubtedly breathtaking views.
Apuseni natural park: Covering a large area with trails, caves, and waterfalls, this is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Transfagarasan highway: A unique route with scenic views, winding roads, and opportunities to visit nearby traditional villages.

Best Things to Do in Turda: Activities and Tours

Whether you are looking for a guided city tour, a mountain biking experience or a trip to historical sights, Turda has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best activities and tours available in Turda:

Salt mine tour: A one-of-a-kind experience in the underground amusement park created from a salt mine.
Via Ferrata: Climb up the walls of the spectacular Turda Gorge
Historical tour of Alba Carolina Fortress: This tour provides you with the opportunity to learn about Romania’s rich cultural heritage and history

Week-Long Itinerary for Turda

Day 1: Arrival in Turda, explore the town’s center, and National Museum of Turda Day 2: Visit and explore Salina Turda Day 3: Hike in Turda Gorge and Chill at Tarnita Lake Day 4: Visit the magnificent Princely Palace Day 5: Head to Apuseni Natural Park and take a hiking tour of the area Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Alba Carolina Fortress Day 7: Depart from Turda

Food and Drink Scene of Turda

Turda’s foodie scene is unique due to the combination of traditional Romanian-style cuisine and Central European influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Sarmale: Cabbage rolls stuffed with ground pork, rice, spices, and tomato sauce
Mamaliga: A cornmeal dish, similar to polenta, traditionally served as a side dish with meat and sour cream
Ciorba de burta: A traditional soup made with beef tripe, vegetables, and sour cream.

Local Beverages

Ursus: A popular beer brand in Romania
Tuica: A plum brandy, typical of Transylvania
Palinca: A strong fruit brandy, made from apples, pears or plums, and popular in all parts of Romania.

Where to Stay in Turda: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodations in Turda. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area:

Pensiunea Via Transilvanica - A charming guesthouse with excellent service and a central location.
Pensiunea Ceturilor - A lovely boutique hotel with a beautiful garden and relaxing atmosphere.
Pensiunea Casa cu Flori - A peaceful and charming guesthouse with comfortable rooms and excellent service.

What to Buy in Turda: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Turda is known for its traditional crafts and locally made products. Here are some souvenirs and products you can buy:

Wood Carvings: Various wooden hand-crafted items such as spoons, bowls, and decorative figurines, carved by skilled local artists.
Traditional Romanian clothing: You can find hand-crafted Romanian clothing, such as blouses and skirts, with unique regional designs.
Salty souvenirs: Since Turda is a salt mining town, you’ll find different salt-themed souvenirs, including various salt formations, lamps, and even chocolate bars with salt.

Local Culture and Customs of Turda

Turda’s culture is influenced by Central European, Balkan, and Eastern European cultural heritage. The town has a unique charm, including its architecture and picturesque surroundings, that is worth experiencing. When visiting Turda, it is essential to respect local customs and traditions, such as greeting people with “Buna ziua” (Good day) and “La revedere” (Goodbye).

Best Time to Visit Turda

The best time to visit Turda is in the summer months of June - September. During these months, the weather is warmer and sunnier, perfect for exploring the outdoors. However, traveling off-season can also have its benefits, including fewer crowds and lower prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Turda

Do:

Try traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale and mamaliga
Respect local customs and traditions
Learn some basic Romanian phrases
Explore the town’s center and enjoy its picturesque surroundings

Don’t:

Don’t bring unnecessary valuables during hikes
Don’t litter in public spaces
Don’t criticize Romanian culture or traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Turda

Turda is generally safe for tourist and travelers. However, safety measures and precautions should be taken, particularly when hiking or exploring natural areas.

Health in Turda

Health precautions should be taken just like any other trip; you should have travel insurance and carry a first aid kit for personal use. Vaccinations are not necessary. Health services are available, and if any emergency happens, dial the Romanian emergency number, 112.

Getting to Turda: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Turda

The nearest airport is Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport, located about 30 kilometers from Turda. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to get to Turda.

Bus Stations Near Turda

Turda’s bus station is located in the town’s center and offers regular bus service to major Romanian cities.

Other Options

If you are located nearby, you can drive to Turda and rent a car to drive around the town.

How to Get Around in Turda

Turda is small enough to easily walk and explore the town’s center and nearby attractions. However, if you want to explore further, you can rent a car, or take a taxi or local bus services.

Where to Go Next from Turda: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cluj-Napoca: The largest city in the region and around an hour’s drive from Turda, Cluj-Napoca is home to various cultural landmarks and is known for its diversity and nightlife.
Sighisoara: Considered as one of Romania’s most enchanting towns, Sighisoara is around a 2-hour drive from Turda and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Brasov: A charming mountain town with several prominent historical landmarks, about three hours’ drive from Turda.

Conclusion

Turda is an enchanting town that offers everything from natural wonders to cultural riches. With this comprehensive travel guide, you have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Turda, Romania.

Turda Image Gallery

Buildings on Piaţa Republicii (Republic Square)

Turda City Hall (Primăria Municipiului Turda)