Location: Turda, Transylvania Map
Used: 1075- 1932
Entrance Fee: 15 lei
Children: 8 lei
Open: 9am- 3pm
Salina Turda is a remarkable underground salt mine located in Turda, Cluj County, in the northwest region of Transylvania, Romania. What began as an ancient salt extraction site has evolved into one of Europe's most unique tourist attractions, blending historical significance with modern amusement park elements. Situated at coordinates 46°35′16″N 23°47′15″E, the mine descends up to 112 meters below ground and features vast chambers carved from salt deposits, underground lakes, and a surreal, futuristic atmosphere illuminated by neon lights. Recognized for its impressive scale and innovative repurposing, it was named one of the "25 hidden gems around the world worth the trek" by Business Insider in 2013. In 2017, it attracted approximately 618,000 visitors, highlighting its popularity as a must-see destination in Transylvania. Often described as the world's most spectacular man-made underground formation, Salina Turda offers a journey through over 2,000 years of history while providing family-friendly entertainment and health benefits through halotherapy.
Salt mining at Salina Turda dates back to antiquity, with evidence
suggesting use during Roman times when the area was known as Potaissa.
The first documented reference appears in a Hungarian chancellery
document from May 1, 1271, marking the beginning of organized salt
production in the Middle Ages. Early operations focused on sites now
occupied by salt lakes in the Băile Sărate microdepression and the
southeastern slope of Valea Sărată. By the 17th century, mining expanded
to the northwestern slope, with shafts dug into what became the Terezia
chamber. The Sfântul Anton mine opened shortly after and operated until
1932. Salt extraction continued through the centuries, peaking in the
19th century before ceasing entirely in 1932 due to depleted resources
and economic factors.
During World War II, the mine served as a bomb
shelter for local residents. Post-war, it was briefly used as a cheese
storage facility. It lay dormant until 1992, when it reopened as a
halotherapy center and tourist site. A major €5.88 million modernization
project under the EU's PHARE 2005 program transformed it between 2008
and 2010, enhancing infrastructure for visitors and reopening it in
January 2010. Today, it stands as a testament to Romania's industrial
heritage, preserved galleries, and adaptive reuse of historical sites.
Geologically, Salina Turda is part of a vast salt deposit formed
millions of years ago in the Transylvanian Basin. The mine's chambers
are characterized by conical "bell mine" shapes, resulting from manual
excavation techniques that left behind enormous halls with heights up to
90 meters and diameters up to 87 meters. Salt stalactites, some reaching
3 meters in length, efflorescences, and crystals adorn the walls and
ceilings, creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape. Underground
lakes, formed from water infiltration, add to the site's allure, with
depths varying from 0.5 to 8 meters.
Mining methods evolved over
time. Early techniques involved surface-level operations near salt
lakes, progressing to shaft digging in the 17th century. By the 19th
century, rudimentary machinery like the "crivac" or "gepel"—a
horse-powered winch installed in 1881—was used to hoist salt rocks to
the surface. This octagonal device in the Crivac room remains the only
original of its kind in Europe, preserved in situ. The bell-shaped
chambers were created by undercutting salt layers, allowing natural
collapse to form the expansive voids seen today.
After mining halted in 1932, Salina Turda's rebirth as a tourist site began in 1992, capitalizing on its microclimate for halotherapy (salt therapy) treatments. The 2008-2010 renovations introduced modern amenities, turning the mine into Europe's largest underground amusement park. This shift preserved the historical elements while adding recreational features, making it a surreal blend of industrial relic and family entertainment venue. The site's futuristic neon lighting and "UFO-shaped" structures in the lakes enhance its otherworldly appeal, drawing comparisons to a subterranean theme park.
Salina Turda's interior is divided into several mines and halls, each
with distinct features:
Terezia Mine: The deepest at 112 meters,
this conical chamber (90 meters high, 87 meters diameter) houses an
underground lake covering 80% of the floor, complete with an island of
residual salt and boat rentals for rowing. Visitors can explore "UFO"
platforms and a salt cascade.
Rudolf Mine (Hall): 42 meters deep, 50
meters wide, and 80 meters long, it features a panoramic elevator,
3-meter stalactites, and amusement options like a Ferris wheel,
mini-golf, billiards, table tennis, and an amphitheater.
Iosif Mine:
Known as the "Echoes Room" for its acoustics, this 112-meter-deep
chamber offers balcony views via the Franz Josef Gallery.
Crivac
Room: Displays the historic 1881 winch and mining artifacts.
Gizela
Mine: A smaller spa area with natural salt aerosols for halotherapy,
including a geological reserve (Crystal Hall) with crystals and
efflorescences (not open to tourists).
Additional facilities
include playgrounds, historical exhibits (e.g., chapels, wagons), a gift
shop, and toilets. Activities like boating and the Ferris wheel incur
extra fees beyond entry.
The mine's stable microclimate—cool temperatures (around 10-12°C) and high humidity with salt aerosols—provides therapeutic benefits for respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. The Gizela area is dedicated to spa treatments, with studies confirming its efficacy through tests on animals. However, some visitors note it's not ideal for extended therapy due to limited seating and prohibitions on food.
Salina Turda is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees are
50 RON (about €10) for adults on weekdays and 85 RON on weekends;
children pay 30 RON. Advance booking via the official website is
recommended for faster entry. Parking is available for 5 RON per hour or
15 RON for unlimited time.
Accessibility includes elevators, but
expect queues (up to 55 minutes); stairs (up to 26 flights) are an
alternative, so wear comfortable shoes. It's not fully suitable for
those with mobility issues or fear of heights. Download the mobile app
for navigation, as English signage is limited. Bring a light jacket,
water, and snacks (food prohibited inside). Best visited early morning
to avoid crowds; plan for 2-3 hours. Guided tours aren't standard, but
the site's layout encourages self-exploration.
With an average
Tripadvisor rating of 4.4/5 from over 1,500 reviews, visitors praise its
breathtaking visuals and fun activities but complain about extra costs
and lines. It's family-friendly, though challenging for young children
or the elderly.