Meziad Cave

A perfect one-day excursion destination is located in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains in western Romania. Meziad Cave has been designated as a natural monument. The cave in Bihor County's Meziadului Valley is considered one of Europe's largest. Meziad is the first significant cave in Apuseni Nature Park, accessible via Highway 76 from Oradea. It's roughly 12 kilometers northeast of Beiuş and 3 kilometers from Meziad. The cave has a huge aperture and is divided into three levels, with some quite difficult climbs. Bring a torch, sturdy shoes, and a jacket or pullover (sweater) (flashlight).

Because Meziad Cave is only 40 kilometers from Bear's Cave, both can be visited on the same day. Despite the fact that the Meziad Cave does not have as many limestone formations as the Bear's Cave, it is impressive due to its big and spacious chambers and numerous bat colonies.

Meziad Cave is difficult to reach by public transportation. Take a local minibus from Beiuş to Meziad (four times a day on weekdays only) and hike the final 4km. By car, drive 12 kilometers from Beiuş to the cave, passing via the villages of Remetea and Meziad.

Given the huge halls located there, Meziad Cave resembles an underground medieval church. The cave entrance is large, measuring 16 meters in height and 10 meters in width. The cave is located at 397 meters above sea level and features two karstification levels: a lower one with wide spectacular hallways and an upper one with three distinct regions. The Natural Bridge, where the two floors meet and the cave rises to a height of up to 35 meters, is perhaps the most appealing destination for travelers.

Meziad Cave is a natural site and Romania's only speological reserve. This is due to the fact that a number of exciting discoveries have been made here. The cave bear's remains were discovered here, as well as signs of human occupation, including Bronze Age artifacts. A 6,500-year-old human skull was recently discovered in the cave. Meziad Cave is home to 13 of Romania's 26 bat species, which slumber peacefully on the cave ceilings, allowing curious travelers to readily admire them.

Address: Beiuş, Romania