SkyFly via ferrata. Circuit of Cheile Turzii

The circuit of Cheile Turzii and SkyFly via ferrata (iron path) are some of the most popular outdoor activities from Apuseni Mountains (Western Carpathians).

Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorge) is a natural reserve (on Hășdate River) situated 6 km west of Turda and about 15 km south-east of Cluj-Napoca, in Transylvania.

The canyon, formed through the erosion of the Jurassic limestone of the mountain, is 2 900 m long and the walls have heights reaching 300 m. The total surface of the canyon is of 324 ha.

Cheile Turzii contain one of the richest and most scenic carst landscapes in Romania. More than 1000 plant and animal species (some of them rare or endangered, like the wild garlic or some species of eagle) live here.

This trip is going to offer you the opportunity to experiment a via ferrata route (especially, if it’s your first experience), but also some picturesque circuits to enjoy the scenery and the unique flora of the area.

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, and weather conditions and forecasts.

In the morning, I will meet you in the car park located in the front of Cheile Turzii hut. After the initial check of the equipment, we’ll hike along the trail entering into the gorge and following Hasdate river.

After crossing the river, several times, and admiring the majestic walls on the sides, we reach the entrance into Sky Fly via ferrata: here we put on the climbing harnesses, helmets and via ferrata kits and you’ll receive the safety briefing.

The via ferrata route is not a long demanding one, but it offers fabulous views of the gorge and traverses Hili’s cave and its amazing arch. The final part is an easy scrambling just before reaching the Northern shoulder of the gorge and the marked trail that will accompany us during the circuit.

After a short break on the top, we’ll head off to the West (direction to Petrestii de Jos village) and soon we descend back to the river, where we’ll stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll hike the Southern shoulder of the gorge and we’ll be back at Cheile Turzii hut for driving to our accommodation.