Discover the Hidden Treasures of the Apuseni Mountains

Bat’s Cave Hut Transylvania is the perfect place to start exploring the authentic beauty of the Apuseni Mountains. We are located in the village of Sub Piatră, Sălciua commune, Alba County, in a region where mountains, forests, waterfalls, caves, and traditional villages come together to create some of the most beautiful landscapes in Transylvania.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk in nature, a hike along mountain trails, an adventure into the fascinating world of caves, or a trip through the picturesque villages of the Apuseni Mountains, the area surrounding the cabin offers countless opportunities to explore.

We've selected some of the most beautiful places for you to discover. Some are just a few minutes from the cabin, while others are perfect for a day trip.

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Hidden treasures from the heart of the earth (Caves and Gorges)

• Peștera Huda lui Papară (la 3 minute de mers): Our mountain neighbor. It is the largest, most rugged, and most spectacular cave in the Apuseni Mountains. Even though the interior is technical and shelters massive bat colonies, the gigantic entrance portal (nearly 40 meters high) is a wonder of nature that will take your breath away.
• Valișoara (Aiud) Gorges: Located just a short drive away, these gorges impress with their vertical rock walls that seem to tower over the road. They are ideal for spectacular photos and leisurely walks.
• Poarta Zmeilor (The Dragons' Gate) Cave: A cave full of mystery, located on the Bedeleu Plateau. Its entrance resembles a huge stone archway sculpted by giants, offering an extraordinary panorama over the valley.
• Poșaga Gorges: A picturesque natural area where the limestone landscape, rocky cliffs, and flowing water come together to create an authentic mountain setting. For those seeking quieter, less crowded places and wishing to discover the understated beauty of the Apuseni Mountains, Poșaga Gorges are an excellent choice.

The spectacle of waters and mountain paths

• Șipote Waterfall: A web of waterfalls and limestone (tufa) basins hidden in the thick of the forest. The crystal-clear water cascades down in steps, creating a fairytale landscape perfect for a hike to reconnect with nature.
• Vânătările Ponorului: A place where nature shows its true power. It is a massive limestone chasm (a ponor), where three streams merge and plunge thunderously into an underground cave. The rock wall features spectacular shades of gray and violet.
• The Bedeleu Plateau and Ridge: For those who want to test their hiking boots on longer trails, the climb up to the plateau reveals endless alpine meadows and viewpoints from which the Arieș Valley can be seen in all its splendor.
• Dumești – Valea Poienii Panorama: A stunning viewpoint offering beautiful views of the rural and mountain landscape of Sălciua commune. Rolling hills, scattered homesteads, and the peaks of the Trascău Mountains create an authentic picture of village life in the Apuseni Mountains. It’s a perfect stop for photography lovers and those who enjoy wide-open views, especially in the warm light of early mornings and sunsets.

Tradition, history, and villages forgotten by time

• The "Sub Piatra" Wooden Church (18th century): Located right in our neighborhood, this historical monument church carries in its wooden walls the scent of wax and the prayers of hundreds of generations of moți (the local highlanders). A place of absolute tranquility.
• Scărița-Belioara Nature Reserve: A bit further away, but absolutely mandatory for mountain lovers. It is a spectacular botanical and geological reserve, with massive rocky cliffs where rare plants grow and where, if you are lucky, you can spot chamois.
• The Village of Rimetea and Colțești Fortress: Approximately a 30 to 40-minute drive away, you will discover Rimetea – the village of white houses with green windows where "the sun rises twice," famous for its architecture unchanged for centuries. Standing a bit more proudly on a nearby cliff, the ruins of the Colțești Fortress keep watch.
• “Valer Butură” Ethnographic Museum: A journey into the traditional way of life of the Moți people. The Ethnographic Museum in Sălciua brings together traditional objects, tools, elements of folk costume, and reminders of a time when people lived in close harmony with nature and the mountains. It’s an opportunity to discover the traditions, occupations, and customs of the communities along the Arieș Valley.
• Wooden Church of Valea Largă: Another landmark of the rural heritage of Sălciua commune, the wooden church in Valea Largă preserves the charm of traditional religious architecture from this part of the Apuseni Mountains. A worthwhile stop for those interested in village history, traditional architecture, and local cultural heritage.