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Bihor

Galbenei Gorge – The Ponor Fortresses loop from Padiș

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Hiking trails & Routes

Bihor

Galbenei Gorge – The Ponor Fortresses loop from Padiș

Hard

4.8

(18)

127

hikers

Galbenei Gorge – The Ponor Fortresses loop from Padiș

07:15

20.4km

1,040m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 11.3 km for 265 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.56 km

Trailhead to Cetățile Ponorului and Focul Viu Ice Cave

Highlight • Trail

From here you can start towards the Ponor Fortresses or towards the Living Fire glacier

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.46 km

Piatra Galbenei

Highlight • Viewpoint

An extraordinary view, an honorable stop.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.16 km

The grotto is no longer accessible; it has been closed off by a gate. The stairs and the "balcony" from which one could look through the gate into the grotto and onto the glacier have completely collapsed. It is difficult and dangerous to descend to the gate, and there is little to see there: the glacier has unfortunately shrunk considerably and is buried under many tree trunks, so you can't see much anymore. The path there, however, is very beautiful, and the forest is very pristine, like a small jungle.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.4 km

Galbenei Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

Make usre to take gloves.

Tip by

11.9 km

Galbena Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

14.9 km

Viewpoint

15.3 km

The Ponor Fortresses

Highlight • Gorge

Care must be taken because the place is in danger of falling empty

Translated by Google •

Tip by

19.9 km

Padis

Highlight • Settlement

Padis is a temporary village built by shepherds in the summer and is now a popular destination. There are liqueurs and jams of all types of forest fruits. Be sure to try the pancakes, cheap and delicious!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

20.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.3 km

4.42 km

1.69 km

676 m

247 m

125 m

Surfaces

9.22 km

8.65 km

2.44 km

129 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 29 July

24°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Galbenei Gorge – The Ponor Fortresses loop from Padiș

Poiana Ponor

Trailhead to Cetățile Ponorului and Focul Viu Ice Cave

Piatra Galbenei

Focul Viu Ice Cave

Galbenei Gorge

Galbena Waterfall

The Ponor Fortresses

Padis

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