The **Scărișoara Glacier Cave** is a fascinating natural wonder located in the **Apuseni Mountains** of western Romania, part of the **Bihor Mountains**. This cave is notable for containing one of the largest underground glaciers in Europe and is a popular tourist attraction.
Here are some key facts about the **Scărișoara Glacier Cave**:
1. **Location**: The cave is situated in **Gârda de Sus**, a village in **Alba County**. It is part of the **Apuseni Natural Park**, an area known for its rich natural heritage, including caves, mountains, and forests.
2. **Glacier**: The cave contains a large, permanent glacier, which is one of the largest in Romania. The glacier is about **75 meters long**, **50 meters wide**, and can reach a thickness of **27 meters**. It is estimated to be over **3,000 years old**.
3. **Temperature**: Despite being located underground, the cave maintains a constant temperature year-round, which is typically around **0 to 5°C (32-41°F)**, due to the presence of the glacier. This helps preserve the ice formations inside.
4. **Cave Features**: The Scărișoara Glacier Cave has spectacular ice formations, such as frozen waterfalls, ice stalactites, and stalagmites. The cave is divided into several chambers, and the largest one houses the main glacier.
5. **Tourism**: The cave is accessible to visitors, with a wooden stairway and pathways leading down into the cave. The entrance to the cave is a **vertical shaft** about **48 meters** deep, and visitors descend via stairs to reach the glacier.
6. **Access**: The cave is typically open to visitors from May to October, as it can become difficult to access in winter due to snow and ice conditions. The entrance is located at an altitude of about **1,180 meters (3,870 feet)**.
7. **Scientific Importance**: The cave has been a subject of scientific study, particularly due to its unusual glacier system and the potential for studying past climates preserved in the ice.
### Visiting Scărișoara Cave
Visitors to the cave can enjoy guided tours, where they can learn about the cave’s geology, history, and the glacier. In addition to the glacier cave, the area around Scărișoara is known for other natural attractions, including hiking trails, traditional villages, and wildlife.
If you're planning to visit, it's recommended to check for local travel conditions and to book a tour in advance, especially in the busy summer months.