The dark silence of the underworld – explore Topolnita cave!

In the recent times, the area was included in the Mehedinti Plateau Geopark, a collection of some of the most ecologically and environmentally significant regions from the area. The avid trekkers and cave lovers are keen to explore the natural beauty of the surroundings. It features a network of different hiking trails that run across picturesque ravines, mysterious caves, dense forests, old limestone paths and landscaped pastures.

 

Topolnita cave – the 4th longest cave system from Romania, as a matter of fact a complex of caves, loosing streams and resurgences. The main structure is formed by Topolnita river which enters a cave, flows underground for 600 m and reappears in a spring as a narrow gorge. The map is complicated by other streams entering the system and various caves. There are various ways to visit the cave, from the easy treks in the dry fossil part, to the most demanding areas which require wet suits, helmets and headlamps.

Other highlights of the region:

God’s Bridge, attracts the visitors with its wild appearance and beautiful surroundings. It represents the largest natural passage in Romania, the second in the entire continent and the only one in the world open to road traffic. The road crosses this huge natural arcade, formed by the collapse of the upper wall of the cave beneath. As we climb the imposing hill behind, a spectacular image is revealed once we get to the peak: the Ridge of Mehedinti Mountains in the background and the deep valley at our feet, with the meandering river who formed its interior way inside the cave. The hill is rich in special karst forms that water has encrusted in limestone. They have the shape of grooves, being real wrinkles furrowed by time on the calcareous surfaces.

Iron Gates - spectacular natural boundary between Serbia and Romania, the Iron Gates refers to the gorge that has been formed in millions of years by River Danube cutting across the rocks in the region. The magnificent gorge thus formed is one of the most spectacular regions in Romania showcases an immense biodiversity and landscape value, gathered in Iron Gates Natural Park. R

In the afternoon we take the boat on Danube in order to visit the gorge and a couple of caves, Ponicova and Veterani, as well as 2,000 year-old Tabula Traiana memorial plaque, who marked one of the commercial and military roads built by the Romans. At some point we get to the the narrowest 2 sections of the river course: Cazanele Mari (The Large Boilers) and Cazanele Mici (The Small Boilers), only 120 m wide, where the river’s erosion has formed beautiful caves and cliffs. Near the mouth of the tributary river Mraconia we can see the face of the Dacian king Decebal, the biggest rock sculpture in Europe, 40 m tall and 25 m wide.

 

The program starts from Bucharest and lasts at least 4 days. Accommodation at traditional 3-4* B&B.

Description

In the recent times, the area was included in the Mehedinti Plateau Geopark, a collection of some of the most ecologically and environmentally significant regions from the area. The avid trekkers and cave lovers are keen to explore the natural beauty of the surroundings. It features a network of different hiking trails that run across picturesque ravines, mysterious caves, dense forests, old limestone paths and landscaped pastures.

 

Topolnita cave – the 4th longest cave system from Romania, as a matter of fact a complex of caves, loosing streams and resurgences. The main structure is formed by Topolnita river which enters a cave, flows underground for 600 m and reappears in a spring as a narrow gorge. The map is complicated by other streams entering the system and various caves. There are various ways to visit the cave, from the easy treks in the dry fossil part, to the most demanding areas which require wet suits, helmets and headlamps.

Other highlights of the region:

God’s Bridge, attracts the visitors with its wild appearance and beautiful surroundings. It represents the largest natural passage in Romania, the second in the entire continent and the only one in the world open to road traffic. The road crosses this huge natural arcade, formed by the collapse of the upper wall of the cave beneath. As we climb the imposing hill behind, a spectacular image is revealed once we get to the peak: the Ridge of Mehedinti Mountains in the background and the deep valley at our feet, with the meandering river who formed its interior way inside the cave. The hill is rich in special karst forms that water has encrusted in limestone. They have the shape of grooves, being real wrinkles furrowed by time on the calcareous surfaces.

Iron Gates - spectacular natural boundary between Serbia and Romania, the Iron Gates refers to the gorge that has been formed in millions of years by River Danube cutting across the rocks in the region. The magnificent gorge thus formed is one of the most spectacular regions in Romania showcases an immense biodiversity and landscape value, gathered in Iron Gates Natural Park. R

In the afternoon we take the boat on Danube in order to visit the gorge and a couple of caves, Ponicova and Veterani, as well as 2,000 year-old Tabula Traiana memorial plaque, who marked one of the commercial and military roads built by the Romans. At some point we get to the the narrowest 2 sections of the river course: Cazanele Mari (The Large Boilers) and Cazanele Mici (The Small Boilers), only 120 m wide, where the river’s erosion has formed beautiful caves and cliffs. Near the mouth of the tributary river Mraconia we can see the face of the Dacian king Decebal, the biggest rock sculpture in Europe, 40 m tall and 25 m wide.

 

The program starts from Bucharest and lasts at least 4 days. Accommodation at traditional 3-4* B&B.

Price

Ask the price.

 

Included:

- 3 nights accommodation in double room 

- half-board - local specialties

- return car transport by car from Bucharest

- English speaking mountain guide assistance

- caving equipment

- boat ride on Danube

 

 

Not included:

- other meals

- entrance fees, if applicable

- optional local activities.

Map
Tour costs
Ask the price