Salt mine turns into a park with a Ferris wheel in a crater 120 meters deep

By Glau Gasparetto and Thaís Lopes Aidar

In Transylvania, the famous region of Romania, what draws attention are not only the gothic legends – did someone mention Dracula? -but also the resignation of the spaces.

There, a disused underground salt mine was transformed into a park with several attractions.

The Salina Turda attracts visitors from the region and tourists worldwide interested in the unique scenery.

Located in Turda, a town in Romania’s Cluj district, Salina is about 40 kilometers from Cluj-Napoca, roughly 450 kilometers from Bucharest, and 280 kilometers from Bran, home of Dracula Castle.

For dozens of years, the natural formation has symbolized prosperity and health for locals and foreigners for two reasons: its attractions for fun, relaxation, connection with nature, and being a trip to the past.

Its history goes back to when the region was still called Dacia – it was opened more than 2,000 years ago.

In this ample and curious space, several family-friendly attractions are located – children under 3threeyears old and adults over 65 years old, as well as people with heart conditions, require medical authorization to visit.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

In addition to getting to know the unusual place underground, filled with salt on all sides, those who travel to Salina Turda can enjoy the attractions available at the amusement park. Among the options, the following are worth mentioning:

• Panoramic Ferris wheel, 20 meters high;
• Table tennis with several tables spread around the site;
• Minigolf with an 18-hole course;
• Bowling in a lane located inside the mine;
• Lake surrounded by walls of salt with a ride in small boats;
• Basketball court;
• Tirolese with about 200 meters long;
• Gardens that house unique plants, resistant to humidity and darkness;
• Amphitheater with 180 seats for concerts and film screenings.

And that’s not all: the salt flat has convenience spaces for visitors, such as gift stores, cafeterias, and parking lots.

The underground area is accessed by elevator or through long corridors used by miners who once worked there.

COLD AND WET ENVIRONMENT

Despite the unusual attractions and the unique beauty of the place, one must be prepared for the climate found at Salina Turda.

Depending on the depth, the estimated temperature usually ranges between 14º and 16ºC.

The cold may intensify in some seasons and specific areas of the mine.

Another aspect is that the environment is usually kept at 80% humidity.

So it is sought after by those who want to escape drier climates and seek to improve respiratory and allergy problems, which worsen with the dry weather

So much so that in the external area of Salina Turda, there is a bathhouse that explores the so-called properties of salt.

Visitors have used the space since 1840 during the hot summer days.

HOW TO GET TO THE SALINA TURDA

One of the main options is to drive to the tourist attraction, but public transportation can also be used.

From the country’s capital, trains and buses leave the city with a destination near the salt mine.

If you want more comfort, cabs or chauffeur-driven services work well.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Ticket prices vary according to the day of the week for the visit and the visitor’s age.

The access for children has a reduced value, regardless of the chosen date, costing 30 lei or around R$34.

Adults’ prices vary from L50 (about US$11) from Monday to Friday to L60 (about US$13).

In addition, prices may vary according to the time you choose to visit, demand, and the number of visitors.

Therefore, the ideal is always to check the official website for prices or to contact the park directly.

For more information, visit the official website.

With information from UOL