Bats’ Cave: an Underground World with Fascinating Legends

Bats’ Cave, situated in the village of Peștera within the Moieciu commune, is a unique destination for nature enthusiasts. This cave is part of the Piatra Craiului National Park and is designated as a protected speleological area. Its protected status is due to the presence of several bat colonies, including rare species.

The region is remarkably picturesque, offering idyllic landscapes that you can explore by hiking along numerous trails starting from Moieciu. The commune itself boasts several fascinating attractions.

If you wish to visit Bats’ Cave, please keep in mind that you are entering the habitat of rare, harmless, and vulnerable species that must be protected. We will guide you on how to enjoy a unique visiting experience without endangering the lives of these small mammals.

About Bats’ Cave

Bats’ Cave (also known as the Great Cave of Peștera village or Bădichii Cave) was formed by a tributary of the Valea cu Cale stream, which eroded the limestone rock. The once-powerful watercourse is now just a small, temporary stream.

Human traces from various periods, dating from the Paleolithic to the 17th century, have been discovered inside the cave. One local legend says that the outlaw Stanciu Bratu, his sister Stanca, and other bandits once hid here to evade pursuit by the authorities. Stanca is said to have been the bravest of them all and the leader of this gang, active at the end of the 19th century. However, her brother was more famous: in the southwestern part of Piatra Craiului, landmarks such as Stanciului Cave and Stanciului Porch seem to confirm his existence.

Another legend tells that outlaws (probably a different gang) hidden in Bats’ Cave could escape from the authorities by sneaking through underground passageways, exiting at the Vlădușca sinkhole on the eastern side of the Piatra Craiului massif. However, speleologists have not discovered any such corridors.

Currently, the cave has not been developed for tourism, precisely to preserve the natural habitat as intact as possible. Several colonies of bats live here, including species such as Myotis myotis (greater mouse-eared bat), Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (greater horseshoe bat), Myotis blythii (lesser mouse-eared bat), Rhinolophus hipposideros (lesser horseshoe bat), and Rhinolophus blasii (Blasius’s horseshoe bat—the rarest Rhinolophus in Europe).

Bats’ Cave is 370 meters long, of which 109 meters constitute an active gallery. From the entrance, you enter a narrow corridor that leads to a chamber with a sloped floor, and from there you reach a 15-meter-long gallery ending with a vertical shaft.

Inside, the walls and ceilings exhibit various colors, and the scenery is complemented by specific limestone formations, including the so-called “earth’s tears”. The temperature and humidity levels are moderate.

On the floor, there is a trickle of muddy water and bat guano, so we recommend wearing protective footwear and carrying a flashlight, as the cave has no lighting.

Starting in the 20th century, bat populations across Europe have dramatically declined, by almost 100% in some species, due to widespread chemical use, deforestation, land-use changes, and human intrusion into their natural habitats. Cave-dwelling bats are particularly affected by pesticides and insecticides, which contaminate the insects they feed on. Their survival is also threatened by cave developments for mass tourism, especially through increased visitor numbers, artificial lighting, and the concreting of cave floors.

Bats are particularly vulnerable during their breeding season (approximately May 15 – August 15) and hibernation period (November 1 – March 31). Disturbing bats during the breeding season may cause their young to fall and die. During hibernation, bats startled awake consume critical energy reserves as a result of stress. When bats are awakened from hibernation, they become frightened, expend valuable energy, and may fail to survive periods of food scarcity due to insufficient fat reserves.

Here’s how you should behave in the presence of bats:

• do not make noise
• do not point your flashlight directly at the bats
• do not use gas lamps, candles, or other open flames; only electric flashlights are permitted
• do not smoke or produce fire or smoke of any kind
• do not disturb or strike bats in flight—try to avoid them, as they’re already panicked by your presence.

How to Get to Bats’ Cave

Bats’ Cave is located on the territory of Peștera village, Moieciu commune.

To get there, follow the DN 73 national road (Brașov – Câmpulung Muscel) up to Moieciu, where you’ll see a sign pointing toward Peștera village. Follow this road until you reach the village. From there, starting at a marked signpost near Moieciu, a path will lead you toward the cave. The entrance is about 10 meters below a 4-meter-high rocky portal, through which you access the cavity carved into the rock. If you’re unsure of the direction, ask the locals.

From Bran to Peștera village, there are 11 kilometers on DN73/E574 and DC58 roads, a 15 minute drive.

The route from the village to Bats’ Cave can only be covered on foot, but it is very picturesque, easy to walk in any season, and offers spectacular views along the way.

Tourist attractions in the area

The Moieciu commune is a splendid area located on the Rucăr-Bran corridor, bordered by magnificent landscapes.

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the village of Moieciu de Sus is located close to the center of the village, and behind it is the cemetery. The place of worship was built in 1837 (or in 1843, according to other sources) and fully restored in several stages.

A charming attraction in Moieciu de Sus village is the House of Photography (“Căsuța cu fotografii”), established by Laurent, a French photographer, in an old traditional house. The small museum displays photographs taken by locals and Laurent himself, his vintage camera collection, and numerous images printed on wood, canvas, and various types of paper.

Andolia meadow – From near the church in Moieciu de Sus village, you can take a beautiful hiking trail, which passes by Inspector Tișcă’s traditional house, an attractive historical building next to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the valleys around Moieciu and the Leaota and Bucegi mountain ranges.

Close to Moieciu de Sus, you can visit the spectacular Moieciu Gorges, which are a natural reserve. The path running through the gorge, bordered by the Turcu stream, offers breathtaking scenery, and the most popular attraction along this route is the waterfall known as Cascada La Chișătoare.

From Moieciu de Sus, you can reach the Amfiteatrul Transilvaniei plateau, which offers stunning panoramic views.

Starting from Casa Folea in Peștera village, you can hike along marked trails towards Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor (Zărnești Gorges), Măgura Mică, Valea Pietrelor, and other scenic destinations.

Where to stay? Choose Transylvanian Inn for fairytale landscapes, stylish rooms, and unforgettable culinary delights!

Bats’ Cave, the charming villages of Moieciu commune, and all the beautiful sights in the area are worth exploring with friends during a trip of several days.

We recommend staying together at Transylvanian Inn villa, located in the midst of breathtaking scenery. The comfortable rooms have balconies offering stunning views of Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, and the Bucegi Mountains.

The villa is conveniently located in Predeluț village, Bran commune – only 11 kilometers from Moieciu. From here, you can easily go by foot to visit the famous Bran Castle, museums, and other points of interest nearby.

At Transylvanian Inn, breakfast is included. After enjoying a varied selection of homemade treats and fresh coffee, you’ll be ready to set out on your adventures full of energy. If you’re planning day trips, the villa staff can prepare delicious packages for picnics, upon request.

At lunch and dinner, you’ll enjoy dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients, paired with good wine or homemade elderflower juice (socată). Afterward, relax in the lovely garden, or in The Elevated Library, with stunning panoramic views.

For details and reservations, visit https://transylvanianinn.ro/en/.