Dambovicioara cave in the heart of Piatra Craiului

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Dambovicioara Cave: an adventure in the heart of Piatra Craiului

Dâmbovicioara Cave was formed by the action of the stream of the same name, which carved through the Jurassic limestone rocks that are part of the Piatra Craiului Massif. The landscape is exceptionally picturesque, and the cave is easily accessible, making the area an ideal weekend getaway destination. However, its beauty and natural charm make it well worth exploring for a longer period.

About Dambovicioara Cave

The cave has a total length of 555 meters, but the visitor-friendly trail covers just over 250 meters. After the first 150 meters, the ceiling height decreases, requiring visitors to bend down or even crawl if they wish to continue further.

The interior is artificially illuminated for easier exploration and consists of a single main gallery with a few branches. Since the 1950s, successive teams of speleologists have widened the access passages and mapped the cave, uncovering fossilized bones of Ursus spelaeus (cave bear), which can still be seen in situ.

The cave formations include towers, stalactites, stalagmites, and various limestone structures, which—enhanced by colored lighting in certain areas—allow visitors to interpret their shapes using their imagination.

The cave maintains a temperature of 10–12°C and is gently ventilated by an air current. The stream that originally formed the cave has changed its course, now bypassing the cave, resulting in moderate humidity levels inside.

Access is only permitted with a guide, who will share fascinating insights into the history and legends of the cave. The tour lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Dambovicioara Cave location

Dâmbovicioara Cave is located in the southern part of the Piatra Craiului Massif, on the left side of the Dâmbovicioara Valley (a tributary of the Dâmbovița River), just one kilometer from the village of Dâmbovicioara, in Argeș County.

You can drive up to the parking area, which is 220 meters from the entrance; from there, a short staircase leads up to the cave.

How to get to Dambovicioara Cave

Access by car is possible either via the Rucăr-Bran Corridor or through Câmpulung (Argeș County).

Distances:

  • From Bucharest – approx. 177 km via Bucharest – Târgoviște Road and DN72A
  • From Rucăr – approx. 5 km
  • From Câmpulung – approx. 25 km
  • From Transylvanian Inn (Bran, Brașov County) – approx. 40 km

What to do near Dambovicioara Cave

The entire area around Dâmbovicioara Cave is spectacularly beautiful and worth exploring in any season.

You can’t miss Dâmbovicioara Gorge—you’ll definitely stop to admire and photograph its Instagram-worthy landscapes. Less famous but equally charming are the Brusturetului Gorges. Each of them stretches for 2 kilometers, and both can be accessed by car, although the road to Brusturetului Gorges is unpaved. Make sure to set aside time for breaks, as you will discover many stunning spots along the way.

Dambovicioara Gorges

Cheile Dâmbovicioarei, un traseu splendid pe culoarul Rucăr-Bran

Dâmbovicioara Gorge stretches approximately 2 kilometers and is flanked by the imposing cliffs of the Piatra Craiului Mountains, along the Rucăr – Bran route. In some areas, the rocky walls rise over 200 meters in height, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Nature puts on a spectacular show upstream, where Dâmbovicioara Gorge merges with Muierii Valley, and the La Gâlgoaie spring cascades down as if rushing into the Dâmbovicioara stream. From there, the gorge narrows into a steep canyon dotted with waterfalls.

The area is home to over 50 caves. Besides Dâmbovicioara Cave, you can also explore the Labyrinth Cave or the Cave at Gura Defileului.

Brusturetului Gorges

If you visit Dâmbovicioara Cave, don’t miss Brusturet Gorge, located about an hour’s walk away. It’s well worth seeing for its picturesque scenery, narrow passage between towering rock walls, and lush vegetation.

Brusturet Gorge is part of the gorge complex in Piatra Craiului National Park, along with Dâmbovicioara Gorge, Dâmbovița Gorge, and Zărnești Gorges.

The road (a forest track) is accessible by car, but walking allows you to fully appreciate the details of the landscape. You might also enjoy a hike through the forest towards the peaks.

Brusturet Gorge stretches 2 kilometers and is often called “3-in-1”, as it consists of Cheia Lungă, Cheia Strâmtă, and Cheița.

Dambovicioara Cave tourist routes

However, if you don’t have much time or are traveling with children, there are many wonderful sections that can be explored by car as well.

Regardless of the option you choose, it’s best to wear hiking clothes and sturdy footwear and be prepared for sudden weather changes, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.

Road Route: Podu Dâmboviței – Dâmbovicioara – Brusturet

The route consists of two segments:

  • Podu Dâmboviței – Dâmbovicioara – 6 km of paved road
  • Dâmbovicioara – Brusturet – 5 km of forest road

After passing Dâmbovicioara Cave, the route continues on the forest road, and the final 2 kilometers pass through Brusturet Gorge. Along this section, it’s worth stopping to admire the Izvoarele din Plai (Plai Springs) and the waterfall near Valea Rea hamlet. You can also see Dracului Cave (or Gaura Brusturetului) at the confluence of Brusturet and Valea Muierii.

At the end of the road, you’ll find Brusturet Meadow and Brusturet Cabin, from where two mountain trails begin.

Hiking Route: Dâmbovicioara Gorge – Dâmbovicioara Cave – Brusturet Gorge – Brusturet Cabin

The same points connected by the road route can also be reached on foot via a hiking trail.

  • Trail length: approximately 8 km (16 km round trip)
  • Duration: 2 hours one way (4 hours round trip, not including breaks)
  • Trail marking: blue stripe
  • Accessibility: open all year round

Where will you stay? Choose Transylvanian Inn for dreamlike landscapes, comfort and culinary delights!

If you plan to visit Dâmbovicioara Gorge and Cave, Brusturet Gorge, and other breathtaking places in the area, staying with friends in Bran, at Transylvanian Inn, is a great idea.

The comfortable rooms come with balconies offering stunning views of Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, the Bucegi Mountains, and Piatra Craiului. Breakfast is included and features homemade specialties, the famous socată, locally sourced cheeses and meats from Bran farms, and fresh garden vegetables and fruits.

The restaurant offers a delicious menu and a terrace overlooking Bran Castle and the endless mountain chains. For groups, special vegan, lacto-vegetarian, gluten-free, or sugar-free menus can be prepared—just let the hosts know your preferences in advance.

The drive from the villa to Dâmbovicioara Cave takes about 45 minutes, covering only 40 kilometers on a beautiful scenic route.

You can plan a day trip: start in the morning after breakfast and have enough time to explore Dâmbovicioara and Brusturet Gorges with all their attractions. If you’d like to have a picnic, simply ask the villa staff in advance to prepare packed meals.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner, then relax and get ready for a new adventure the next day or stay in for a peaceful, rejuvenating mountain retreat. Unwind in the sun or shade, on the grass, in swings, benches, gazebos, or in the cozy library with panoramic views.

For more details, visit https://transylvanianinn.ro.

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