Cheile Galbenei

Cheile Galbenei is one of the most spectacular karst landforms in Munții Apuseni, located in the commune of Pietroasa, Bihor County. The gorge has been carved by the Galbena River through Mesozoic limestone over a length of approximately 4 km, with vertical walls reaching heights of up to 150–200 m. The area is part of Parcul Natural Apuseni, a protected area covering approximately 76,000 hectares that preserves a karst ecosystem of European significance. From a geological standpoint, the limestone rocks in which the gorge is sculpted date from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, with the process of fluvio-karst erosion having shaped the landscape over millions of years. Along the gorge route there are several waterfalls, the most notable being Cascada Evantai, with a drop of approximately 30 m. The local fauna includes protected species such as the brown bear, the lynx, and numerous bat species that inhabit the nearby caves. Access is from the village of Pietroasa, along a trail marked with a blue stripe; completing the gorge in its entirety takes approximately 3–4 hours there and back. The route involves repeated crossings of the river on footbridges and passes through narrow sections, making it best suited to the warm season. Cheile Galbenei is well worth a visit for its unique combination of active karst relief, high biodiversity, and trail infrastructure that allows direct observation of ongoing geological processes.