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Bears' Cave
The Bears' Cave (Peștera Urșilor) is located in the village of Chișcău in Bihor County and is considered one of Romania's most significant speleological monuments. It was accidentally discovered in 1975 during quarrying operations and has been open to the public since 1980. The cave spans a length of approximately 1.5 kilometers, of which 488 meters are developed for tourism. It gained worldwide fame due to the vast amount of fossil remains of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus), a species that became extinct about 27,500 years ago. Skeletons of over 140 animals were found in the cave, trapped there during a natural disaster. In addition to the paleontological treasures, the cave impresses with spectacular speleothems such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns in various galleries. The constant internal temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius and high humidity have contributed to the preservation of the delicate structures, which are strictly protected today.
- Location: Bihor, Romania
- Top sights: Bears' Cave · "Horea si Aurel Flutur" Ethnography Museum · Canionul Sighistelului
- Nearby: Ștei (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 15 | 10 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 41 | 39 | 48 | 54 | 79 | 93 | 85 | 61 | 56 | 55 | 49 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The cave was discovered in September 1975 following a quarry blast
- About 140 skeletons of the extinct cave bear were found inside
- The developed tourist route has a total length of 488 meters
- The interior temperature remains constant at approximately 10 degrees Celsius
- It was opened to the public in 1980 after five years of preparation
- It consists of three main galleries: Bears', Emil Racoviță, and Candles'
Explore nearby
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Sights in the town Bears' Cave (4)
"Horea si Aurel Flutur" Ethnography Museum🏛 museum
Ethnographic museum in Chișcău displaying local folk costumes, tools and household items.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is a guided tour required?
How warm is it inside the cave?
Is photography allowed inside the cave?
Where is the cave located?
Are there actually bear bones there?
Bears' Cave: where is it located?
Bears' Cave: what is there to see?
Bears' Cave: when is the best time to visit?
Bears' Cave: why is it worth visiting?
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