Peștera Dâmbovicioara

The cave in the Dâmbovicioara Gorges

Dâmbovicioara Cave opens on the left slope of the Dâmbovicioara valley, in the Cheile Mici (Small Gorges), about one kilometre from the centre of Dâmbovicioara commune, in Argeș County. It lies on the southern side of the Rucăr–Bran corridor, so the visit means a day in which you cross the mountains from Țara Bârsei into Muntenia. The sources describe it as a destination suitable for families too.

What you see inside

According to the showcaves.com guide (consulted on 12 October 2026), the cave is about 555 metres long, a single passage that rises from the entrance, and visitors walk the first 250 metres or so, electrically lit since 1980. The rest of the passage requires a special request to the town hall, at your own risk. The visit takes about 20 minutes, according to a 2026 source.

Stories and history

The cave is mentioned in a document from 1579, in the time of Mihnea Turcitul, was described scientifically in 1767 by J. Fridvalsky, and the first plan was drawn by T. Constantinescu in 1973. Local legends say hermits and outlaws (haiduci) found shelter here. Smoke and lights in the past destroyed much of the cave's fauna, so do not touch the walls and leave nothing behind.

Opening hours and prices (checked 12 October 2026)

The 2026 sources do not give the same hours. A guide updated on 17 April 2026 gives Monday–Friday 9:30–16:00 and Saturday–Sunday 9:00–18:00; an article of 20 January 2026 gives Monday–Thursday 9:30–17:00, Friday 9:30–16:00 and weekends 9:00–19:00. The ticket costs 15 lei for adults and 5 lei for children (2026). Entry to the Dâmbovicioara Gorges is paid separately, 3 lei per person, free for people with disabilities, and the tractor-train ride costs about 35 lei (2026). Pushchair access is not published. Check the official source, Dâmbovicioara town hall, before you set off.

How to get there

From MAX International in Râșnov, head towards Bran and continue on the DN73 over Fundata towards Rucăr. At Podu Dâmboviței, the county road DJ730 enters the Dâmbovicioara Gorges and climbs towards Dâmbovicioara commune; the cave is in the Cheile Mici. You can see the exact distance and time with the navigation buttons on this page.