Hiking in the Varghis Gorge - Canyon exploration!
Route from Vargyas to Koalja
Trail marking: blue cross
Duration: approximately two to two and a half hours
From the village of Vargyas, the gorge can be reached by following the blue cross trail marking along a forest road, walking upstream on the right side of the Varghis stream. At the exit of the village, the turnoff is clearly marked with direction signs and information boards of the protected natural area.
Upon reaching the confluence with the Hidegaszo stream, turn left. The trail crosses the stream and continues through the Hidegaszo valley. Shortly after, you arrive at the entrance area of the gorge, known as Koalja.
Route from Koalja to Orban Balazs Cave
Route: Koalja – Felsziget – Locsur Cave – Orban Balazs Cave
Trail marking: blue cross
Duration: approximately thirty minutes
From Koalja, visitors can choose from several shorter or longer hiking routes. The most popular destination is the Orban Balazs Cave.
Follow the blue cross marking, cross the first suspension bridge, then turn left and continue along the stream. Soon you will reach the junction leading to Kocsur. Nearby, in the streambed, you will find the Medvek spring, which provides drinkable water.
If you do not plan to visit Kocsur on a separate trip, it is worth making a short detour here. Turn right following the red dot marking, and after a short climb you will reach the saddle of Kocsur. From there, a short ascent along the rock wall leads to the impressive natural arch of Kocsur.
Returning to the main trail, continue along the stream, cross again toward Felsziget, and proceed on the right side. You will pass the large scree slope called Nagy Kogorgeteg, while on the opposite side you can admire the massive rock formation Csudaloko.
Soon the wide entrance of Locsur Cave comes into view. From here, an unmarked path on the left leads to Csala Tower and the Tatarlik Cave, as well as a scenic viewpoint above them. This detour is highly recommended.
Cross the stream again and, after approximately ten minutes, you will reach the entrance of the largest cave in the gorge, the Orban Balazs Cave.
Return to Koalja along the same route.
Route from Orban Balazs Cave to Komezo
Route: Orban Balazs Cave – Pionirok Trail – Urak Trail – Komezo
Trail marking: yellow stripe
Duration: approximately forty-five minutes
The total duration of the loop described above, including detours but excluding cave visits, is approximately two to two and a half hours.
Those who prefer a longer hike can continue from the Orban Balazs Cave toward Komezo by following the yellow stripe marking. The trail initially follows the left bank of the stream, then climbs on rocky terrain along the Pionirok and Urak trails until reaching Komezo, where a small spring can be found.
From the spring, it is worth taking a short walk of about five minutes to the Komezo viewpoint, which offers a beautiful panoramic view.
The ruins of the Tatarkapolna chapel can also be found here.
Route from Komezo to Kocsur
Trail marking: red dot
Duration: approximately thirty to forty-five minutes
From Komezo, return toward Koalja via the Farkas Trail, marked with a red dot. The path leads mostly through forest and joins the blue cross trail below Kocsur.
If you missed visiting Kocsur earlier, you can do so here. A short detour from this trail also leads to the Szechenyi viewpoint above Csudaloko.
Route from Komezo to Mal-teto
Trail marking: unmarked
Duration: approximately one hour
From Komezo, an unmarked trail climbs up to Mal-teto at an altitude of nine hundred thirty meters. From the summit, you can enjoy a wide panoramic view over the entire Varghis valley and the surrounding landscape.
Circular route via Mal-teto and Tiva-teto
Trail marking: blue cross
Duration: approximately four hours
Another circular route starts from Koalja toward Also-Mal-teto and Tiva-teto. The trail climbs through forest, then reaches the ridge surrounding the gorge.
From here, continuing in a northwestern direction, the trail loops around the gorge and descends back into the valley. Following the stream, it passes by the Orban Balazs Cave and returns to Koalja.
Please note that in the upper section of the gorge there are no built crossings over the stream.
Caves in the Varghis Gorge
Orban Balazs Cave
Also known as Kolik, Almasi Cave or Great Cave
With a length of one thousand five hundred twenty-seven meters, this is the largest cave in the valley. Its impressive entrance opens in the rock wall of Csudaloko, about twenty meters above the stream, and is accessible via steps.
Inside, several chambers can be found, including Elocsarnok, Meleg Chamber, Rejtett Chamber, Erzsebet Chamber, Vetok Hall, Great Hall, Chapel Chamber, Marble Chamber and Fekete Istvan Chamber.
Attention: The cave can only be visited with proper equipment and under the guidance of an experienced guide.
The cave has been known since ancient times and was used as shelter from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The first written record dates back to the year one thousand six hundred thirty-seven.
Locsur Cave
Locsur Cave is one of the significant caves in the gorge, with a total length of approximately three hundred meters. According to local tradition, horses were sheltered here during invasions.
Although many of its original formations have been damaged over time, beautiful calcite formations can still be seen today. In winter, impressive ice formations develop near the entrance.
The cave can be visited year-round with basic lighting equipment.
Tatarlik Cave
Also known as Ugron Cave
Tatarlik is a tunnel-type cave with openings on both sides. It is located about thirty-five meters above the Varghis stream on the rocky ridge of Kohat.
It served as a refuge during the Tatar invasions and is associated with the Ugron family. Nearby stands the well-known Csala Tower.
Accessibility – recommended route
Odorheiu Secuiesc – Vlahita – Lueta – Meresti – Varghis Gorge approximately fifty kilometers
Alternative access route
Odorheiu Secuiesc – Szentegyháza – Lovete – Homorodalmás – Varghis Gorge approximately fifty kilometers
Useful contacts
Mountain rescue service: +40 725 826 668 or 112
Protected area administration: +40 267 378 252
Contact
Keresztely Krall Anna
Telephone: +40 734 969 332
Email: office@vargyasszoros.org
Website: www.vargyasszoros.org
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Keywords: Discover Varghis Gorge – one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Transylvania. Hiking trails, caves and breathtaking viewpoints in untouched nature. Choose your next adventure in the heart of Harghita!
