You know what I love so much about the places I visit? Because they are so different from each other even through their stories! And the one of today's post comes with a less common story behind its name, but also with some funny rumours for the curious ones who enjoy testing the authenticity of them.

I always loved learning new things about the past of my country through my visits to historical monuments or museums, and the same love I share for all the gems we get to discover into the heart of the mountains or on some forgotten lands of nature's wilderness.
But a greater thing is when you get to discover a place that is a mix between the two that has been discovered around 100 years ago and which is not limited to a single touristic attraction but also to some caves and lakes that are nearby and which are playing an important role into the existence of Vadu Crișului Waterfall.
The waterfall is located in the village with the same name, that is part of the Piatra Craiului Mountains and it was formed on the left shore of Crișu Repede river close to the entrance of the cave.
Both the waterfall and the cave make one of the best teams offering a huge underground natural palace full of romance that is perfectly completed by lots of interesting limestone formations and a subterrene lake where people from high society used to go boating.

Even though Vadu Crișului Waterfall is the main attraction of the area, its existence wouldn't be possible without the cave which represents the source from where all the water comes and creates a 9 meters height fall to the deep basin dug in limestone.

But as serious and deeply lost in the mysteries of nature sounds, in reality, the waterfall is very easy to be explored either by foot or by train, taking no more than 30-45 minutes of hike to reach it.

Actually, the whole place is very well maintained, having lots of markers and indicators to all the points of interest of the area, but also some informative panels which remind us how we should act in nature and how to respect it since we'll need it later in our lives more than we realize.

Being a short trip to some great destinations doesn't mean there are no risks.
The water which flows is pretty deep and whirling, perfect for rafting and other extreme sports but definitely not for taking a bath.
And let's not forget about the areas where the path becomes a few centimeters narrow, making you pay more attention where you put your feet on.
Happily, those areas are pretty rare in our journey and they are well equipped with chains and metal railings that protect you from any incidents and take care of you until you reach the base of the waterfall which is represented by a few stones here and there on the water.
Both Vadu Crișului Waterfall and Cave started being more maintained at the beginning of 20th century after the waterfall was declared a protected natural reservation back in 1995, which was also the beginning of gathering more curious eyes of the tourists that were coming from all over the world.
Though, this doesn't make it become a popular waterfall, but most likely one of the main touristic attractions of Bihor County, while it is not so known for the rest of the residents.

The cold fresh water that comes from the cave and stimulates the waterfall, makes it one of the perfect spots during the hot days of summer where you can cool down just with the help of the breeze created by the flow of the water, which also reminds about some of the hard periods this place have been through, centuries ago.

There is a legend kept alive by the old locals of Vadu Crișului Village saying that the whole place which is considered heaven on earth nowadays, used to be a scary spot haunted by a kite who was bringing nothing else but only dark magic to the waterfall to avoid seeing nature bloom or any other signs of life.

As soon as the kite was shot down, the silence and peace reappeared on Vadu Crișului Waterfall, the locals resuming their lives while the flowers were blooming, nature was waking up, and the happiness was dominating again.

A funnier legend says that after the kite disappeared the waterfall became a magic place that is able to bring the virginity back to the women who take a bath right under its flow.
And I have to admit that through the many legends and stories I heard about the waterfalls visited, this is an atypically one especially that the pool represents a dangerous place to take a bath into because of its depth and the flow which is very powerful. But there are still people who try it out for their own amusement and curiosity, but not without the life jacket.

Still the locals of the area suggest that the water is completely potable because there is a spring into the cave which make it possible, but which is dried during the summer. So if there are people curious to also test this statement, make sure to visit it during the winter or early in spring.

To reach the waterfall, there are a few different possibilities depending if you come by train or by driving a car:

• If you come by train you need the follow the route between Oradea - Cluj and drop off on the cave, on Vadu Crișului Village or on Șuncuiuș Village from where you will need to follow the railways 2 km.

Though, this option will bring you on the opposite shore of the waterfall without being able to get closer to it, but which makes it a great place for some better pictures and great landscapes.

• A different option is by driving the car on the European road E60 until you reach a parking lot near the football field from Vadu Crișului, where you will find lots of markers that will lead you to the wonder of nature.

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT TRIP! 🗾

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