Arieșeni

NE of the Biharia group of mountains, on the Vârciong valley, affluent to the White River. Situated in the village Vamvuceşti – Arieşeni, at the bottom of Piatra Grăitoare peak, the Vârciorog waterfall is a landscape reservation that stands 15 m tall. Situated 5 km from the center of Arieşeni it is accessible also in the winter season when the forest road is not snowed in. Close by you can find blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, near the waterfall it is possible to make a barbecue, a camp fire or just to sunbathe. The best period to see the waterfall is in the springtime, when the flow of the Vârciorog river has reached its peak. The largest number of visitors is usually during summer and autumn.

The enormous cavity is dug by water in red, violet and yellow sand stone, making it a unique phenomenon in our country. It is the result of a powerful erosion process with a 600 m diameter and a depth of 100 m. The erosion is still in process and the hole gets bigger and bigger over the years. For example, 80 years ago – on old maps – the place was marked down as a small gap. The edges are sharp, like razors that point to the center of the hole. Situated 9 km from Arieşeni after finishing a 50-minute walk off the road (including 10-15 minutes climb), the hole can be admired in its entire splendor. The road is accessible all year round and is marked on the DN75 road. Be careful of the hole sides because they are not well consolidated.

It is 14 m high and is also referred to as the Bucinis waterfall, because of its position on the Bucinis river valley. It is best to see it at springtime, when snow melts and the waterfall is more impressive. During summer, the surroundings are filled with burdock flowers (mini sunflowers).