Time: 1 h 
Distance: 1km

Level difference: without

Difficulty: easy

Cheile Băniței (Băniței Gorges) was known to a close few and also was unknown to me until that day when I was taken there. 

Even though it is not flooded with an army of tourists, like any other attraction nowadays, its beauty is not dwarfed at all. 

The gorge formed from a former limestone cave, the top of which collapsed. The water of the Băniță stream broke its way through a spectacular gorge for 250-300 m. Within the Grădiștea Muncelului-Cioclovina National Park, is located the strait, which is a nature reserve. 

• Approach:

Starting from Hațeg, it is located 8 km from Petroșani, next to the E79 road. You have to deviate from the road to Jigoreasa Street, where the road crosses the Băniță stream. There is enough parking space there. From here you have to continue on foot.

• Equipment:

As the tour also includes walking in the water, it is worth starting in waterproof shoes / slippers / sandals. 

Important: In rainy weather, do not go hiking in any strait/gorge, the large amount of water can make access impossible or dangerous. If you’re in a gorge and it’s starting to rain, it’s a good idea to leave the gorge as soon as possible.

Leaving the car, we continue on the street, past an abandoned house. Then we crossed a barrier and a small bridge and tried to get down to the water. The road is unmarked. Unfortunately, we encountered more than that in the trash. 

After reaching the riverbed, which was only a shallow stony stream, we headed forward in the water, facing the river. Then all of a sudden the creek bed started to look like a wall and we finally arrived at the beautiful gorge which really provided a real experience. 

• Nearby Attractions:

If you have more time, you should visit the Peștera Bolii and the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Dacian Fortress on top of the hill above the strait.

If you have 4 days off, I can only recommend this Retezat Mountains series, you will not be disappointed.

Photos are made by: Balogh László, Balogh Tamás, Dinnyés Ádám József, Nagy Csaba.