Turda Salt mine originates from a thick layer of salt of about 400 metres which has formed around Transylvania over 13.5 million years ago. The salt mines in Transylvania have been exploited ever since the times of the dacians, as well as in modern times in town named “ocna”: Ocna Dejului, Ocna Sibiului, Ocna Muresului, but aslo Cojocna and Praid.
Turda Salt Mine
Over this layer of salt, millions of years have helped gather sediments through the pressure they exerted over the salt rocks, which led to the creation of the so-called “mushrooms”. These are oscillations of the salt layer which may erupt to the surface and measure up to 1000 m. In the case of Turda, this elevation measures almost 1200 m.
The salt in the area has been exploited for around 2000 years in different salt mines and careers that were established along the years.
The salt exploitation per se was stopped in 1932, due to the inadequate technical facilities, but also because of the low level of productivity and of the competition exerted by other salt mines in Transylvania.
The salt mine wa reopened – this time for tourist purposes and for its curative properties – and these days, it can be visited all year round. The tourists can see the Iosif, Tereza and Rudolf mines.
Apart from the location of the mine, there are also a couple of things well worth visiting during your stay here, such as the harvesting machines. As harvesting was stopped in the 30s, the machines hold a certain historical value, being unique in Europe and well preserved.
Also here, you can see the Shrine, carved into the salt wall, and the Rich Men`s Ladder, carved in wood and filigree. In 2010, after an investment of 6 million Euro, the mine was modernized with treatment rooms, an amphitheatre, sports rooms and a giant wheel, from which point you can panoramically see the salt stalactites.
The main attraction remains the lake, whose water contains a supersaturated saline, excellent for all sorts of treatments.