Learning in nature, living education as an adventure … this is how the concept of “eduventure” could be translated and summarized.
The little ones thus get out of their usual environment, out of the comfort zone, and, meeting nature, learn to understand and protect it.
The thematic routes, information panels and other tourist facilities in Pădurea Craiului aim to support this bold learning technique.
Thematic routes
Arranged with passion and a lot of attention in the protected natural areas of Pădurea Craiului, the thematic paths can become valuable tools of environmental education. They have been designed to be the ideal place for some interactive, nature lessons, organized outdoors, or simply a way to turn a regular hike into a learning experience. The panels that accompany the thematic trails describe to visitors, small or large, the forest, its creatures, the geological and mining past of the places.
Starting from the immediate vicinity of the Crystal Cave from the Farcu mine, the thematic trail “Discover Rosia Valley” presents tourists a series of themes that will help them better understand wildlife, forest and karst. From over 80 meters high, the balcony arranged at the view point which is located on the rock called by the locals Stanu Cârnului, offers tourists a spectacular view over the gorge of Lazuri Valley.
On the route that connects Vadu Crişului commune with Peştera chalet, the thematic path “Leave no trace” aims to show tourists how to make a trip in nature, so that their trip has a minimal impact on the environment.
A route, as short as it is pleasant, is the thematic path “Living in the forest”. In Șuncuiuș, between the Frânturii glade and the Mişidului Valley, after the unique experience of crossing the suspended bridge, anyone can find out interesting things about the animals and plants specific to the deciduous forests in the area. Who knows, with a little luck, tourists can even see them “at home”.
At Căbești, in the clear waters of the Dâlbii valley lives a recently discovered species of crayfish that can only be found in the western part of the Apuseni Mountains. On the marked trail that crosses this picturesque valley, the “Idle crayfish” theme trail has been set up to provide information on this crayfish species and the importance of protecting it. On the tourist trail you can also visit a spectacular natural bridge, Șura Ușorilor, as well as a lookout point offering a panoramic view over part of the valley and the Beiuș depression.
Romania has some of the last forested karst areas in Europe, and the Cuților gorges in the commune of Roșia is one of them. Here stone and water have been working together for millions of years to create spectacular shapes and landscapes. The great diversity of plant and animal species indicates an area where human activities have not yet had a significant negative impact. To help protect this special world, an educational and awareness-raising trail “Visit the Gorges of the Cuti responsibly” has been set up. Walkers will learn useful information about the area and what they can do to minimise their impact on nature.
Padurea Craiului, home for people, from ancient times
In Șuncuiuș, in the immediate vicinity of the Unguru Mare cave and in Meziad, next to the well-known cave with the same name, there were two educational playgrounds, dedicated to children. With their help, the youngest visitors can discover, like real archaeologists, information about the first inhabitants of Padurea Craiului.
In two sand pits, are hidden reproductions of several objects used by people from the Bronze Age. Children are challenged to search, with the help of “tools” specific to archaeologists, ceramic fragments and reproductions of objects discovered in this part of Bihor County. The explanatory panels installed at the entrance to the two caves complete the information about the way of life of the oldest inhabitants of the subterraneans from Pădurea Craiului.
Discover nature through play
Did you know that …
… when hunting, an owl has the ability to fly almost silently?
… a deer changes its colour depending on the season in order to hide better?
… animals living in the dark environment of caves have discolored bodies and eyes that are either missing or very small and sightless?
The playgrounds in the vicinity of the Meziad Cave and the Crystal Cave in the Farcu Mine will help the youngest members of the family discover interesting things about the animals that live in the dark world of caves, swim in the clear mountain waters, hide in the shelter of the forest or fly high into the sky.
Locurile de joacă amenajate în vecinătatea peșterii Meziad și a peșterii cu cristale din Mina Farcu îi vor ajuta pe cei mai mici membri ai familiei să descopere lucruri interesante despre animalele ce trăiesc în întunecata lume a peșterilor, înoată în apele limpezi de munte, se ascund la adăpostul pădurii sau zboară în înaltul cerului.