Bigar Waterfall is a waterfall located in the Anina Mountains, in Caras Severin County of Romania. It is known for its unusual and unique mushroom-like shape, with a thin sheet of water cascading down the rocky cliffs. Until 2013, Bigar Waterfall was relatively unknown, but it quickly gained popularity after being featured on several lists of the most unusual waterfalls in the world. Today, it is one of the most popular natural attractions in Romania, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year.
Unfortunately, in 2021 this world-famous waterfall partly collapsed, when a 4-meter wall of the Bigar waterfall fell down.
The Collapse of Bigar Waterfall
After the collapse on June 7th, 2021, the officials from Romsilva (the National Forest Authority in Romania) said that it happened due to natural causes.
The Bigar Waterfall was formed over time by calcium carbonate deposits from the waters of the Bigar spring, which were covered with moss. As the calcium carbonate petrified the moss, new layers of living moss grew, causing the waterfall to continually increase in size. Eventually, the Bigar Waterfall reached a significant weight and volume, and it collapsed under its own weight.
However, experts believe that the waterfall will regenerate and grow again over time. This has also happened with the Moceriș waterfall, located in the same national park, which collapsed and would eventually regenerate in time.
As you can see in the photo below, the Bigar Waterfall looks impressive even after the partial collapse, but it is unclear when it will regain its full beauty.
How to reach Bigar Waterfall
The Bigar Waterfall can be found in the southern region of Romania, nestled at the intersection of two National Parks: Semenic and Cheile Nerei. This serene and remote location, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. To visit this stunning waterfall, here’s how you can get there:
- By Car: The most straightforward way to access the Bigar Waterfall is by car. We personally use and recommend Discover Cars for renting a car. Their website offers car rental options in major cities across Romania, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Iasi, and Timisoara. The nearest city to the waterfall is Timisoara, located approximately 150 km away. However, please note that the journey to the waterfall from Timisoara can take over two hours due to the state of the Romanian roads.
- By Public Transport: There’s no direct bus or train available to the Bigar Waterfall. The closest city with a train station is Resita, which is approximately 60km away from the waterfall. It would take more than one hour by car to reach the waterfall from Resita, making private transportation the most convenient option for accessing this secluded and picturesque waterfall.
- By Tour: If you prefer a guided experience to the Bigar Waterfall, tours may not be widely available. It can be difficult to find a tour that visits the waterfall, but there are occasional day tours departing from Timisoara. You can check the availability of these tours on this website.
Tips for visiting Bigar Waterfall
- The entrance to the waterfall is free and can be accessed 24 hours a day. A convenient parking lot is located near the entrance, making it easy to visit the waterfall without having to walk long distances. Finding a parking spot is typically not a problem, as the waterfall is not usually crowded. Here’s a link to the location of the parking lot on Google Maps.
- There are a few food options near the waterfall, including the weekend-only restaurant BIGĂR that serves grill dishes and salads, and the food truck Clatite BIGar, which offers a variety of crepes.
- It takes approximately an hour and a half to fully explore the waterfall and its surroundings.
- The best time to visit the Bigar Waterfall is from April to June when the water drop of the waterfall is at its most stunning and the surrounding greenery and wildlife are in full bloom.
Accommodation options near Bigar Waterfall
When it comes to accommodations near Bigar Waterfall, options are limited. The closest option is the Pensiunea La Busu Guesthouse, just a two-minute walk from the waterfall. It offers basic amenities like a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a bar.
However, many visitors opt to stay in nearby cities such as Timisoara, which is about 150 km away and offers a wider range of options such as hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
If you are looking for the best option in Timisoara, we recommend Hotel Boutique Casa del Sole. Located in a quiet area and just a seven-minute walk from the city center, it offers access to a swimming pool, sauna, gym, and spa.
Another option to consider is the Hotel Continental. As one of the tallest buildings in the city, it offers impressive views of Timisoara from its rooms. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and terrace overlooking the Civic Park, as well as an indoor swimming pool with a bar, sauna, hot tubs, and fitness center.
