Focul Viu cave, Show cave in the Padis Plateau, Romania
Focul Viu Cave is located on the Padis Plateau and contains two main chambers, with the larger hall featuring a substantial ice block illuminated by natural light from an opening above. The interior displays frozen formations and ice-covered surfaces that extend throughout much of the space.
The cave has been studied by scientists since its discovery, with researchers documenting the permanent ice structures and geological formations over time. These studies have tracked how the underground ice mass has evolved.
The name refers to how sunlight reflects off the ice surfaces at midday, creating an impression of living fire on the frozen surfaces. Visitors notice this optical effect when entering the main chamber.
The cave is accessible year-round, though temperatures remain below freezing particularly during winter and spring, making warm clothing and sturdy footwear necessary. Access requires roughly a two-hour walk through the surrounding plateau terrain.
The cave functions as a natural cold trap where winter air flows inside and becomes trapped, allowing ice to form and persist even in warmer months. This mechanism maintains the frozen surfaces visitors see today.
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