A multitude of caves in Hungary are waiting to be explored by visitors, providing an ideal way to spend time in this extreme heat. Those who descend into this underground world can marvel at the wonderful creations of nature.
Hungary is rich in natural treasures, including more than 4,100 caves, out of which forty are currently welcoming visitors. These underground worlds open to the public are located in the area of the Aggtelek, Balaton-felvidék, Bükk, Duna-Dráva, and Duna-Ipony National Parks, and provide an escape from the summer heat with their cool, 12 degrees Celsius temperatures.
Several of the caves have special stalactites and spectacular mineral outcrops, and some offer an insight into the world of bats. The majority of the caves can be explored just like a city walk, and others, for example the Csodabogyós cave in Balatonederics, and Szentgál’s cave, offer tours in overalls. Visitors can enter the lake-cave of Tapolca in boats, and widen their knowledge about the karst region in the visitor center.
Cave-tours, however, are not only for those wishing to explore the mysterious underground world; caves are also known for their healing properties. In the framework of a project that is now coming to an end, experts have studied the climatotherapeutic effects of the Baradla-Domica cave system, and have also carried out developments in the cave’s health tourism. This world heritage site welcomes visitors with tours on three routes.
Under the capital, there is a nearly sixty-kilometer-long cave system, a phenomenon which is unparalleled in the rest of the world. Moreover, the longest cave in the country, the more than 32-kilometer-long Pál-völgyi-barlangrendszer (Cave system of the Valley of Pál), is also located under Budapest. The Castle cave under the Castle district in Buda offers a historical journey through time, while cave tours are also accessible to those visiting Mátyás-hill.
Featured photo illustration by Péter Komka/MTI
