Caving under Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary is famous for its hot springs all over the world. Many people visit Hungary’s famous thermal baths, but only a few are aware of the fact that hot water rushing up from deep underground has created something else too. The capital is built on a limestone basis, in which the heated water formed a huge cave system, thought to be more than 120 km long. The spas and caves of Budapest are planned to be a declared part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Among the numerous caves of Budapest only two can be visited without previous caving experience. The museum-like Szemlő-hegyi cave has a concrete path passable even by wheelchair, and it is lit by arfificial light. There is a 35-minutes long guided tour in the cave (szemlohegyi.hu).

The other cave is the 30.1 km long Pál-völgyi cave system – the longest in Hungary - located in the Duna-Ipoly National Park. The cave is a real multi-level labyrinth system with most of its chambers under the residental districts of Budapest. This cave system offers two types of tours:

-> 45–minutes long easy walk, built with artificial footway and lighting (palvolgyibarlang.hu).

-> Adventurous climbing-crawling tour for the most courageous. This other section of the cave system is left in its natural state. If you aren’t claustrophobic you can apply for our regularly scheduled cave tours which are guided by qualified caving guides. During the 2.5-3 hrs long tours you will often have to climb on walls and crawl through narrow passages so you have to be prepared for adventure. We provide you the caving equipment (overall, helmet and light). These tours start every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the afternoon, every Tuesday and Thursday in the morning, and on Saturdays in the early afternoon. You can book your place to the adventure caving tour or have further information by e-mail.

You don’t need to have any previous experience in caving.

You can take part in the tour only at your own risk.