Natural Adventures Under the Ground
Caving in Budapest

Do you want do something more adventurous than the usual sightseeing?
Go caving in Budapest and discover its underground natural beatuies.

Budapest is the only capital that has natural caves in the middle of the city. The Hungarian capital is not just the city of spas but the city of caves too. Would you think that it has about 170 smaller and bigger caves? The same thermal springs formed them that supply water for the thermal baths in Budapest. The air in some of these caves has medicinal qualities.

Ancient Magyars named the place after the caves they found in the area where Budapest is located. When they conquered the area in the 9th century AD they found a hill full of holes (today's Gellért Hill).

Hungarian language didn't have a word for cave so they borrowed the Slavic word " pest" from the people who lived here. They named the present Gellért Hill Pest Hill.

Most Budapest caves were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, during major housing and drainage works.
There are 9 strictly protected caves in Budapest, 3 are open to visitors.

Can you imagine that another world lies under your feet when you stroll on the old cobble-stonned streets in Budapest Castle District? The Castle Caves stretch several kilometres long.

Only part of it is formed naturally, inhabitants of the Castle District also excavated labyrinths and cellars in the hill for protection purposes. 

Caving in Budapest-Pálvölgyi Cave

Address: Szépvölgyi út 162., II. district
Tel: +36 1 325 9505
Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 10.00-16.00

Admission: free with Budapest Card which you can buy online here.

You can explore the cave with a guide.

Getting to Pálvölgyi Cave: take bus 65 form Kolosy tér in Óbuda, get off at the 5th stop

The most beautiful and the longest cave in Buda Hills with its 18 km length. Only 500 m can be visited with a guide, but it's rather demanding because of the great differences of height.

The stunning dripstone formations, like the "Organ Pipes" or "Beehive" will make up you for the effort. Ladders and steep stairs help you to move forward but the tour is not recommended for children and for physically challenged.

The tour lasts 50 minutes. Temperature is around 8 °C (46 °F) in the cave so put on warm clothes.

Caving in Budapest-Szemlőhegyi Cave

Address: Pusztaszeri út 35., II. district
Tel: +36 1 325 6001
Opening hours: Mon-Wed-Thurs-Fri 10.00-16.00

Admission: free with Budapest Card

Getting to Szemlőhegyi Cave: By bus 29 from Kolosy tér in Óbuda, get off at 4th stop

If you still have strength after Pálvölgyi cave to visit another cave in Budapest you don't have to go far. Hurry to catch the hourly tour in Szemlőhegyi Cave.

You can admire the unique mineral formations, the so-called peastones an the aragonite crytals resembling bunches of grapes. The cave's cool, damp air is beneficial for respiratory diseases. In the entrance hall you can see an exhibition about caves of Budapest.

Both Pálvögyi Cave and Szemlőhegyi Cave are under natural protection.

Other Articles about Sights & Attractions in Budapest

Main Attractions in Budapest

Budapest City Centre

World Heritage Sites in Budapest

Budapest in 1 Day

Walk in North Buda

City Park (Városliget)

Margaret Island

Guided Tours in Budapest

Budapest by Bike

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