Would you like to be enchanted by the unique nature of Hungary? Then you should visit Aggtelek National Park! In this place, you escape into another world and discover the country’s impressive caves. Let yourself be amazed by this national park and explore not only the cities of the country, but also these unique natural phenomena.
This national park is the fourth in Hungary and is considered the first place to focus on the conservation of geological natural values. Accordingly, the preservation of surface formations and the caves beneath them is central to Aggtelek National Park.
You can find the national park in the idyllic karst region of northern Hungary, between the Sajó and Hernád rivers. The park covers 20,000 hectares and includes several areas, such as the Putnok Hills in the southwest, Alsó-hegy in the northeast, as well as the Szlonna Mountains, the Bódva Valley, and the Rudabánya Mountains in the southeast. About 5,000 hectares are designated as highly protected areas, while 230 hectares form part of the biosphere reserve.
What makes the park special are its geological features. These include the predominant rock formations, which were formed during the Mesozoic era (around 230 million years ago). The creation of these rocks shaped the park’s unique appearance and allowed the development of the extensive cave system. The world-famous caves in Hungary can only be found here, in Aggtelek National Park. Nevertheless, the area is constantly changing. If you visit today, it will look different again in several centuries. Its current appearance is the result of processes linked to limestone erosion.
The caves of Aggtelek National Park, together with those of the Slovak Karst, form the Baradla-Domica cave system. Since 1995, this has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. In total, this vast cave system contains over seven hundred caves that together form one unit. The caves are just as diverse as the park’s landscape. There are large, horizontal caves with streams as well as deep, vertical mine caves. Let yourself be impressed by the uniqueness of the Baradla-Domica cave system.
Baradla Cave is the largest and most famous stalactite cave in Hungary and is located in Aggtelek National Park. It is part of the cross-border Baradla-Domica cave system and stretches about 26 kilometers across Hungary and Slovakia. It was formed by karst processes, where water dissolved limestone over millions of years. Particularly impressive are the huge halls, diverse stalactite formations, and the world’s largest known stalagmite, over 37 meters high. Also famous is the large concert hall, used for performances thanks to its excellent acoustics. Archaeological findings show that the cave was already used by humans in prehistoric times. Today, it is accessible to visitors through several entrances (Aggtelek, Jósvafő, and Vörös-tó). There are different guided tours, from short one- to two-hour tours to full-day excursions. In addition to its geological features, the cave is also an important habitat, home to more than 20 bat species.
Rákóczi Cave is located in Esztramos Mountain in the park and can be reached through a 160-meter-long tunnel, originally used by a quarry. The highlight of this cave is the stalactites and spherical limestone formations that developed through the interaction of water and rock. The cave is about 350 meters long and divides into two large halls. Since 1982, Rákóczi Cave has been under strict protection. It is less well known than the famous Baradla Cave but is equally unique. Visitors need a flashlight for the tour, though no special equipment is required. Entering it reveals a fascinating natural monument with unique formations and a mysterious atmosphere.
Not only the underground caves make the national park unique, but also the diverse flora and fauna above ground. Due to its proximity to the Carpathians, you can discover many alpine plants. The park also contains a large forest reserve covering 1,327 hectares. A special treasure of Aggtelek National Park is the native Onosma tornensis, a herbaceous plant with yellow blossoms, classified as a protected species. Equally notable are the purple-flowering Austrian dragonhead and the large pasqueflower.
But it’s not only the flora that impresses with its diversity—the fauna also thrives here. The park is home to a wide variety of animals. In total, 413 protected and strictly protected species live here. If you go hiking in the park, you can spot many of them. Large game species include deer and wild boar. With great luck and quiet steps, you might even encounter wolves and lynxes.
Animals also thrive in the underground cave system. In Baradla Cave, more than 500 animal species and subspecies can be found. A highlight of these species is the bat population. Up to 21 bat species live in the caves—an astonishing diversity considering that only 28 bat species are known in Europe.
Close to Baradla Cave lies the idyllic Lake of Jósvafő, created in 1942 by damming the Josva spring, and it has enriched the park ever since. Even though it is not naturally formed, the emerald-green lake blends harmoniously into the landscape. A special eye-catcher is the waterfall, where the clear water cascades like a fine veil.
You can visit the national park at any time of the year, but the mild spring months and the pleasant autumn season are best. In spring, very pleasant temperatures make it perfect for hiking. Many plants bloom during this time, so you may also spot the rare pasqueflower or dragonhead. A special bonus? In spring, you are less likely to encounter crowds compared to summer.
Summer impresses with longer days, giving you more time for extended hikes. You can also enjoy many events and programs of the park. However, note that it can get very hot, and the caves will be much busier. If you prefer to explore the park and its caves in peace, you should visit Aggtelek National Park in spring or autumn.
Autumn also brings a colorful environment and mild climate. During this season, animals can be observed well, for example, red deer during the rutting season. You can also visit the park in winter, which offers a calm and undisturbed atmosphere in the caves. However, hiking above ground is limited due to cold and snow, and many usual activities do not take place.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Hungary and lots of fun on your exploration tour of Aggtelek National Park. Don’t forget to check the toll regulations of Hungary. More information about tolls can be found in our guide. You can also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see related toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
