Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst caves

The longest cave in Hungary and in the temperate zone is the Baradla Cavern, which winds for 25 kilometres, while the 5.6 kilometre part running under Slovakia goes by the name of Domica. Geological data put the beginning of the formation of the cave system at about two million years ago. The water of the streams dug, abraded and dissolved the cavities and caverns and then the lime deposit of the dripping water slowly built the stalactites of varying shapes that fascinate visitors to this day. Like today’s visitors, their shapes inspired the imagination of the explorers who discovered them, which is how they got expressive names like Dragonhead, Tiger, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Columned Chamber or Giants’ Hall. The Concert Hall, with its excellent acoustics and stunning spectacles, hosts classical and popular music concerts to this day.

The caves form a unique ecosystem, with the almost sterile air hidden under the surface in the World Heritage Site providing a home for more than 500 cave-dwelling and cave-loving animal species, many of which can only be found here. Guided cave tours of 2.5 or even seven hours leave from Aggtelek or Jósvafő. Near the caverns, there are also marked hiking trails at ground level. Following these will offer you the chance to get to know the flora and fauna of the karst surface, but also get a glimpse into the life of nearby villages and see the hidden, ancient church ruins. A yellow path indicates the 7-kilometer Baradla Educational Trail between Aggtelek and Jósvafő, which can be completed in about three hours, while the Tohonya-Kuriszlán Educational Trail around Jósvafő is about a six-hour walk. Families and groups of children will enjoy the Fürkész (‘scouting’ in Hungarian) Educational Trail marked in orange, while the 12-stop Szádvár Educational Trail around Szögliget will allow you to observe the wildlife of the surrounding forests as well as the ruins of Szádvár Castle. Make sure you don’t miss the Tengerszem (Tarn) Lake and the Aggtelek Lake, while the ruined cloister of the Pauline Order and the early medieval church in Tornaszentandrás also promise an unparalleled experience.