Caves, natural wonders in Budapest

The Buda Hills are an integral part of Budapest, with pretty residental areas on the surface. Visitors might be surprised to learn that there are over 200 caves, some 15-20 million years old, which make a virtual Swiss cheese out of these hills. Most of the caves are accessible to cavers, adventurers and scientists only, but three of them are open to tourists and visitors as well.

The Labyrinth is a 1,200 meter long part of the Castle Hill cave-system, which is partially natural, and partially man-made, as it used to be ther target of Buda citizens looking to store their wine underground. As a result, countless cellars were carved out. The labyrinth is located at 1st district, Úri u. 9, open daily from 9:30am until 7:30pm.

The Pál-Valley Cave was discovered by a goat falling into it, the son of the master miner running to its rescue, and unfolding a hallow that led to an underground gallery. The known extent of the cave is over 13 km long, spotted with magnificent stagmites and stalagtites. Entrance location: 2nd district, Szépvölgyi út 162. Open daily from 10am until 4pm, except on Mondays. Tickets: 2700 HUF/Person. Phone number: +36-20-928-4969.

The Szemlő-Hill Cave has been open to visitors for 20 years now, and almost the entire trail is accessible by wheelchair too. The cave was not formed the usual way, by water coming from above, but by thermal waters surging to the surface from below. So-called cave popcorns are in abundance, both in the usual popcorn form, and in related formations, such as calcite disks and cauliflowers. Entrance location: 2nd district, Pusztaszeri út 35. Open daily between 10am and 4pm, except on Tuesdays. Guided tours are offered at every hour.

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