Aggtelek National Park

Would you like to be enchanted by Hungary’s unique natural landscapes? Then you should visit Aggtelek National Park! Here, you can escape into a different world and discover the country’s impressive caves. Let yourself be inspired by this national park and explore not only the cities of Hungary, but also these unique natural phenomena.

Aggtelek National Park: Key Facts

This national park is Hungary’s fourth national park and is considered the first area where the focus lies on the preservation of geological natural assets. Accordingly, protecting surface formations and the cave systems 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, the Alsó-hegy in the northeast, as well as the Szlonna Mountains, the Bódva Valley, and the Rudabánya Mountains in the southeast. Around 5,000 hectares are classified as strictly protected areas, while 230 hectares are part of the biosphere reserve.

What makes the national park special are its geological features. These include the predominantly occurring rock formations, which were formed during the Mesozoic era (around 230 million years ago). The formation of these rocks created the park’s unique appearance and enabled the development of the extensive cave system. The world-famous caves can only be found at this location in Hungary, within Aggtelek National Park. Nevertheless, the area is constantly changing. Its present appearance is the result of processes related to limestone erosion.

The Caves of the National Park

The caves of Aggtelek National Park, together with those of the Slovak Karst, form the Baradla–Domica Cave System. Since 1995, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. In total, this extensive cave system comprises more than seven hundred caves, forming a single interconnected unit.

Baradla Cave

Baradla Cave is the largest and most famous dripstone cave in Hungary. Particularly impressive are its vast chambers, diverse stalactite formations, and the largest known stalagmite in the world. The cave is accessible to visitors via several entrances and offers various guided tours.

Rákóczi Cave

Rákóczi Cave is located in Mount Esztramos and is known for its spherical limestone formations. It is under strict protection and offers visitors a truly unique natural experience.

Flora and Fauna

Due to its proximity to the Carpathians, Aggtelek National Park is home to many alpine plant species. A particular highlight is the protected plant Onosma tornensis. Animals such as deer, wild boar, wolves, and lynx also inhabit the area.

Underground Special Feature

More than 500 animal species live in the caves, including up to 21 bat species, representing an extraordinary level of biodiversity.

Lake Jósvafő

The emerald-green Lake Jósvafő was created in 1942 and blends harmoniously into the landscape of the national park. A waterfall gives the lake a particularly idyllic atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit

The national park can be visited all year round. Spring and autumn are especially recommended, as the climate is mild and there are fewer visitors. Summer offers many programs, while winter provides a calm and tranquil atmosphere inside the caves.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of enjoyment during your exploration tour of Aggtelek National Park. Please remember to inform yourself about the toll regulations in Hungary. Further information on tolls can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to optimally plan your journey and view suitable toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time via email.