Aggtelek National Park

Would you like to be enchanted by Hungary's unique nature? Then you should visit Aggtelek National Park! At this place, you escape into another world and get to know the country's impressive caves. Let yourself be amazed by this national park and explore not only the country's cities, but also these unique natural phenomena.

Aggtelek National Park: Important Facts

This national park is the fourth national park of Hungary and is considered the first place where the focus lies on preserving 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 national park covers 20,000 hectares and thus encompasses several areas, including the Putnok Hills in the southwest, the Alsó Hill in the northeast, as well as the Szalonna Mountains, the Bódva Valley, and the Rudabánya Mountains in the southeast. Of its area, approximately 5,000 hectares are classified as strictly protected land, while 230 hectares are part of the biosphere reserve.

What makes the national park special are its geological features. Among these is the predominant rock formation, which was created in the Mesozoic era (around 230 million years ago). The formation of these rocks constitutes the unique appearance of the national park, and through it, the extensive cave system was able to develop. The world-famous caves exist in Hungary only at this location, in Aggtelek National Park. Nevertheless, the area is undergoing constant change. Its current appearance is the result of processes related to the erosion of limestone.

The Caves of the National Park

The caves of Aggtelek National Park, together with the caves of the Slovak Karst, form the Baradla-Domica Cave System. This has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. In total, this extensive cave system contains over seven hundred caves, which together form a single unit.

Baradla Cave

Baradla Cave is the largest and most famous stalactite cave in Hungary. Particularly impressive are the huge halls, diverse stalactite formations, and the world's largest known stalagmite. It is accessible to visitors through several entrances and offers various guided tours.

Rákóczi Cave

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

Flora and Fauna

Due to the proximity to the Carpathians, you can discover many alpine plants in Aggtelek National Park. A special highlight is the protected plant Onosma tornensis. Animals such as deer, wild boars, wolves, and lynxes are also native here.

Underground Special Feature

Over 500 animal species live in the caves, including up to 21 bat species, representing an extraordinary diversity.

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.

The Best Time to Visit

The national park can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn are especially recommended, as the climate is mild and fewer visitors are around. In summer there are many programs, while winter offers a peaceful atmosphere in the caves.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of fun on your exploration tour of Aggtelek National Park. Don't forget to find out about Hungary's toll regulations. You can find more information about the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and get the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are available to you at any time via email.