Budapest

http://www.budapestinfo.org/caves.html
Budapest is often referred to as the city of spas. It is not as widely known that it can be called as a
city of caves as well, because approximately 200 smaller and bigger caves can be found under the
capital. These caves were formed by the same springs that today supply the thermal baths. The
majority of the caves were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, when house buildings
and drainage construction works were carried out. Budapest has 9 strictly protected caves and
3 are open to the public.
Pálvölgyi cave
Szépvölgyi út 162.
It was discovered in 1904, during stone extraction. The speleologists found 1200 metres long
passages and beautiful stalagmit formations. It was soon opened to the public, equipped with
electric lighting in 1927. Since 1944 it is a nature protected area. There has been continous search
for new passeges and by 1980 the lenght exceeded 13 kilometres. In 2001 the connection with the
neighboroughing Mátyáshegyi cave was discovered and as a result of this today this cave-system
is the second longest in Hungary with its 18km length. For visitors guided tours are organised in
every hour. The temperature is around 8 Celsius, warm clothing is recommended. The tour lasts
about 50 minutes during which 500 metres are covered. There are ladders and steep stairs, it is
not recommended for the physically challenged and for children under 5. Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
It is also possible to visit the unbuilt, natural areas of the cave, if you are interested in a more
adventurous way of exploring the caves, please see:
Sightseeing under Budapest - caving tours in the undeveloped parts of Pál-völgyi-Mátyás-hegyi
cave system