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Szepvolgyi System (Pál-völgy Cave)
In short
Entrance in the longest cave in Hungary – Szepvolgyi System – is located only some 3 – 4 km from the Hungarian Parliament Building. Tourists are visiting the first 450 m of this cave almost for a century but the true extent of this giant cave was discovered only in 2011.
40.8%
GPS coordinates
Name in Hungarian
Length
Depth
Map of the site
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In detail
Caves of Budapest
This by far is not the only cave in Budapest – there are known some 100 caves in this city. Budapest has interesting geology: here are located numerous thermal springs. In fact, this is one of the two capital cities in the world with hot springs – the other one is Reykjavik in Iceland.
As the heated water is flowing through the limestone (hills of Budapest are formed from this stone), the stone is dissolved and caves are forming in it. Even more – the water forms beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations which are adorning the cave.
Geology of Pál-völgy cave
Szepvolgyi System (which includes Pál-völgy cave) also has been formed by thermal waters in the Eocene limestone. Streams of warm water now have left the cave and most likely flow somewhere deeper, below the cave. Witnesses of these times are some 8 species of algae which generally grow in thermal waters and have survived in the cave up to this day.
History
Entrance in Pál-völgy cave is located in an abandoned quarry – earlier here was mined construction stone. Cave was discovered in 1904 – there is a story that it was discovered by John Bagyura, the son of the owner of the quarry who was looking for a lost sheep or goat.
Cave is beautiful, with interesting speleothems (cave formations) and it is located near the centrum of the metropolis with numerous people – potential tourists. Thus it was opened for the public in 1919. In 1927 there was installed electric lighting but later, during World War II, the cave was used as a bomb shelter. In these tragic war times, people did much damage to the cave – stalactites were broken and other cave formations damaged as well.
After the war tourist facilities have been reinstated and improved, the 450 m long tour with a guide is available up to this day. Tourists descend 42 steps down and then pass through several cave rooms with some interesting cave formations.
References
- Pálvölgyi Barlang, Show Caves. Accessed on August 18, 2016
- Breakthrough Produces Hungary’s Longest Cave System, CavingNews, December 16, 2011. Accessed in 20 August 2016.
Linked articles
Wonders of Hungary
The most beautiful and interesting landmarks in Hungary are its world-class palaces and the beautiful villages and towns with well-preserved medieval and later buildings.
Wonders of Europe
The heritage of Europe is diverse and endlessly interesting. Incomparably rich is the wealth of European historical architecture, but this part of the world has exciting natural heritage and archaeological heritage as well.
Caves
Every year there are reported exciting discoveries of new caves and discoveries of new qualities such as cave paintings in the ones known before. But there still is a feeling that our knowledge covers just a small part of all these monuments of nature.
Though, those which are known to us, offer a surprising diversity of unusual features and impressive sights.
Recommended books
Rick Steves Budapest
Following this book’s self-guided walks, you’ll explore Europe’s most underrated city. Soak with Hungarians in a thermal bath, sample paprika at the Great Market Hall, and take a romantic twilight cruise on the Danube. Wander through the opulence of Budapest’s late-19th-century Golden Age. View relics of the bygone communist era at Memento Park. For a break, head into the countryside for Habsburg palaces and Hungarian folk villages.
