National Park

We will to hike to North-Hungary.

The Aggtelek National Park lies in the Gömör-Torna Karst region, an area rich in unique natural and cultural assets, 50 km northwest from county seat Miskolc, near the Slovakian border. It is the first Hungarian national park to be dedicated to the protection of abiotic values, superficial land formations and caves. The subterranean natural treasures, namely the caves of the Aggtelek Karst and the Slovak Karst were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.

The primary task of the National Park is to explore, protect and preserve the natural and cultural assets, and also to develop ecotourism.
One of the most endearing treasures of the National Park is the Baradla Cave, which is the biggest and the most magnificent cave in Hungary. Excavations in and around the cave have proved that it has been a shelter to man for more than 7 000 years. Recently we have opened some other unique caves to visitors, for example, the Imre Vass Cave, the Béke Cave and the Rákóczi Cave.

Baradla Cave is the most significant and the most spectacular cave not only in the region, but also in Hungary. As all the caves in the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst, the Baradla was also entitled to a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. Baradla Cave is the longest cave in Hungary. Its total length, considering also its Slovakian part, is 25,8 km. Its Slovakian part is called Domica, its length is 5,3 km. Its natural entrances situated next to Aggtelek have been known and used by humans for several thousands of years. The main passage is nearly 7 km long, it can be found between Aggtelek and Jósvafő. Its average width is 10 m, height is 7-8 m forming huge underground halls at some places.

The first record of the cave was published in Basel in 1549. The first map of the Baradla cave was printed in 1831 in Hungarian and German, a result of Imre Vass’ research. The first major construction project was carried out in 1806 when Palatine Joseph visited the cave. The number of visitors increased with the opening of a new artificial entrance at the so-called Vörös-tó (Red Pond). Further attempts to enhance tourism were initiated in the 1920s when the Jósvafõ exit and the interior walkways were completed. The most impressive change occurred when the electrical system was installed in 1935 and the visited sections were illuminated.