Abaliget Cave

The cave at Abaliget was cut by an underground stream through limestone in the western Mecsek, and about half a kilometre of it is open on a guided route that follows the watercourse past dripstone, flowstone and pools. Its scientific interest is biological: the stream holds Niphargus, a small blind and colourless crustacean adapted to permanent darkness, together with other cave-adapted invertebrates, and the cave has been studied for over a century. A therapeutic section is used for respiratory treatment in the clean, damp, constant air. A bat museum stands at the entrance, and the village has a small lake, campsite and walking trails into the hills above.

What you actually see

• The underground stream route - the watercourse the cave was cut by.
• Blind cave crustaceans - Niphargus living in permanent darkness.
• Dripstone and flowstone - the formations along the open passage.
• The bat museum at the entrance - the species using the system.

When to go

April to October for the fullest schedule; the cave is a constant twelve degrees whatever the season. Two hours. Tours run at set times with a guide. Bring a jacket.

Honest expectations

The route is level but damp and slippery. Tours are in Hungarian with limited English. The cave is modest by international standards. The village has few services beyond the campsite.

Nearby

Orfu lakes are east; Pecs lies south-east.