Aggtelek Karst Caves

The Aggtelek Karst on the Slovak border holds one of the most extensive cave systems in Europe, a UNESCO underworld shared with Slovakia. Its showpiece, the Baradla cave, winds for kilometres through huge chambers hung with dripstone formations, stalactites and stalagmites, one great hall so acoustically fine that concerts are held deep underground.

What you actually see

• The Baradla cave - the great cave of huge chambers and dripstone formations.
• The concert hall - the acoustically perfect chamber used for underground concerts.
• The formations - the giant stalactites, stalagmites and columns.
• The guided tours - the short and long routes through the cave.

When to go

The warm months, when the tours run most fully; the cave is cool year-round, so bring a layer. Guided tours of varying lengths explore the system.

Honest expectations

The caves are seen only on guided tours, and it is cool and damp underground even in summer. It is remote in the north on the Slovak border, a real drive. The concerts are occasional events, so check the calendar.

Nearby

The Slovak Karst continues across the border; the wine region of Tokaj is to the east.