Geography

Caves

Szemlőhegyi cave
There are two cave complexes which can be visited without previous caving experience. These limestone caves are on the Buda side of the city and extend for some 120km. The area is soon expected to become a World Heritage site.

The first cave, Szemlőhegy, makes for a very easy tour, the path being concrete and suitable for anyone. There is a 35-minute guided tour available here – the cave is well-lit and warm clothes and decent footwear makes this walk accessible to all. The temperature is a constant 12c.

Pálvölgyi cave
The Pálvölgyi caves are a labyrinth on several levels, with many of their chambers under the residential buildings of Buda. There are two main tours offered here:

• A well-lit walk on an artificial path through the caves taking about 45 minutes. This is suitable for all.
• A more adventurous expedition taking 2.5 – 3 hours. While not requiring previous experience, this is undertaken at your own risk and will involve some climbing and wriggling through narrow passages. The tour is led by experienced, qualified guides and all equipment is provided (lamps, helmet and protective clothing – pictures below).

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: We have our own experienced, qualified guide at the caves who can offer additional routes and tours not available to the general public.

Below you can see a video of some more adventurous caving beneath the city.

Budapest Zoo

Budapest Zoo is located in the City Park. It boasts some stunning architecture – the Elephant House in particular – while the variety of animals housed here is huge. There is a beautiful Palm House, a tropical jungle of plants and trees with a number of birds and animals wandering freely. There are many features designed for children; it’s a wonderful environment to spend half a day. The zoo has a successful breeding programme and there are always plenty of young animals to be seen.

Natural History Museum

Exhibitions at the Natural History Museum feature plants, animals and minerals typical for Hungary, as well as the history of the Earth. The permanent collection of the museum includes Man and Nature in Hungary, a fin whale skeleton, Flora and Fauna of the Coral Reefs, and Treasures of the Carpathian Basin. There are many interactive displays.

Museum of Agriculture

The Hungarian Museum of Agriculture is housed in the Vajdahunyad castle, an impressive, beautiful building in the City Park. Permanent exhibitions include exhibitions on the history of wine-making, forestry, fishing and domestic animals in agriculture through to conservation.

FOR TIMINGS & COSTS SEE THE PLANNING YOUR TRIP PAGE