While there’s plenty to see on street level in Hungary’s capital city, some of its most fascinating sights are to be found underground. Beneath the pavements there exists a network of more than 200 thermal caves that supply the thermal springs of its world famous spas. No wonder then that the city is a mecca for cavers looking to explore one of the world’s most fascinating subterranean landscapes. There are plenty of guided tours that will take you deep into the earth if that’s what you want to do but don’t be put off if you don’t fancy the full hard-hat-and-head-torch experience. There are plenty of other ways to experience caves besides.
The Hospital in The Rock.
Located in caverns below the magnificent Buda Castle, which looks over the city from Varhegy Hill, is this hospital-turned-Soviet nuclear bunker-turned tourist attraction. A hospital was first established in the caves during WWII and was repurposed as a nuclear bunker in the late 1950s in response to the Cold War. Classified until 2002 it opened to the public in 2008 and has been one of the city’s most fascinating visitor attractions ever since.
Gellert Hill Cave.
The hermit that once inhabited this cave within Gellert Hill is long gone but the church that was later created is open to the public – and it’s well worth a visit. Inspired by the Maria cave in Lourdes, France, the Gellert Hill Cave Church was established by Pauline monks but was closed by the Communist regime before reopening in 1989. Its treasures include a Black Madonna, held to be miraculous and a popular feature in Pauline churches.
Szemlo-hegvi Cave.
Can flowers grow underground? Kind of. Known as Budapest’s Underground Flower Garden due to the fantastical colour and shape of the rock formations here, this cave under Pusztaszeri Street is one of the most accessible in the city. Join a guided 40-minute walking tour to learn more and make sure you take deep breaths while you’re in there – the aspetic air, which remains at 15 degrees at all times, has led to the cave being used regularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions.
Before you can go underground, you’ll need to travel overground. Pick up a hire car when you land at Budapest Airport for the easiest access to everything the city has to offer.