Szent István Cave, Show cave in Lillafüred, Hungary
Szent István Cave is a show cave in the Bükk mountains with over 1,300 meters of underground limestone passages descending nearly 100 meters. The visitor route covers approximately 460 meters of lit passages accessible to the public.
The cave was discovered in 1900 when a dog fell into a pit, drawing attention to its existence. Scientific exploration started in 1913 and eventually led to developing the site for visitors.
The cave is named after Saint Stephen, Hungary's first king, honoring a figure central to the nation's story. This naming choice reflects how deeply the site connects to local identity and values.
The cave is open daily from April through October and requires a guide for safe passage through the routes. Sturdy footwear and a light jacket are recommended since underground temperatures remain cool year-round.
The cave is home to a rare blind beetle species just a few millimeters long that has adapted to life in complete darkness. These tiny creatures represent the specialized underground ecosystems that have evolved within the system.
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