Aggtelek

Aggtelek is a village in northeastern Hungary, in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, close to the Slovak border. It lies within the Aggtelek National Park, a protected karst landscape renowned for its cave systems, notably the Baradla cave.

The Baradla-Domica cave system forms a continuous cave system between Hungary and Slovakia, with the Baradla Cave in Hungary and the Domica Cave in Slovakia. It is among the longest cave systems in Central Europe and features extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground rivers, and paleontological and archaeological records. The system has long attracted researchers and visitors, and large parts are accessible by guided tours.

Aggtelek National Park, established in 1985, protects the karst terrain, caves, and associated habitats. In 1995 the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, highlighting its transboundary nature and global significance for speleology, geology, and biodiversity. The park encompasses several villages, including Aggtelek, and offers scientific research, nature conservation, and education programs.

The local economy is oriented toward conservation, ecotourism, and forestry, with tourism centered on cave tours, hiking, and visitor facilities. The area supports a variety of wildlife, rare plants, and a network of caves, springs, and sinkholes. Aggtelek remains a focal point for cave tourism in Hungary and serves as a gateway to the wider Karst landscape shared with Slovakia.