A Hidden Gem in Hungary: Boating in the Underground Lake Cave 🚣‍♂️

I'm Biscuit 🍪, a travel blogger who has explored half of Europe and over 10 cities in Hungary, and I now call Budapest home! Three years ago, I visited a hidden gem in Hungary: a pure mint-green underground lake cave where you can go boating! You can also admire the stunning rock formations created by limestone, a world of caves formed over thousands of years. In the small town of Tapolca, not far from Lake Balaton, lies a winding underground cave. In this cave, discovered over 100 years ago and strictly protected, visitors can take a boat tour of the underground lake. The cave maintains a year-round temperature of about 18°C (it's a bit chilly). This small museum also features unique exhibitions about the wonders of the karst region and the ancient wildlife. Tapolca Spring Cave (Tapolcai-tavasbarlang) 🚞 Getting There : - Take bus 1216 from Budapest, Újbuda-központ to Tapolca, autóbusz-állomás (3 hours). - Alternatively, you can buy train tickets on the MAV website, but transfers are required, and the journey from Budapest takes about 3.5 hours. - By car, it's a 2-hour drive. ⏰ Opening Hours : - Regular: Monday to Sunday 09:30–16:00 - Summer (July 1 - August 31): 09:30–19:00 (the ticket office closes 1 hour earlier) 🎫 Admission Fees : - Adult (Felnőtt): 3700 HUF - Discounted student ticket* (Kedvezményes): 3200 HUF - Children under 3: 200 HUF - Children (3-14 years) (Gyermek): 2700 HUF - Children (15-18 years): 3200 HUF The ticket includes an audio guide in English and a one-way boat ride through the lake cave. The boat ride is about 10 minutes long, with some narrow sections where you need to duck. During the summer, I recommend buying tickets online to avoid sold-out days. In the off-season, you can usually just show up, but tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor center. In peak season, it's best to arrive early in the morning, as tickets sell out quickly! The town is small and can be explored in half a day, but it's very pleasant to wander around. The small lake in the center of Tapolca is especially beautiful in autumn, with its golden hues. I also recommend visiting Keszthely, a city on the west side of Lake Balaton, which has many beautiful attractions! Additionally, every April, Hungary has tulip farms that open to the public. You can check out my previous posts for more tips! 💐 #CloseToNature #TravelToHungary #Hungary #StudyInHungary #UndergroundLake #HungarianTravel #EuropeanTravel #EasternEuropeanTravel