A tortuous cave system hides under the streets and houses of Tapolca, a little town not far from Balaton. The Lake Cave of Tapolca was discovered during well-digging in 1903 and opened to the public ten years later. The cave was formed in Sarmatian limestone of the mid-Miocene Subepoch 13.7 million years ago. Therefore, its rock is composed of limestone and marl layers left behind by sediments of the once-existing Sarmatian Sea.

The biggest attraction of the spring cave is boating, but it is also worth visiting the visitor center in the reception building, which can be explored during a guided tour.

The cave is 3280 meters long, but only a 180-meter section is accessible by boat. During the romantic yet adventurous boat ride, visitors row in a metal boat while admiring the illuminated parts of the cave and the unique blue water. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, but the experience will last a lifetime!

In 2015, the Cave was expanded with a modern visitor center offering a ten-room experience-packed program for adults and children alike. The rooms provide visitors an insight into the mysterious world of caves and the karst region, where you can admire paleogeographic paintings and embark on a virtual journey of discovery with the help of 3D films and stereoscopic photos.

The center also offers interactive experiences, such as a crawling cave for children or a “rock crawler” for adults. Watching photos and films can lead us on an underground expedition. Karst water, the exotic artist of nature, creates magnificent shapes out of limestone. From the karst tower of South China to the empire of dripstones, we arrive at the caves of Tapolca, a crystal world of fragile beauty. Lava tubes, ice caves, tropical palaeokarst, and many other attractions await you.

Whether it's a family program or a romantic date, visiting the spring cave offers an exciting experience in the Lake Balaton area every season.

The cave is open to visitors all year round, except on holidays and special occasions. However, it is worth buying tickets online to avoid the queue.

Address: 8300 Tapolca, Kisfaludy Sándor u. 3.