Wonderful caves system under the city
A unique attraction in Central Europe is Tapolca’s “Spring Cave”, located in the heart of the city. Tapolca’s natural underground rarity was originally discovered in 1903, during a routine well excavation. Electric lighting was installed in 1912, and the cave was opened to its visitors. The lower halls, and part of the upper passages of this three-level cave system, were formed by karst water and submerged in 19 degrees Celsius water. There is a 300-meter section open to visitors, with a navigable length of 180 meters. The area is traversed by boat, in waters of varying depth, the lower halls having clear visible water.
The healing effects of the cave’s special climate have long been known. Relatively constant temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius, with a 90% relative humidity, and extremely clean air help with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. This is especially true in the cave branch known as the “Hospital Cave”, discovered in 1925. The total length of the “Spring Cave” is 3280 meters. It was formed by waters penetrating the cracks in the limestone. The cave was without water for a long time, due to bauxite mining at Nyirád. Once mining was stopped, the karst water levels were restored, and the cave sections reopened. The cave’s water depth averages 0.4 – 3 meters. Rest of the “Spring Cave” is submerged in water, and thus inaccessible. 73 steps lead into the cave.