Aggtelek National Park, Hungary’s fourth national park and the first established to protect geological and karst formations, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since its founding on 1 January 1985, the park has become a cornerstone of Hungary’s natural heritage, encompassing 20,188 hectares of unique karst landscapes, caves, and biodiversity.
To mark this milestone, the park is offering year-round thematic tours, with highlights including visits to the renowned Baradla Cave and other notable karst caves. Special anniversary tours have also been organized, providing deeper insights into the park’s history and geological treasures.
The celebration will culminate in a major event on 22 May 2025, where visitors can explore the park’s history, natural assets, and conservation achievements. Adding a cultural dimension to the festivities, the park will host two concerts in its breathtaking karst landscape, symbolizing the harmony between nature and the arts.
In September, a prestigious scientific conference will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Aggtelek Karst and its caves being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experts in speleology, geology, and conservation will present the latest research, reinforcing the region’s global significance.
Aggtelek’s journey as a protected area began in 1978 with the establishment of the Aggtelek Landscape Protection Area. A year later, it was designated a biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. By 1985, it was officially declared a national park, with its headquarters situated at the visitor centre of Baradla Cave.
Over the decades, the park has expanded and evolved. In 2001, the entire Esztramos Hill area was added to its protected territory. Today, the park spans over 20,000 hectares and is celebrated for its geological features, karst formations, and unparalleled biodiversity. Its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, alongside the caves of the Slovak Karst, further solidified its international importance.
The karst region of Aggtelek is renowned for its intricate network of caves, stunning formations, and unique geological history. Formed from Triassic period rocks over 230 million years ago, these landscapes provide a window into Earth’s distant past.
The Baradla Cave, Hungary’s most famous and longest cave system, is a key attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Other remarkable caves, such as the Béke and Vass Imre caves, along with the park’s rare plant and animal species, make Aggtelek one of Hungary’s most exceptional natural treasures.
Over the past 40 years, Aggtelek National Park has become a symbol of Hungary’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. As the anniversary celebrations unfold, the park invites visitors to experience its remarkable landscapes and cultural events, highlighting the enduring harmony between nature and human creativity.
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