Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Budapest lies the Molnár János Cave, one of the world’s largest active thermal water cave systems. Stretching over 3.6 miles and reaching depths of nearly 300 feet, this geothermal wonder is flooded with crystal-clear water maintained at a warm 27°C (80°F) near the surface. Tucked away next to a historic bathhouse in the upscale Rózsadomb neighborhood, the cave’s entrance is discreet, marked only by a mural of a diver and an unassuming doorway. Accessible exclusively to certified cave divers, the cave offers a rare opportunity to explore a submerged labyrinth formed over millennia by mineral-rich thermal springs dissolving limestone and karst rock.
The cave’s environment is both breathtaking and fragile, characterized by spacious chambers, gentle currents, and stunning geological features. Divers navigate using guidelines to avoid disturbing the silt, which can instantly reduce visibility. The walls are adorned with mineral streaks, crystals, and fossils from the ancient Pannonian Sea, while nearly transparent shrimp dart through the beams of headlamps. Unlike typical cold-water caves, Molnár János provides a uniquely warm and immersive experience, though it demands rigorous training and respect for its pristine ecosystem. The cave remains partially unexplored, with volunteer teams regularly mapping new passages and monitoring water quality for pollutants.
For adventure seekers, guided dives are available through MJ Cave, offering both introductory routes and deeper explorations requiring decompression stops. The cave’s thermal waters even feed the nearby Lukács Baths, linking Budapest’s famous spa culture to this hidden underground realm. With equipment rentals and reserved morning dives, accessing this otherworldly destination is streamlined for trained divers. Molnár János stands as a testament to Budapest’s geothermal heritage, blending natural history, scientific inquiry, and extreme adventure in a truly unique setting.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/18/travel/budapest-diving-molnar-janos-cave.