When we go hiking, we usually look at the mountain peaks, the views, or the quiet forest paths around us. But beneath our feet lies another, truly special world: a hidden network of underground passages and caves that has preserved Hungary’s natural treasures for thousands of years.
A major nature conservation project was launched in the Duna-Ipoly National Park to protect these caves and underground habitats.
The project covered nineteen caves and five artificial cavities in the Gerecse, Pilis, Vértes, Visegrád Mountains and Bakony areas. Its aim was to protect the geological and natural values of these unique sites in the long term, while also restoring areas that had previously been damaged.
Bats played a particularly important role in the programme. Several protected and highly valuable bat species live in the region, and caves provide them with essential places to hibernate and breed. However, these underground habitats are fragile. Unauthorised entry can damage cave formations and disturb the animals living inside.
To prevent this, safe, bat-friendly closures were installed at several locations. These keep people from entering without permission, while still allowing bats to fly in and out freely. As a result, the caves can continue to serve as safe and undisturbed habitats for these important species.
The project also made the work of experts safer and easier. New ladders, step irons, ropes and other safety elements were installed, helping specialists regularly inspect the caves, assess their condition and monitor bat populations, while disturbing the natural environment as little as possible.
Education and awareness-raising were also important parts of the programme. A new educational trail was created at the Dunaalmás quarries, where visitors can see rare exposed geological layers and a historically significant Roman road, one of the longest surviving sections of its kind in Hungary.
In the Vértes Landscape Protection Area, several new information boards now help visitors learn more about the area’s natural values. The project also included plans for interactive elements presenting cave and geological features, as well as a special cave-themed game. These tools help visitors not only discover these places, but also understand why they need to be protected.
Great care was taken throughout the works to minimise the impact on nature. The choice of materials, the designation of work areas and the way the works were carried out were all guided by the protection of the natural environment.
Although the world of caves is hidden from view, it holds values that are part of our shared natural heritage. This EU-funded project has helped protect that special world beneath our feet, so it can be preserved for future generations.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project KEHOP-4.1.0-15-2016-00009 under the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
