Hidden amongst the Buda Hills lies the Erdőhát Cave a fascinating glimpse into Budapest’s geological past. This isn’t just any cave. It’s a designated protected area part of the Danube-Ipoly National Park. Its entrance is easily accessible near a popular hiking trail. Many know it. It’s featured in tourist guides.
The Erdőhát Cave’s entrance is unique. It’s almost vertical. It’s framed by a natural iron railing. Inside the cave old descriptions suggest the entrance formed in upper Eocene bryozoan limestone. Lower down it’s in limestone. Later research points to Triassic limestone or Triassic dolomite. The spherical formations inside hint at a hydrothermal origin. The cave is an old thermal spring. It’s not sealed off. You can visit with caving equipment and a permit. Further excavation is difficult. Removing the material is hard.
The Erdőhát Cave has a rich history. Horusitzky Henrik mentioned an unexplored cave on Mátyás Hill in 1938. This was likely the Erdőhát Cave. It was later explored by Papp János and others. They had to clear a lot of household waste. The cave was explored by the Óbudai Szeszgyár Kinizsi Sports Club. They documented the cave in 1984. They created maps and studied the rock. The Erdőhát Cave’s unique calcite formations were investigated by Kraus Sándor. He discovered magnesite.
The Erdőhát Cave is relatively small. It’s only 17 meters deep. However it’s significant. It represents a distinct phase in the formation of Buda’s karst caves. The cave is one of three distinct cave systems on Mátyás Hill. It’s filled with sponge-like calcite. It contains magnesite and ankerite too. These mineral deposits confirm the presence of an ancient hot spring.
The Erdőhát Cave’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Its relatively small size belies its geological importance. The cave remains a captivating destination for those who seek to explore the hidden wonders of Budapest. This unique cave is a testament to the city’s rich geological history. It’s a worthwhile exploration for the curious traveller. Remember to respect this protected area.