There is a very valid reason why we have been able to land a man on the moon and send space shuttles as far as Saturn and beyond, but still have no clue about the many mysteries that lay right here beneath our own feet hidden deep in the heart of the earth. There are select places where Mother Nature herself opens up some of her mysteries and lets us in on a bit of a sneak peak. The astonishing Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst in Hungary are a portal to that rare world.

An amazing collection of 712 caves have been clubbed by UNESCO as part of the cluster of protected caves dubbed Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. The unique climate of the karstic system allows these caves to present spectacular variety which spans from the tropical to the glacial. The 7 different cave structures include the caves of Baradla and Domica complex, Gombasek Cave, Silica Ice Cave, Dobsinska Ice Cave, Ochtinská Aragonite Cave and Jasovská Cave.

Baradla-Domica Cave complex is the longest among the collection of caves with a length of 21 km and offers a wonderful journey into the depths of the planet. The awesome tour of the Domica Cave is just 1700 meters long and with its intricate patterns and amazing twists, it will feel much longer and tougher than that. Found on the Slovak-Hungary border, the cave is home to the Bukk Culture and holds great archeological significance, as well.

The Gombasek Cave is famous for its constant temperature of 9° C and is known for its impeccable and unmatched natural splendor. Just the fact that it is called the ‘Fairy tale Cave’ shows the awesome delights of this hidden magical land.

But the one cave you must not miss, on your trip, is the spectacular ice cave of Dobsinska. With a temperature that never goes above -1° C throughout the year, 1,483m of the Dobsinska Ice Cave is open to the public between May and September. The intricate ice patterns, the stunning spectacle of ice, and the impeccable decoration make it a visual treat.

Known for its astonishing Aragonite formations and dazzling shine in the dark depths, the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is truly a miniature Milky Way in the heart of the planet. The 300m trip might be short in length but it’s a magic journey with its starfish-like formations.

This is another spot that you cannot afford to miss. The Jasovská Cave - the oldest of the seven to be on public view and holds great interests for students of human evolution and archeology.

The Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are unique, breathtaking, rare, visually all encompassing and historically significant. While most of these caves have been known unofficially for centuries in Europe, their full grandeur and their varied formations hidden inside have started to show in the early 20th century. A trip to this fairyland will surely host a celestial show just for you.

Images courtesy of Wikipedia and Unesco

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