This small Hungarian town has a unique underground lake system where visitors can take boat rides through illuminated limestone caves formed over millions of years.
Tapolca, a small town near Lake Balaton in western Hungary, lies above a network of underwater caves where you can row boats through limestone tunnels. In the town center, water springs feed the calm Mill Pond, while a 13th-century church overlooks the streets from Church Hill. The surrounding volcanic hills contain vineyards and hiking trails, with Mount Csobánc rising above the Balaton wine region.
Getting to Tapolca
You can reach Tapolca from Budapest by train in about 3 hours from Deli Palyaudvar station. If you're driving, the journey takes approximately 2 hours via highway (you'll need a highway vignette). The town is 14 kilometers from Lake Balaton, making it accessible for day trips from other lakeside destinations.
Underground Lake Cave System
The 3-kilometer cave system runs 15-20 meters beneath the town center. You can explore the water-filled passages by small boat, rowing past smooth limestone walls formed over millions of years. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 14-16°C and nearly 100% humidity. Workers discovered the cave in 1903 during well digging, and it opened to visitors in 1912. Book tickets in advance through Jegymester, as boats often fill up during peak season.
Mill Pond and Town Center
Spring water feeds the Mill Pond (Malom-tó) in Tapolca's old town, where water wheels once powered local grain mills. The main square has been a marketplace since medieval times, with the Holy Trinity statue from 1757 marking its center. Walk through the small courtyards around the pond to find the "Four Seasons" sculpture by László Marton. In July and August, local musicians and artists perform at the pond during Tapolca Summer.
Church Hill District
The Roman Catholic church on Church Hill dates from the 13th century. Built first in Romanesque style, builders added Gothic elements in the 14th century and reconstructed it in Baroque style in 1756 after Ottoman damage. You can walk along remaining sections of medieval castle walls and see the wolf-ditch where the castle gate once protected the town.
Wine Region and Surroundings
The volcanic soil around Tapolca influences the local wines' mineral character. You can hike to the castle ruins on Mount Csobánc for views across vineyards and Lake Balaton. Take a 15-minute train ride to Badacsony for wine cellars and lakeside walks. The basalt columns of Szent György mountain rise 415 meters above the surrounding plains, creating hiking opportunities through unusual rock formations.
School Museum
The School Museum occupies the former cantor house, displaying the Transdanubian region's largest collection of educational materials. One classroom maintains its early 20th-century setup, including original desks, blackboards, and teaching tools. You can also see the cantor teacher's living quarters and exhibits documenting local education history.
