Unlocking the Wonders of the Bükk Caves: The Latest Visitor Center
Szeleta Park Visitor Center Opens in the Largest Hungarian National Park
The Szeleta Park Visitor Center in Miskolc, the largest of the national parks’ ecotourism showcases, had its grand opening in December, reported Hungary is Wonderful. After more than four decades since the establishment of the Bükk National Park, the Szeleta Park Visitor Center was built with a budget of HUF 3 billion (EUR 8 million), and provides the first high-quality presentation of the Bükk region.
The Bükk National Park Directorate, initially established in 1977, celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2022. This national park has the largest number of caves among Hungarian national parks, with 1,100 out of 4,000 registered in the country.
In recent years, the Directorate has implemented 23 projects worth HUF 9.6 billion (EUR 25 million), with the Bükk Astronomical Observatory and the Harkály House investments garnering significant attention.
The Bükk Astronomical Observatory is considered the most modern astronomical visitor center in Central Europe. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn about stars and space exploration through science, experience, and interaction.
The Harkály (“Woodpecker”) House, on the other hand, seeks to provide visitors with knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Mátra Mountains through an interactive exhibition.
The Szeleta Park’s opening is expected to play a significant role in the development of the region as the starting point of the Bükk Region Geopark. The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council found the geopark suitable for the UNESCO Global Geopark title at its meeting in September, with the final decision expected in the spring, according to State Secretary for the Environment András Rácz.
The exhibit at the Szeleta Park Visitor Center includes “Secrets of the Bükk Caves – The Nature of Prehistoric Man”. The center also features interactive interfaces and 2-/3D films. Furthermore, a Stone Age Karst Adventure indoor playhouse designed for children aged 5-12 is available.
The visitor center offers various playgrounds such as the “Bikkmakk” playground and the Spider’s Web playground, adding to the family-friendly elements at the center.
The establishment of the Szeleta Park Visitor Center signifies a major milestone in the national park’s ecotourism development, providing an immersive experience of Hungary’s natural beauty and unique history.
