Hunguest Hotel Pelion

Medicinal grotto

Medicinal Cave

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 13:00 – 17:45
• Sunday: Closed

In 1902, it was discovered that beneath the town of Tapolca, there is a cave system embedded in the Sarmatian limestone of the Balaton Uplands, with certain sections covered by water, navigable by boat. This part of the system, known as the Tapolca Lake Cave, is now a popular tourist attraction.
The section of the cave located beneath the Hunguest Hotel Pelion and the adjacent hospital, classified as a karst cave, served as an air-raid shelter during World War II. The beneficial effects of its air on respiratory diseases have long been known among the locals. Based on medical opinions and studies analyzing the cave’s air composition and its effects on the human body, a respiratory treatment area was established in 1973. Since 1982, it has operated as an officially recognized medicinal cave, unique in Europe.
The cave, situated 10–15 meters below the surface, belongs to the category of cool caves, meaning its temperature is influenced by both the surface climate and heat from the Lake Cave. The temperature remains stable both spatially and temporally, making temperature fluctuations insignificant in terms of bioclimatic effects.

Respiratory Therapy & Benefits

The cave can be used as a therapeutic treatment upon consultation with a specialist, including:

• Cave climate therapy combined with breathing exercises
• Inhalation treatments
• Massage therapy

Simply spending time in the cave can have beneficial effects due to its unique climate. Resting in its calm environment supports respiratory well-being.

• A minimum of 1.5 hours and a maximum of 3 hours per day is recommended.
• The current cave temperature is 18°C.

Air Quality & Environmental Conditions

• The cave air is completely free of outdoor pollutants:
  • no dust, exhaust gases, lead, or particulate pollution
  • no pollen, allergens, toxic, or irritant substances
• Humidity level: 95–98%, with fine natural aerosol particles containing dissolved ions:
  • Ca++: 113.2 mg/l
  • Mg++: 3.9 mg/l
• Carbon dioxide concentration: Higher than outdoor levels (1.5–2 times the atmospheric CO₂ concentration).
• Air pressure: 750 – 778 mmHg.
• No atmospheric fronts, electromagnetic, or barometric fluctuations, ensuring a calm climate.
• Minimal air movement: No noticeable wind, with air flowing at a laminar speed of 0.04–0.08 m/s.

Therapeutic Effects

• Supports respiratory health – Spending up to 3 hours per day in the cool, humid air strengthens the lungs and helps prevent respiratory infections.
• Bioclimatic benefits of higher CO₂ levels:
  • Enhances breathing depth and intensity
  • Has a muscle-relaxing effect on smooth muscles
• Mucolytic (mucus-thinning) properties – The high-humidity air:
  • Helps clear mucus
  • Assists expectorant function (phlegm expulsion)
  • The Ca++ aerosol reduces inflammation of the mucous membrane and has anti-allergic properties
• Reduces asthma symptoms – The air’s purity helps lower the frequency of asthma attacks.
• Regulates biological rhythms – The cave balances neuroendocrine (hormonal) regulation, restores autonomic nervous system tone, and strengthens immune functions.