22. SZELETA CAVE

The Szeleta Cave is a fossil spring cave located in the higher region of the Bükk Mts., and is the largest cave inhabited by prehistoric humans in the region.

Based on the leaf-shaped stone tools found here, the tool-making industry characteristic of other caves in the Bükk Mts. is referred to as the Szeletien culture.

According to archaeological research, the cave was inhabited for about 110,000 years during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods.

In addition to stone tools, a large number of animal remains have also been found in its lower layers. The cave sediment and vertebrate fauna indicate a humid, cool climate, where cave bears were the most common large mammals.

The Szeleta Cave is a highly protected natural treasure. It can be reached from Hámor or Lillafüred via a red-marked hiking trail and is open to the public.