Renowned for its cave dwellings and therapeutic spa, Demjén is a small Hungarian village located south-west of Eger. It’s surrounded by hiking trails that access its unique “hive stones” while healing waters await in the village’s mythical-themed bathhouse.
Things to do in Demjén
One of Demjén’s most famous attractions is the Cascade Cave and Adventure, a mythical-themed spa filled with fairies and goblins. The cave is renowned for its therapeutic waters sourced from 690 metres below the earth’s surface. Rich in sulphur and fluoride, the water is fed into a series of baths where guests are invited to relax.
Hiking trails wind through the Demjéni Kaptárkő, which sprawls east of the village centre. It’s renowned for its “hive stones” carved with holes and cauldron-like depressions, although their purpose remains a mystery to this day. Artefacts from the Palaeolithic have been uncovered in the area, indicating that it has been inhabited for thousands of years.
A short drive north of Demjén is Egerszalók and the Cave Apartment, an open-air museum that offers insight into what it’s like to live in a Hungarian cave. In the mid-20th century, more than 30 cave dwellings existed in the village of Egerszalók, many of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. As you explore the dwellings, see tools and instruments used by the local farmers and craftsmen or coincide your visit with one of the summer concerts and wine tastings held here.
Getting around Demjén
Demjén is a 20-minute drive from Eger and 1.5 hours from Budapest and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Regular trains connect to the Eger railway station, from where taxis can be hired for the journey to Demjén. The centre of Demjén is small enough to explore on foot.