The famous Miskolctapolca Barlangfürdő (or Miskolctapolca Cave Bath) has reopened after a two-year closure, following a major reconstruction costing around HUF 1.5 billion. The reopening is an important step in restoring tourism to one of Miskolc’s best-known attractions.
One of the most popular baths in the country finally reopened
The Miskolctapolca Cave Bath officially reopened on Thursday, 20 August, two years after an electrical fault caused a fire at the complex. The blaze started in the Aquatherapy section before spreading to the roof structure of the main building, destroying around 800 square metres. No one was injured. The subsequent investigation determined that an electrical malfunction had caused the fire.
The bath, which is housed partly in rare natural cave passages, is one of the region’s most distinctive tourist attractions. Around HUF 1.5 billion (approximately EUR 4,11 million) has been spent on its reconstruction and modernisation.
“A safer and more sustainable Cave Bath”
At the reopening ceremony, Miskolc Mayor József Tóth-Szántai said the reopening would partly restore the normality disrupted by the fire two years ago. “With the opening of the facility, residents and visitors are getting back a safer, more modern and sustainable Miskolctapolca Cave Bath,” the mayor said.
He described the period since the fire as a long and difficult journey and thanked everyone involved in the reconstruction for their dedication. The reopening was also welcomed as an important moment for Miskolctapolca, whose tourism industry suffered significantly during the closure.
Tourism can finally return to Miskolctapolca
András Czipa, a Tisza Party MP, said that after the fire, Miskolctapolca had become noticeably quieter. The crowds of tourists and long queues that had once characterised the area were replaced by empty streets, affecting not only the bath itself but also accommodation providers, restaurants and other local businesses. He said the reopening means that “life is returning to Miskolctapolca”.
The restoration is not yet completely finished, however. The medical treatment section of the complex is currently not operating. In the meantime, arrangements have been made to ensure that therapeutic massage and physiotherapy remain available elsewhere in Miskolc.
Czipa said professional and political discussions were already under way about the future development strategy for the Cave Bath. He stressed that the issue should not be viewed through party politics, but rather in terms of what can help Miskolc move forward.
A new beginning for a famous attraction
Czipa described the reopening as a new beginning, with the aim of creating a bath that preserves the features that made it unique and internationally famous while also allowing it to develop and attract visitors once again. The return of tourists could provide an important boost to local businesses, creating jobs and generating new revenue for the area.
The scale of the disruption caused by the fire had raised concerns about the future of Miskolctapolca as a tourist destination. Following the disaster, the city opened a dedicated bank account to receive donations towards rebuilding the Cave Bath.
The reopening therefore represents not only the return of a major attraction but also a significant step towards restoring the wider tourism economy around it.
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A packed programme celebrates the reopening
The reopening coincides with a four-day programme titled “Pezsgés Miskolctapolcán” (“Buzz in Miskolctapolca”), featuring concerts, food and community events along Babits Promenade near the entrance to the bath.
At Miskolc Airport, the “Legends in the Air” event runs from Thursday to Saturday, offering air displays, unusual aircraft, family activities and a performance by Hungarian aerobatic pilot Péter Bessenyei.
The city centre is hosting the “Shining Light Festival” on Thursday and Friday, with light installations and projections displayed on public spaces and buildings. On Saturday evening, runners will take part in the Night Run Miskolc, starting from Szent István Square, with 5 km, 10 km and half-marathon distances available.
For Miskolctapolca, however, the most significant event of the weekend is undoubtedly the return of the attraction at the heart of its tourism industry: after two difficult years, the Cave Bath is open again.
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Planning to visit? Book your Budapest bath tickets here.
