Excavations in the mid-20th century uncovered the remains of over 30 extinct cave bear specimens.
Archaeologists discovered a rare, 30,000-year-old flute made from a bird bone at the site, which is currently housed at the Hungarian National Museum.
The cave contains a protected 'Kessler-layer' which provides a stratigraphic record of ancient human activity.
It is one of the highest-situated caves in Hungary that shows evidence of prolonged prehistoric human habitation.
The cave served as a natural shelter during the Würm glaciation period.
Istállós-kői Cave is a high-altitude prehistoric site situated within the Bükk National Park in the Bükk Mountains. It is a protected archaeological landmark renowned as a significant Paleolithic dwelling site. Excavations have revealed substantial layers of sediment containing artifacts and animal remains dating back approximately 30,000 to 40,000 years. The cave entrance, spanning about 10 meters in width and 15 meters in height, features a distinctive triangular shape. It is located at an elevation of 545 meters above sea level near the summit of Istállós-kő mountain. The site is accessible via marked hiking trails originating from the Szalajka Valley. It serves as a key site for understanding the Aurignacian culture in Central Europe.
The wide triangular mouth of the cave provides a panoramic view of the Bükk forest canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots as the path to the cave is steep and can be slippery after rain.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you intend to explore the deeper, unlit recesses of the cave entrance.
Carry sufficient water, as there are no facilities once you ascend from the Szalajka Valley.
Attempting the climb in casual footwear like flip-flops or sandals; underestimating the steep gradient of the final ascent.
Do not touch or remove geological formations or archaeological artifacts; maintain silence to respect the cave's natural acoustic environment.
