Bükk Region’s Caves Gain Global Fame Through Dune: Prophecy

Scene from the Dune: Prophecy

The cave dwellings of Bükkalja in northern Hungary have captivated global audiences after being featured as the Harkonnen family’s home in Dune: Prophecy, the prequel series to Dune. The show, starring Emily Watson and Shirley Henderson as Valya and Tula Harkonnen, has drawn attention to the southeastern border of Noszvaj, where these unique geological formations are located, writes Turizmus.com.

Set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune, Dune: Prophecy explores the rise of the Harkonnen sisters and the origins of the Bene Gesserit order. In the series, the cave dwellings of Noszvaj serve as the setting for the Harkonnen family’s base on the icy planet Lankiveil. Their cinematic portrayal highlights the stunning caves, known locally as “Pocem.”

In reality, the caves are part of the Gyulakeszi Rhyolite Tuff Formation (Gyulakeszi Riolittufa Formáció), a volcanic rock formation dating back 19–20 million years. These caves are integral to the Bükk Region’s rich cultural and geological heritage, designated as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark in 2024 and recognized as Hungarian Heritage since 2013.

For centuries, the people of Bükkalja carved these cave dwellings, wine cellars, and shelters into the soft tuff stone, creating a unique stone culture.

The series has brought international attention to this hidden Hungarian gem. American audiences, in particular, have been awestruck by the dramatic landscapes showcased in Dune: Prophecy. Many viewers have expressed their desire to visit Hungary and see the iconic filming location firsthand.

The use of Noszvaj’s cave dwellings in Dune: Prophecy underscores the global appeal of Hungary’s geological and cultural treasures. As interest in the series grows, the Bükk region is poised to become a new hotspot for cinematic tourism, blending natural beauty with Hollywood storytelling.