Northern Hungary 

Northern Hungary's secrets

Hungary is situated in the very centre of Europe, primarily it occupies the Carpathian Basin, a flat area stretching for miles upon miles and an area rich in agriculture, but Northern Hungary is home to part of the incredible Carpathian Mountain Range which offer some of the best sights and hidden secrets in Europe . 

Northern Hungary is a beautiful green mountainous area, known as the Northen Uplands. Many hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and equestrians visit due to the varied trails on offer. The locals are friendly and superb wine and picture perfect postcard views are all on offer. Many people still do not realise how refreshing it is to step off he usual beaten track and visit these lesser well known places.

 Many vistors to Hungary combine their stay with a visit to Budapest which is home to the main airport. Budapest offers all the glamour and excitement of western Europe at a fraction of the cost, and also has beautiful architecture that is on par with Prague. However it is life in   the provinces which often captivates visitors with   a life more redolent of times past. A simpler, slower and friendlier way of life that seems as if    one has magically stepped back in time. For nature lovers this is the place to be. 

The Northern Uplands is home to the highest peak in Hungary, the 1014 metre peak can be found in the Matra Hills. The Bukk National Park is located even further North and is just as stunning, if not more so, but home to smaller peaks which average 800 metres . The Bukk National Park offers breath taking panormams from several vantage points anf you can explore easily on your own or theire are many guies vailable if you book in advance. There are also numerous caves to be found and explored, including that of the pre-historic man. Also in the Bukk is the Bukk plateau, an interesting dipped landscape, where Lippizaner folas roam freely and a 300 year old forest, 

The Bukk National park is home to the Hungarian Lippizaner (horse), up on the Plateau you will find foals roaming freely and at a village close to the Park you can visit the stud farm and museum. One stud at the farm is valued at a pricely sum of 30 million HUF. During the summer months the village of Szilvasvarad plays host to a number of international horse and carriage events. 

Another national Park can be found at Aggtelek, close to the Slovakian border. This park was the first in Hungary to protect inanimate objects (the caves), now they are a UNESCO world heritage site and rightly so as the are immense as well as amazing. it is possible to participate in several tours here of varying lentgh and ability, even caving can be arranged if pre organised. 

Horse riding is a popular sport in Hungary, it was said that Hungarians were born on horseback! Horse riding is permitted everywhere but here in the Northern Uplands it is common to ride through the valleys and hills for miles without coming upon a single road. Whilst mounted on your stead it will be easy enough to see   red stags and sometimes even wild boar. 

Walking and trekking is also popular here and the routes are usually colour coded and signed well. This part of Hungary is home to the final part ot the Blue walking trail which reaches across most of Europe. 

Cycling is popular too and again there are many events held both in the Matra and the Bukk.

If your not feeling to adventurous then not to worry, there are two wine producing towns bit extremely well known. One is Tokaji and the other Eger. Eger is a popular destination for tourists, many like to visit the castle that was written about during the Seige of Eger. Eger is also home to Europes most Northen Minaret! 

For complete indulgence why not visit one   (or all) of the areas famous thermal spa baths. Some are very simple ann untouched others have been re-developed and are now have a more luxurious feel. There is now something for everyones taste. Three worth a visit is the improved Eger Szalok, the undeground cave bathing experience at Miskolc Tapolca and the very typical Bogacs. 

Wherever you visit in Northern Hungary you will surely leave with a smile. Just beware of the local Hazi Palinka!