Northern Hungary, Hungary

This is probably the most romantic region of the country with the highest mountains It has several thousand caves, castles, castle ruins, crystal-clear springs, gurgling streams and deer in the forests. Small villages, preserving their own traditions with tiny churches and centuries old wine cellars, lie hidden among the mountains. Its Baroque cities recapture the flavour of past times with their unaltered streets and architectural masterpieces.

Those who would like to visit this part of the country will learn much about Hungarian history and art also. There are several cities which can provide you with a time travel, for instance Eger, Diósgyőr, Sárospatak and Tokaj. Their castles witnessed great fights and historical events; their churches can still enchant visitors; their universities are still both famous and significant. In the inner city pedestrian precincts covered with flowers, cooling fountains, patios and street musicians make for a very intimate atmosphere.

Tournaments, ceremonies of the changing of the guard and traditional dances are often held in the castles. Several other cultural events and concerts can also be found here.

The wine-growing regions of Eger and Tokaj are world-famous, mostly because of the Egri bikavér and the Tokaji aszú. There are plenty of possibilities to try all the different wines, since cellars and vineyards offer their own products, where you can even have a nice talk with the wine growers. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to attend the highly popular wine festivals.

A great number of thermal spas are located in this region, for example in Bükkszék, Bogács, Eger; the hot spring spa of Egerszalók or the cave spa of Miskolc-Tapolca.

Those who would like to leave civilization behind and find shelter in the heart of forests, to have a rest, or sit on a cliff and gaze into the distance are in the right place here. Immense forests, castle ruins, rocks and caves are passed by footpaths, which lead to the most beautiful places – you can either go by bicycle or walk.

For those who like to explore, without much physical exercise, canoe tours are the best choice in the romantic and magnificent setting of the rivers Tisza, Bodrog, Hernád and Sajó.