Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén: Caves, Castles and Nature

Discover caves and landscapes

The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek cave tour is 1 kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. If you are also interested in the natural and cultural history above the cave, a nature trail connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave and showcases the area's heritage. In Jósvafő, the Hucul herd can also be seen year-round in the pastures of Gergés-lápa, around 1.5 kilometres north of the village.

The Zemplén Landscape Protection Area's flora and fauna are shaped by the region's natural features. The mountains are part of the Eperjes-Tokaj range, which connects to the Carpathians to the north in Slovakia. There are also various natural attractions around Lillafüred: the nature trail introduces visitors to local historical sights and natural features, while Szent István Cave is known for its stalactite formations. Szinva Waterfall is considered the highest waterfall in Hungary. In Miskolctapolca, parkland with numerous native species forms an arboretum, which includes a boating lake with several small islands.

Cultural destinations and regional highlights

In Miskolc, the cultural scene ranges from history to the performing arts. Diósgyőr Castle flourished under King Louis the Great in the 14th century. Later, it served as a residence and as a wedding gift for six queens. Miskolc National Theatre is a performing arts complex with five stages. If you want to combine different cultural experiences on your trip, you can include these attractions alongside nature and cave experiences in your selection.

Sárospatak brings together further historical and regional facets. The Reformed College preserves treasures of Hungarian Protestant culture; the Basilica of St. Elizabeth and the House of St. Elizabeth bring the medieval world to life. Beneath the park of Rákóczi Castle lies a cellar complex around 2,000 metres long, with two rooms for wine tastings. In Sátoraljaújhely, the Ungvári cellar labyrinth connects at least 27 cellars and covers an area of 50,000 square metres. The Tokaj wine region is legally protected as a designated wine-growing area. Its climate, soil quality and slope exposure are suitable for growing grapes.

Active outings and finding the right holiday rental

For a variety of activities, Miskolc Zoo and Cultural Park has a nature trail with a 9-metre-high lookout tower and a 32-metre-long suspension bridge. In Sárospatak, Végardó Spa has thermal pools and a sauna complex. In Jósvafő, visitors can go horseback riding at the Kúria Lovasbázis grounds. The Majál tours starting from Majális Park range from easy half-hour walks to half-marathon distances. Organised water tours are offered on the Bodrog and in the Bodrogzug within the wider travel region; the Zemplén Festival includes concerts in churches and castles. The Lillafüred Forest Railway runs from Diósgyőr via Lillafüred to Garadna.

These experiences are linked to specific places such as Jósvafő, Miskolc, Sárospatak and Sátoraljaújhely. So, when looking for a holiday rental, first decide which places will be the deciding factor for your trip.

Discover subregions

For further orientation within the destination: Mezőkövesd, Edelény, Berettyóújfalu, Mezőcsát, Szikszó, Abaúj–hegyköz, Miskolc, Szerencs, Kazincbarcika, Sátoraljaújhely, Tiszaújváros, Sárospatak, Tokaj, Ózd, Encs, Bodrogköz, Bánhorváti and Berente.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Hungary.