Hejce: Late Baroque, Remembrance and Cycling Routes

Church, Bell Tower and Remembrance

The Reformed church in Hejce was built in the late Baroque style in 1789. About 20 metres away stands a stone bell tower dating from 1791. The two buildings are close to one another and were built in successive years. In 2007, a memorial to the victims of the 2006 Slovak plane crash was unveiled in the centre of Hejce. The town’s history thus brings together buildings from the late 18th century and a memorial site commemorating an event in the 21st century.

Those interested in architecture will find a specific example of late Baroque design in the church. The nearby bell tower adds a separate stone structure to this focus. The memorial marks a different point in history: it commemorates the victims of the plane crash and was unveiled in the centre of the town.

Cycling and Hiking Routes in the Area

A published 32-kilometre cycling loop runs from Gönc via Dobogó-nyereg, Borsó-hegy and Fehér-kút to Hejce, then returns to Gönc. Hejce is therefore part of the described route. The total length of the loop and its return to Gönc are useful reference points when planning. Check the current condition of the route before setting out.

Near Hejce, a detour on the Secrets of Borsó and Gergely-hegy hiking route follows a gently ascending path through pine and beech forest to Sólyom-kő and Borsó-hegy, then continues towards Gergely-hegy. The cycling route is described as a 32-kilometre loop; the hiking route focuses on the trail section, the forest and the destinations mentioned. This allows you to consider two different types of activity.

Travelling by bus is another factor to consider when planning. The described bus journey to Hejce from the railway stations at Hidasnémeti or Novajidrány is considered very infrequent and difficult. The route names “Hejce, town hall” as the stop. Check current transport information before travelling, as stops and services may change.

In the Wider Destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

Looking beyond Hejce to the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén reveals other cultural and natural attractions. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek Cave Tour is 1 kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. This makes it possible to compare different activities within the wider destination: a short cave tour and the 32-kilometre cycling loop.

The region’s cultural history also extends beyond Hejce. Diósgyőr Castle in Miskolc reached its heyday during the reign of King Louis the Great in the 14th century and later served as a residence and wedding gift for six queens. The Reformed College in Sárospatak preserves treasures of Hungarian Protestant culture. Together, these examples illustrate different historical highlights in the wider destination.

For nature lovers, the Zemplén Landscape Protection Area is another regional point of interest. It is part of the Zemplén Mountains, whose landscape influences the area’s flora and fauna. To the north, the mountain range connects with the Carpathians in Slovakia. In the Tokaj wine region, the climate, soil quality and slope aspect are suitable for growing grapes; the area is legally protected as a designated wine-growing region.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide whether you want to focus on Hejce’s architectural history, memorial site and the cycling loop mentioned here, or whether you are more interested in the wider region’s caves, castle and wine region. If travelling by bus, take current services into account. This lets you choose a destination that suits your interests without treating the different activities and places as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Abaújvár, Telkibánya, Arka, Fony, Gönc, Regéc, Abaújszántó, Hernádszurdok.

View the wider travel overview: Abaúj–hegyközi.