Szomolya: Beehive Stones and Lacework
Accommodation in Szomolya
Szomolya combines a striking rocky landscape with a craft tradition passed down through generations. On the western slope of Vén-hegy in Kaptár-völgy lies a rhyolite tuff formation comprising eight larger rocks with niches and stone cones. The Szomolyai Kaptárkövek group has 117 niches, the most of any Hungarian group of beehive stones. The Szomolyai Kaptárkövek nature reserve was protected in 1960. The beehive stones give the village a distinctive natural focus; Szomolyai lace adds a cultural perspective.
Beehive Stones and Nature Trail
The Szomolya – Kaptárkő Tanösvény nature trail leads to the natural and cultural-historical highlights of the protected area. Niches, rocks and stone cones make the geological formation tangible, while the trail also offers insight into the natural and cultural history of the area. The figure of 117 niches is a notable point of comparison: no other Hungarian group of beehive stones has more. This makes Szomolya a clearly defined destination for travelers interested in landscapes and their cultural-historical context.
Lacework as a cultural side of Szomolya
Another facet of the village is Szomolyai lace. The knowledge of how to make it has been passed down from generation to generation. An exhibition of lacework is housed in the Fekete Cseresznye Művelődési ház. Visitors may also be able to watch the handicrafts being made there. Szomolya therefore offers two distinct interests side by side: rocks rich in niches and a traditional craft heritage.
When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether you want your stay to focus primarily on the beehive stones and the nature trail, or also on the lacework.
More nature and culture themes in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
In the wider travel destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, you can choose from other nature and culture themes in addition to Szomolya. The Baradla-Domica Cave System is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the caves in the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek cave tour is 1 kilometer long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. A nature trail links the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave and presents the natural and cultural-historical highlights of the area. The interests are therefore quite different: in Szomolya, the beehive stones and lacework shape the local experience, while the named attractions at Aggtelek and Jósvafő focus on the cave and the nature trail.
Another nature theme is the Hucul herd on the pastures of Gergés-lápa, around 1.5 kilometers north of Jósvafő. It can be viewed there year-round; animal husbandry may change. If this is important to your plans, it is advisable to check in advance whether a visit is possible. Diósgyőr Castle in Miskolc is part of the region’s history: it flourished 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 Zemplén Landscape Protection Area also offers a different perspective on nature in the wider travel destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén. It is part of the Zemplén Mountains and thus of the Eperjes-Tokaj mountain range, which connects to the Carpathians in the north on Slovak territory. The area’s landscape influences its plant and animal life. The regional examples appeal to different interests. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is therefore helpful to first consider whether Szomolya, with its rock formations and lacework, or another regional theme should shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Mezőkövesd, Cserépváralja, Sály, Tibolddaróc, Szentistván, Bogács, Cserépfalu, Négyes.
To the overview of the wider destination: Mezőkövesdi.
