Kistokaj: Hejő Branches and Reformed Church

Kistokaj’s geography includes two branches of the Hejő stream in different locations: the Hejő-malom-árok runs outside the built-up area, while the second stream branch lies within the built-up area, just below the garden plots. The Reformed church was built in 1811–1812. If you choose a destination based on its local geography and architectural history, these features offer concrete points of reference when looking for a holiday apartment.

Two branches of the Hejő

The Hejő-malom-árok runs outside the built-up area; within the built-up area, the second stream branch lies just below the garden plots. For travelers who also consider waterways and precise geography when choosing a place, this distinction is a concrete feature of Kistokaj.

Late Baroque architecture and memorial plaques

Kistokaj’s Reformed church was built in 1811–1812 in the Late Baroque style. Its 24-meter-high tower stands in front of the west façade. The construction period and the 1985 renovation mark two distinct stages in the church’s history: the building’s construction and later maintenance.

The memorial plaques also commemorate different things. A plaque to the victims of the two world wars is located on the south exterior of the church tower. A memorial plaque to László Ungvárnémeti Tóth was also placed inside the Reformed church. Together with the architecture, these offer several concrete points of interest for anyone interested in local history and remembrance when planning a trip.

Nature in the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

Beyond Kistokaj, the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén offers other nature-related attractions. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek Cave Tour is one kilometer long, takes 60 minutes, and is rated easy. A nature trail connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave and introduces visitors to the area’s natural and cultural-historical values. A tour with specific details about distance and duration and a nature trail focused on natural and cultural history cater to different interests in exploration.

In the same wider destination, the Hucul herd can be viewed year-round in the pastures of Gergés-lápa. The site is around 1.5 kilometers north of Jósvafő. Since animal-keeping arrangements may change, check whether visits are possible before making plans. Another regional perspective is offered by the Lillafüred Forest Railway: its route runs from Diósgyőr via Lillafüred to Garadna. If you are considering including this connection in your plans, check the timetable before your visit.

Culture and wine in the wider destination

The cultural history of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén also offers its own highlights. Diósgyőr Castle flourished during the reign of King Louis the Great in the 14th century. Later, it served as a residence and as a wedding gift for six queens. In Sárospatak, the Reformed College preserves treasures of Hungarian Protestant culture. These examples complement Kistokaj’s local church history with other distinct historical topics in the wider destination.

The Tokaj wine region brings together landscape and viticulture: its climate, soil quality, and slope exposure are suitable for growing grapes, and the area is legally protected as a designated wine-growing region. The cellars also offer concrete insights into regional architectural culture. Beneath the park of Rákóczi Castle in Sárospatak lies a cellar complex about 2,000 meters long, with two wine-tasting rooms. In Sátoraljaújhely, the Ungvári cellar labyrinth links at least 27 cellars and covers an area of 50,000 square meters. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore weigh whether your main interests are Kistokaj’s streams and church history or whether you would like to include other aspects of the wider destination in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Mályi, Szirmabesenyő, Sajószentpéter, Varbó, Kisgyőr, Felsőzsolca, Harsány, Miskolc

Back to the wider travel overview: Miskolc.