Hungary is a small country in Central Europe. It has a solid thousand-year history, rich in numerous wars and conquests.
Hungary is comfortably located on the Middle Danube Plain and occupies relatively little space and cannot boast of a variety of climatic zones.
Climate
The climate here is temperate continental, there are no sudden temperature changes.
Flora
The nature of Hungary is its main attraction. On the hills and hillocks, birches, oaks and fir trees feel comfortable, you can come across fir and chestnut trees, and you can find beech trees. Green forest cover occupies a fifth of the country.
Fossils
Some hills are rich in minerals. At the foot of some hills you can find deposits of lead, copper and manganese ore.
Fauna
Rich and diverse animal world Hungary. Nowhere else, as here, will you find so many wild boars, not to mention foxes, hares, and deer. There are also rare species of animals here. These are otters and beavers, which are reliably protected by the state.
Here in Hungary, in the miraculously preserved atmosphere of the Middle Ages, it is quiet and peaceful. Crowds of tourists flock here from all over the world to immerse themselves in this atmosphere.
The Middle Ages also reign in the capital. The capital of Hungary is Budapest. It is comfortably located on the Danube River, which once connected the cities of Pest, Buda and Obuda into a single whole, giving life to the city of Budapest. The city has very interesting story, many attractions that are enough for a separate article.
In addition to Budapest, the attractions of Hungary are the city of Miskolc, Lake Balaton, Aggtelek caves, some springs with thermal and mineral water, balneological resort Heviz, located not far from Lake Balaton.
In general, these healing springs are the most valuable asset of the country. Their visits by tourists are a source of stable income for the country’s budget. And almost every tourist who visits Hungary tries to get to its ski resorts.
Ski resorts
Recently, ski resorts in Hungary have become very popular among fans of this sport. Especially some mountain ranges enjoy their love. For example, the Matra mountain system. This is the most famous mountain ski resort Hungary. It is located just a hundred kilometers from Budapest. It is interesting that soft snow cover persists in this area for a quarter of the year (about 100 days). When real snow disappears from the mountains, it is replaced with artificial snow. It is supplied using special equipment. Therefore, the tourist flow here does not dry out all year round.
The highest mountain
As already mentioned, in Hungary you will not find high mountain peaks. In essence, its entire territory is a continuous hill. Since the country is almost all elevated above sea level by 200 meters. And yet, the most high mountain in Hungary there is one called Kekes. Translated from Hungarian it means “blueish”.
This mountain is extremely picturesque. This is why it attracts tourists who, having visited the Danube and Lake Balaton, enjoy plunging into the almost untouched nature of Mount Kekesh by civilization.
Its height is 1014 meters above sea level. Compared to the peaks of the Caucasus, the height is modest, but you can endlessly admire the magnificent landscapes that open up to the view from the top of this mountain.
It is nestled in the Mátra mountain range and has the longest ski slope in Hungary. Its length is about two kilometers. Skiing on the slopes of Kekesh is convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as its slopes are gentle, without any sudden changes. Therefore, professional skiers are not interested here (they lack adrenaline) and they prefer to use other slopes. Because of this, newcomers feel comfortable and safe here. In principle, Mount Kekesh is more of a tourist attraction than a skiing site.
How to get there
You can get to the top of the bluish mountain by car. If you don’t have a car at hand, you can take a walk. The walk starts from the town of Matrahazy, which in itself is of great interest with its miniature temples and chapel. For some, this walk may seem long and tiring, but for those who feel strong and energetic, I strongly recommend putting laziness aside and walking to the top this way. The paths leading to it surround such picturesque places that you won’t even notice how you find yourself at the top and “click” a bunch of amazing photographs.
On the top
There is a TV tower on the mountain with observation deck and a cafe. The height of the tower is 180 meters. It helps travelers not to get lost on the numerous paths on the way to the mountain peak. Which, in general, is difficult, since all the paths going towards the mountain lead to the top. The observation deck can be reached by elevator.
From the observation deck, you can see a stunningly beautiful landscape for many kilometers into the distance, which remains unchanged for several centuries. I hope you will appreciate all the beauty of the Hungarian midlands!
You will have to appreciate not only the natural beauty, but also the merits of Hungarian cuisine. The cafe will offer you hearty, spicy and aromatic dishes. Their main products are pork and red pepper.
There is also a wonderful exhibition of mini bottles with locally produced wines. And it’s not surprising, since the fertile lands of Matra have been famous for their vineyards since ancient times. Here you can try the world famous Tokai.
You can relax in this amazing meta with the whole family or alone. Everyone, both adults and children, will be able to find entertainment to their taste and capabilities. And no one will be left without souvenirs that will remind them of the trip and the beauty of Mount Kekesh. Have a good trip!
The main part of Hungary is located on the Middle Danube Plain, so its territory is mainly dominated by plains and low hills. The eastern part of this area, called Alföld, is made up of flat lowlands, and the western part, which is called Dunantul, has numerous hills rising 300 m above the ground. But there are also mountains on the territory of this country. The highest mountain in Hungary is located in the western part of the country and is popular among local population and tourists.
Mountains of Hungary
The Hungarian mountains with many limestone plateaus are located north of Lake Balaton - the largest body of water in Central Europe, which is located 1.5 hours drive from the country's capital Budapest. The western part of the Hungarian state - the Dunantl region - is occupied by numerous hills covered with coniferous and deciduous forests.
The Transdanubian part of Hungary is located in Pannonia, a historical region in Central Europe that lies between the Eastern Alps and the large local rivers Danube and Sava. The mountains here are low, approximately 400-700 m high.
The northern part of Hungary is located on the spurs of the Western Carpathians. There are several isolated mountain ranges of volcanic origin, having their own names. One of them is Matra. Eastern part This massif is occupied by mountains with a height of 500-560 m, and the western one with a height of 700-830 m. It is here that the highest mountain of the country is located.
Mount Kekesh
Kekes is the highest peak in Hungary. It reaches a height of 1014 m. Compared to many other world peaks, this is, of course, a modest height, but the mountain itself is very beautiful and picturesque. This is not a classic rocky mountain, but rather a huge hill with smooth, gentle slopes. Coniferous trees grow on them, as well as:
- birch;
- linden;
- Oak trees;
- chestnuts.
The name of the mountain means “blueish” in translation from the local language. The top has this color when viewed from a distance. Hungarian Kekes is a very popular place among Hungarians themselves and tourists visiting the country. In this regard, the mountain is second only to Lake Balaton and the Danube.
Ski slope
For vacationers on this mountain there is a ski sports complex with modern infrastructure, including:
- route with a total length of 1.8 km;
- springboard;
- lifts.
This route is the longest and safest in the country. It is safe to ski on it even for beginners and inexperienced skiers, because the slopes of the mountain are smooth and gentle, without steep drops. For the same reason, there are few professional athletes here who prefer to train in other places. Therefore, Mount Kekesh and its route are considered more of an interesting landmark of the country than an important skiing site.
The sports complex on the “bluish” mountain is open all year round. In winter, the track surface is natural, there is a lot of snow (the snow cover reaches a height of 0.4 m), and when it melts, it is replaced with artificial one, which is produced by special equipment.
On the top
Kekesh is also famous as a wonderful climatic resort, since it has the highest number of sunny days of the year. In addition to the sports complex, there is a comfortable hotel on the mountain where you can stay for several days and a 187-meter television tower, from which a circular observation deck offers a wonderful view of the foothills of Matra. From this height you can look at the mountains spread out at the foot of:
- extensive oak and beech forests;
- industrial gardens;
- huge vineyards.
There are especially many of the latter here, because this area is the second largest wine-growing region in the country. Winemaking has been practiced here for more than 1000 years.
Mountain attractions
Having visited Kekesh, you can appreciate not only the beauty of the local nature, but also the merits of the local cuisine. There is a café on the TV tower serving Hungarian National dishes, satisfying and aromatic. Spicy pork seasoned with hot red pepper is especially popular. Here, in the cafe, you can taste the world-famous local Tokaji wines. Their high quality is ensured by a successful combination of a whole range of conditions:
- mild mountain climate;
- long warm and humid autumn;
- volcanic soils;
- unique local varieties of light grapes;
- original methods of making and storing finished wine.
You can relax in this amazing place either alone or with the whole family. Both adults and children will always find entertainment here, depending on their desires and capabilities. And as a keepsake of your visit to Mount Kekesh, there will be small souvenirs that can be purchased right there. They will remind you of an exciting trip and the unforgettable beauty of this mountain and the area located next to it.
How to get there
Get to the very high peak Hungary can be from Budapest to public transport, rented or own car. The easiest and cheapest way to get to the mountain is by bus, which departs three times a day from the capital's Nepliget station. Travel time is about 2 hours.
You can get to the “blue” mountain by taxi or your own car. In this case, you can get to the place faster, but it will cost more. You can climb the gentle mountain directly by car along the highway or on foot along numerous almost straight paths that lead from its foot to the very top. Walking route originates from the small picturesque town of Matrahazy, located at the western foot of the mountain. This settlement is interesting in itself with its tiny medieval and more modern temples and chapels.
The walk to the top of Kekesh takes approximately 3/4 of an hour and may seem long and exhausting, especially to unprepared people, but it is worth taking to admire the surrounding beauty. The paths leading to the top pass among picturesque coniferous trees, so it is better to take a camera with you on your trip to capture the most interesting moments.
Hungary is a small country in Central Europe. It has a solid thousand-year history, rich in numerous wars and conquests.
Hungary is comfortably located on the Middle Danube Plain and occupies relatively little space and cannot boast of a variety of climatic zones.
Climate
The climate here is temperate continental, there are no sudden temperature changes.
Flora
The nature of Hungary is its main attraction. On the hills and hillocks, birches, oaks and fir trees feel comfortable, you can come across fir and chestnut trees, and you can find beech trees. Green forest cover occupies a fifth of the country.
Fossils
Some hills are rich in minerals. At the foot of some hills you can find deposits of lead, copper and manganese ore.
Fauna
The fauna of Hungary is rich and diverse. Nowhere else, as here, will you find so many wild boars, not to mention foxes, hares, and deer. There are also rare species of animals here. These are otters and beavers, which are reliably protected by the state.
Here in Hungary, in the miraculously preserved atmosphere of the Middle Ages, it is quiet and peaceful. Crowds of tourists flock here from all over the world to immerse themselves in this atmosphere.
The Middle Ages also reign in the capital. The capital of Hungary is Budapest. It is comfortably located on the Danube River, which once connected the cities of Pest, Buda and Obuda into a single whole, giving life to the city of Budapest. The city has a very interesting history, many attractions that would be enough for a separate article.
In addition to Budapest, the city of Miskolc, Lake Balaton, Aggtelek caves, some springs with thermal and mineral water, and the balneological resort of Heviz, located not far from Lake Balaton, are considered the attractions of Hungary.
In general, these healing springs are the most valuable asset of the country. Their visits by tourists are a source of stable income for the country’s budget. And almost every tourist who visits Hungary tries to get to its ski resorts.
Ski resorts
Recently, ski resorts in Hungary have become very popular among fans of this sport. Especially some mountain ranges enjoy their love. For example, the Matra mountain system. This is the most famous ski resort Hungary. It is located just a hundred kilometers from Budapest. It is interesting that soft snow cover persists in this area for a quarter of the year (about 100 days). When real snow disappears from the mountains, it is replaced with artificial snow. It is supplied using special equipment. Therefore, the tourist flow here does not dry out all year round.
The highest mountain
As already mentioned, you will not find high mountain peaks in Hungary. In essence, its entire territory is a continuous hill. Since the country is almost all elevated above sea level by 200 meters. And yet, the highest mountain in Hungary is called Kekes. Translated from Hungarian it means “blueish”.
This mountain is extremely picturesque. This is why it attracts tourists who, having visited the Danube and Lake Balaton, enjoy plunging into the almost untouched nature of Mount Kekesh by civilization.
Its height is 1014 meters above sea level. Compared to the peaks of the Caucasus, the height is modest, but you can endlessly admire the magnificent landscapes that open up to the view from the top of this mountain.
It is nestled in the Mátra mountain range and has the longest ski slope in Hungary. Its length is about two kilometers. Skiing on the slopes of Kekesh is convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as its slopes are gentle, without any sudden changes. Therefore, professional skiers are not interested here (they lack adrenaline) and they prefer to use other slopes. Because of this, newcomers feel comfortable and safe here. In principle, Mount Kekesh is more of a tourist attraction than a skiing site.
How to get there
You can get to the top of the bluish mountain by car. If you don’t have a car at hand, you can take a walk. The walk starts from the town of Matrahazy, which in itself is of great interest with its miniature temples and chapel. For some, this walk may seem long and tiring, but for those who feel strong and energetic, I strongly recommend putting laziness aside and walking to the top this way. The paths leading to it surround such picturesque places that you won’t even notice how you find yourself at the top and “click” a bunch of amazing photographs.
On the top
On the mountain there is a TV tower with an observation deck and a cafe. The height of the tower is 180 meters. It helps travelers not to get lost on the numerous paths on the way to the mountain peak. Which, in general, is difficult, since all the paths going towards the mountain lead to the top. The observation deck can be reached by elevator.
From the observation deck, you can see a stunningly beautiful landscape for many kilometers into the distance, which remains unchanged for several centuries. I hope you will appreciate all the beauty of the Hungarian midlands!
You will have to appreciate not only the natural beauty, but also the merits of Hungarian cuisine. The cafe will offer you hearty, spicy and aromatic dishes. Their main products are pork and red pepper.
There is also a wonderful exhibition of mini bottles with locally produced wines. And it’s not surprising, since the fertile lands of Matra have been famous for their vineyards since ancient times. Here you can try the world famous Tokai.
You can relax in this amazing meta with the whole family or alone. Everyone, both adults and children, will be able to find entertainment to their taste and capabilities. And no one will be left without souvenirs that will remind them of the trip and the beauty of Mount Kekesh. Have a good trip!
The capital of Hungary is Budapest.
Why do tourists love the country?
Apart from Budapest, the main tourist attractions of the country are the city of Miskolc, Lake Balaton, Aggtelek caves and several springs with thermal and mineral water. This also includes the balneological resort of Heviz, located near Lake Balaton. In general, the healing springs of Hungary are considered the most valuable asset and bring a stable income from visiting tourists.
Ski resorts
Ski resorts in Hungary have recently begun to gain popularity among connoisseurs of this sport. Several Hungarian mountain ranges are especially popular among ski tourists.
The most famous ski resort in Hungary is considered to be the Matra mountain system, located one hundred kilometers from the capital. This area is famous for its long-lasting snow cover (up to 100 days). At a time when real snow leaves the mountain range, it is replaced by artificial snow, which is supplied by specialized cannons. The tourist influx here does not decrease year-round.
What is the highest mountain in Hungary?
The country does not have high mountain peaks, although almost all of it is located 200 m above sea level. It can be considered that almost its entire territory is a hill.
The highest mountain in Hungary is the peak of Kekes. It is part of the Matra mountain range and has the longest ski slope in Hungary. Its length is about two kilometers, but skiing from the slopes of Kekesh is more to the liking of inexperienced and novice skiers.
The highest mountain in Hungary, whose height is 1014 meters above sea level, is famous for its magnificent scenery, the snow cover is quite soft and the slopes are gentle, without drops. Accordingly, professional skiers who prefer more adrenaline visit other slopes.
Nature is one of the main attractions of the country. Flora and fauna
In general, Mount Kekesh belongs more to the class of attractions than to skiing. The name of the highest mountain in Hungary means “blueish”. This mountain is unusually picturesque. This is why it attracts guests who, after the Danube and Lake Balaton, prefer to visit nature almost untouched by civilization.
The forest on the hills is represented by well-known oaks, birches and spruces. In some places you can find chestnuts and fir. By the way, forests occupy only 1/5 of the country's area. This guarantees visibility from the top for many kilometers ahead and creates an unforgettable landscape, virtually unchanged for several generations. In addition, in some of the hills of Matra, minerals are found lying at the foot in the form of copper, lead and manganese ore.
The diversity of the animal world, the lion's share of which falls on wild boars, in addition to the familiar foxes, hares and deer, includes several rare species animals. These include beavers and otters, which are protected by the state.
On the top
You can get to the top of the bluish mountain by car or on foot from the town of Matrakhazy, which itself is interesting with miniature temples and a chapel. Of course, walking is quite difficult due to its distance. However, it's worth it, as the trails leading to the summit have exceptionally beautiful surroundings, which will brighten up the walk and allow for stunning photographs.
The TV tower on the mountain, 180 meters high, with an observation deck and a cafe, will allow you to appreciate all the beauty of the middle mountains in the north-east of the country. It helps you not to get lost on the numerous paths on the way to the top. According to visitors, all paths towards the mountain lead to the top. The cafe offers guests Hungarian cuisine - hearty and aromatic. Pork is the main product for cooking. Here you can also see a delightful exhibition of miniature bottles of locally produced drinks.
From time immemorial, the black earth lands of Matra are famous for their vineyards. Tokaj is recognized as a world-famous wine here.
It is no coincidence that the highest mountain in Hungary, Kekes, is one of the country's top three tourist attractions. If you climb to its top, you can look at the surroundings from a height of almost 800 meters! But the beautiful views that open from the main peak of the Matra ridge located in northern Hungary are not the only reason to visit this place.
Kekesh is a large ski resort; the largest ski resort is located along the southern slope. ski Track in the country with a length of 1.8 kilometers and a height difference of 230 meters. And in the warm season, the roads to the top of Kekesh turn into the final section of the route of a major cycling race. There are also hiking trails for those who want to climb the mountain on foot. Kekesh is available for active rest in any season.
Height of Mount Kekesh
The mountain belongs to the Mátra range, located in the Northern Hungary region. It is located on the territory of Heves County, the capital of which is the city of Eger. The slopes are covered with beech forests, at the foot mountain system and on the lower heights there are orchards and vineyards. Agriculture became possible here thanks to the smooth transitions of heights - the slopes of the mountains are gentle.
The height of Mount Kekesh above sea level is 1014 meters, the relative height is 774 meters.
In 1985, a stone painted in the colors of the Hungarian national flag was placed on the top of the mountain. It indicates the geographical name and absolute height of the peak.
Information about the highest mountain in Hungary
The first documentary mention of the mountain is found in the Matra Conductor magazine for 1897. It is also known that in late XIX century, a tower was erected here, named after the Minister of Welfare of the People, Józef Wass. It has not survived to this day, as it was very dilapidated and was closed to the public in 1938. The building was finally destroyed during the fighting of World War II.
The first hotel appeared on the slope of Kekesh in 1933. At the same time, the first road to the peak was laid from the town of Matrakhazy. The length was 5 kilometers. The development of skiing began, but it was interrupted by the war. The first lift was built only in the middle of the century. At the same time, the existing hotel was nationalized and turned into a state sanatorium, since the local climate allowed patients with diseases of the respiratory and nervous system to improve their health.
In 1958, Kekesh was chosen to install an antenna tower. The structure lasted just over 20 years, and was replaced in 1981 by a new one. TV tower. It stands on the mountain to this day, serving not only technical but also tourist purposes. The height of the tower is 180 meters. The first 80 meters is a concrete part, above the same volume is occupied by a steel fragment, the last 20 meters is a fiberglass cylinder.
At an altitude of 45 meters in the TV tower there is a large observation deck, which can be climbed for a fee.
In summer, the site is open to tourists daily from 9:00 to 18:00, in winter - from 9:00 to 16:00. Prices can be found on the information website about holidays on Mount Kekesh. In the room next to the observation deck there is a private collection of mini-bottles, numbering more than 8 thousand copies collected from all over the world.
Entertainment
Both on Mount Kekesh itself and in other parts of the Matra ridge there are many mini-hotels. You can also stay in hotels in the towns of Gyendyes and Parad, between which Kekes is located. It faces the first city with its southern slope, and the second with its northern slope. The ski slopes are located on these slopes.
For those who are not new to skiing, the northern slope route is suitable. With a length of 600 meters, the height difference is 180 meters. The route on the southern side is flatter: it has a slightly greater elevation difference, but it is 3 times longer than the northern one. Typically the trails remain open for about 60 days a year.
On the western side of Mount Kekesh there is a road leading from the small town of Matrahazy to the summit. This path is convenient to climb either by bicycle or motorcycle, or on foot.
It is almost always sunny on Mount Kekesh. Over the course of a year, there are more than 2,000 hours of good, clear weather here, which is much higher than the national average. Moreover, most sunny days do not occur in summer, but in the first half of autumn, the second half of winter and March.
The climate is mild, in summer the temperature rises to an average of +26 °C, and in winter it does not drop below -15 °C. The atmospheric pressure at the summit is about 10% lower than the Hungarian average. There is no dust, pollen, or any impurities in the air. There is a lot of snowfall, the local record is 106 centimeters.
How to get to Mount Kekesh
Several buses depart from Gyöngyös and Budapest to the top of the mountain. You need to get off at the final stop, which is called “Kekesteto, Szanatorium”. It is reached by buses No. 1045 from Budapest and No. 3471 and 3655 from Gyöngyös.
If you want to climb to the top on foot, you can choose a bus that goes to the city of Matrahazy (for example, No. 1046, 1378, 1515, 1521, 3492 and others). Next you need to get to the northern outskirts of this settlement, since there the road leading to the top of Kekesh branches off from Highway No. 24.
You can get to the peak by your own or rented car. Coordinates to navigate to: 47.872261, 20.011168. It is worth considering that in winter the path becomes dangerous due to icing and steepness. You can also take a taxi to Matrahazy or Gyendyeş. Transportation services are provided by the following companies: Taxis Szemelyszallitas, Matra Taxi Egyesulet and others.
Video about Mount Kekesh:
