Hungary is not a country where you can count on climbing high mountain peaks. Almost its entire territory is hilly; many places in Hungary are elevated above sea level by about 200 meters. Despite the circumstances of the Hungarian topography, there is still a high mountain peak on the lands of the European state.
Mount Kekesh and its features
If you translate the word “kekes” from Hungarian, its meaning will be close to a shade of blue. The Hungarian Mount Kekes rises 1014 meters above sea level.
The modest height of the mountain does not prevent travelers from climbing it to use the mountain as a natural observation deck. From this mountain you can see many amazing things: beautiful sunsets and sunrises, the Middle Danube Plain, and the neighboring peaks of the Matra mountain range.
Mount Kekesh has several uses. Except observation deck, there is a small effect on the mountain mining ski resort for newbies. The slopes of Kekesh are gentle and even, so skiing there is suitable for those who want to master this science without getting injured.
At the top of the mountain there is a television tower, the height of which is 180 meters. There is also a cozy cafe with national cuisine open to visitors.
The natural attraction is included in several Hungarian travel guides. Holidays on Mount Kekes help you get to know the nature of Hungary better.
How to get to Mount Kekesh?
Begins near the town of Matrakhazy highway, leading straight to the top of the mountain. There is also a pedestrian road there. There is no route to the top of Kekesh transport connection, so you can get there by taxi, rented car or on foot.
The article talks about Hungary, briefly outlines the history of this European country, its main attractions, tells about the ski resorts, and is not forgotten in Hungary.
Brief historical background
Hungary is one of the oldest countries. Its more than thousand-year history is known for numerous battles and conquests. The country is also famous for the launch of the first European metro in 1869. Since the mid-twentieth century, due to the invasion of Soviet troops into the country in order to overthrow the German occupiers, the communist regime prevailed in it. However, in the late 90s, Hungary switched to a capitalist system and is currently a member of NATO and the EU.
The area occupied by Hungary on the Middle Danube Plain is relatively small, which does not guarantee an exceptional diversity of climatic zones. The climate here is temperate continental, without sudden temperature fluctuations. Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to Hungary to experience the special atmosphere of the Middle Ages that prevails in the capital, as well as to visit the ski resorts of this miniature country.
Budapest.
Why do tourists love the country?
The main tourist attractions of the country besides Budapest are the city of Miskolc, Lake Balaton, Aggtelek caves and several springs with thermal and mineral water. This also includes 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 especially loved by 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. We can assume that almost its entire territory is a hill.
The most 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 most high mountain in Hungary, whose altitude is 1014 meters above sea level, is famous for its magnificent landscapes, the snow cover here 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 Kekes belongs more to the class of attractions than to the name of the highest mountain in Hungary, translated as “bluish”. This mountain is unusually picturesque. This is why it attracts guests who, after the Danube, 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 of 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 photos.
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; along the southern slope there is the largest ski slope 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 made it possible for 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 y. 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 south side is flatter: it has a slightly greater elevation difference, but it is 3 times longer than the north side. 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:
5.12.2019 at 12:08 · VeraSchegoleva · 40
Top 10 highest mountains in Hungary
Hungary is a country of plains and lowlands; in principle, there are no high mountains here, but the topic is even more interesting. Compared to others, mountains less than 1 km high seem like hills, but they have an enchanting beauty. On their slopes you can find unique, dense forests and rare species plants, and due to its relatively low popularity, there are not many tourists here. Thanks to this, the highest mountains in Hungary are perfect place for a vacation, if you like that kind of vacation.
10. Zengyo, 682 m
Zengyo- the highest point in the Mecsek massif, which is located in the south of Hungary. The mountain rises (if one can say so about such a “baby”) in the southeast of the country. The main one is located at the top - these are the ruins of a modest one, built on the site of an old watchtower that belonged to the Roman Empire.
The name of the mountain literally translates as “ ringing" According to local legend, a noise that is heard from time to time in the surrounding area, is caused by hunters who went to the mountains hundreds of years ago and never returned.
In 2005, the Hungarian government abandoned a plan to build a NATO radar on the peak of the mountain, after fierce opposition to the plan from local residents and green activists who argued that the radar and construction of an adjacent road would harm strictly protected plant species, including the peony, 90% of which grows on the summit.
Forcing the government to abandon the plan was the most successful action by environmentalists in Hungary in the last ten years. Zengö's defenders included the former head of the Constitutional Court, Laszlo Szolyom, who was elected President of the Republic in 2005, despite the discontent of the ruling Hungarian Socialist Party.
9. Dobogo-ke, 700 m
Dobogo-ke is the highest peak of the Visegrad Mountains in Hungary. The mountain range is the northern neighbor of the Pili Mountains. The history of the entire region is disputed by the so-called Pilis explorers, who claim that the arrangement of the three mountains - Arpadvara, Ram-Hegi and Magashedj - is similar to the arrangement of the three stars of Orion's belt.
This peak is also a place of pilgrimage for Hungarian neo-pagans (followers of the revived Talta faith, similar to shamanism), who believe that this place is the "heart chakra" of the Earth.
8. Korish-Hegy, 711 m
Mountain Körish-Hegy in the Bakony massif consists mainly of limestone and dolomite and there are often mineral springs. On the slopes there are deciduous forests and landscape reserves Therefore, tourists who appreciate natural beauty, which has not been spoiled by human influence, regularly come here.
7. Pilis-teto, 756 m
Pilis is a mountainous region in the Transdanubian Mountains with the highest point Pilis-teto– 756 meters. This is popular tourist destination in Hungary and the direct southern neighbor of the Visegrád Mountains, based on volcanic rocks, unlike Pili. The origin of the name is not known for certain: it may come from the Slavic word pleš, meaning “ bald».
The region used to be a hunting ground for the Hungarian kings. Numerous hunting lodges have been preserved. The history of the area is disputed to this day, as Pilis researchers claim that it was the center of medieval Hungary with some historical towns and hermits of the Order of Palos.
6. Nagi – Milich, 894 m
Peak Nagi-Milich– the most high point the Tsemplen mountain range, part of the Carpathians. Steep mountain tops were often used as sites for the construction of medieval stone castles.
The highest point of the massif rises 894 meters above sea level. It is located on the border of Hungary and Slovakia. The mountains are located close to northern point countries.
5. Chovaños, 938 m
Chovanhos- a mountain in the Börzsony range of the northern Hungarian mountains. It has a height of 938 meters and covers the borders of the counties of Nograd and Pest. This area was geologically active during the Miocene era, 18-19 million years ago. In the Quaternary period, when it began volcanic activity, Chovanhos emerged. The eruptions also created bodies of water high above forests of blue beech and Austrian pine.
The mountain lies in the basin of the Ipoli River, which is a transboundary river between Slovakia and Hungary, and the middle and lower basins are located in Hungary.
Chovanhos, as part of the Börzsson mountain ranges, is located in national park Danube-Ipoli in northern Hungary: the park is one of ten Hungarian parks created to “protect forested hills as well as coastal and low-lying areas.”
The nearby Dregelipalank alder forest and Diosenu red pine forest have been described as "almost mystical" and well worth a visit. In addition, the forests are home to more than 100 protected species of birds, rabbits and deer.
4. Ishtallosh-kyo, 959 m
The main attraction Ishtallosh-kyo It is not the mountain itself, but the cave located in it, which was first explored in 1911 by Pal Roscoe. It serves as a place archaeological excavations, and some objects found in its depths are 30,000-40,000 years old, including cave bear and bison bones, tools and things. The most interesting finds are now on display in the Hungarian National Museum.
Later, the cave was studied by Ottokar Kadic and Maria Mottle, and another excavation began in 1947 by Laszlo Vertes. Latest on this moment Excavations began in 2000 under the leadership of Arpad Ringer, who once again proved that the value of the cave lies in finds related to almost 70 species of Ice Age animals.
Thanks to the cave in Mount Ishtallosh-kyo, three new species of mammals and twenty new species of birds were found. Now it has the status of a specially protected object.
3. Galya-teto, 964 m
Galya-teto is the third largest mountain in Hungary and in the Mátra mountain range (after Kekes and Hidas Berk, which we will talk about later). It is a major tourist attraction with an altitude of 964 meters.
The area officially belongs to Matraszentimre in the county of Heves, which is interesting because it is a “dacha village” and only about fifty people permanently live in it. Do you want peace and quiet, away from the noise of big cities? Then this is definitely the place for you.
2. Hidas-Berk, 971 m
Hidas-Berke is the second highest peak in Haves, and also the second highest mountain in Hungary. It is located near Parada in the already mentioned county of Heves. Hidas Berk is a volcanic mountain with steep slopes and one of the country's main tourist attractions, loved by fans of hiking and rock climbing.
1. Kekesh, 1014 m
Mountain Kekesh rises 12 kilometers northeast of Gyöngyös in the district of Heves and is part of the Matra massif. In terms of popularity among tourists visiting Hungary, it is second only to Lake Balaton and the Danube. There are several hotels and ski slopes, and at the top stands the Kekes-teto TV tower.
The name Kékes comes from the often bluish color of the mountain. In Hungarian the word "kek" means " blue", and "kekes" indirectly means " bluish».
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 that have 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 “bluish” 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 object of alpine skiing.
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 with a circular observation deck which 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 try 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.
