The highest mountain in Hungary, history, attractions, ski resort. The highest mountain in Hungary Mountains in Hungary and their height

Hungary is an amazingly beautiful country with its own special history, incomparable architectural monuments and indescribable natural beauty. The most famous natural attraction is the highest mountain in Hungary, Kekes, located in the northern part of the state and belonging to the Matra mountain system.

The name of the highest mountain in Hungary comes from its bluish tint, visible from the side, the word "kek" is translated from Hungarian as "blue", according to this, the name of the mountain, "Kekes" can be translated as "bluish".

Directly on the mountain there is a television tower, from the observation deck of which an unusually beautiful all-round panorama of the highlands opens, and if the day turns out to be cold, you can always hide in a cozy cafe inside the same tower.

The thickness of the snow cover covering Kekesh reaches 40 cm, and from a distance, framed by floating white clouds, the mountain seems iridescent and luminescent. It is known that Kekes is the highest mountain in Hungary and its height of 1015 meters, although it is not among the ten highest mountains in the world, nevertheless, almost every day a large number of tourists begin their climb to the top. As a starting point, it is recommended to consider the small town of Matrahaza, from where it is most convenient to get to the mountain by any vehicle.

The climate in this part of Matra is quite mild throughout the year, without sharp temperature changes, and long sunny days make this area most suitable for a warm summer holiday. Even in late autumn - early winter, when at the foot of the mountains, in cities and villages it is already dank and foggy, on the top of Kekesh it is still quite warm due to the warming gentle sun.

On the mountain itself there is a lot of entertainment: ski slopes, all kinds of excursions, a restaurant serving Hungarian cuisine, playgrounds for children, etc. All people who have visited the mountain note the beauty of nature on the slopes: here you can see birches, spruce, fir, oak and chestnut trees, beech is a little less common, and in some places, at the foot, there are minerals: manganese, copper and lead ores.

The quiet and peaceful nature of Hungary is adjacent to a diverse world of animals: deer, hares, wild boars, foxes, etc., including such rare animals protected by the state as otters and beavers.

In addition to climbing Mount Kekes, in Hungary it will be very interesting for tourists to see other natural attractions, such as thermal springs, lakes, the Danube, etc.

One of the most famous of the Hungarian lakes is Balaton, so blue and clear that on a clear day it can easily be confused with the sea, if you do not pay attention to the fact that the water there is not salty. Balaton is located in close proximity to Budapest and is the largest European lake. Previously, it was open only to rich people, but nowadays anyone can stay here. Another one of the largest lakes in Europe, the thermal Heviz lake, is located right on the site of a former volcano, which now heats the water and makes it possible to swim in the lake even in the cold season. Heviz is considered a quiet health resort, but many people come here on the way from Budapest or Vienna just to take a little break from the hustle and bustle and admire the extraordinary nature.

Almost the entire territory of the country is located in the Danube River basin, only within Budapest itself on the banks of the river there are seven islands: Csepel, Hayodyari Sziget, Molnar Sziget, Nepsiget, Haros Sziget, Palotai and the most famous and popular - Margaret.

The Danube Bend, located just 13 km from the country's capital, is a favorite place to visit for both tourists and locals. It offers extraordinary picturesque views of the surrounding nature with green fields stretching into the distance and the soft contours of the hills; in addition, many beautiful towns are scattered along the banks of the river, among which Esztergom especially stands out. This is a small but historically significant city: for many years it was the capital of the state and here, in Esztergom, the legendary King Stephen the Saint was born.

The Hungarian city of Tokaj is interesting to visit. It is the center of the large wine-growing region Tokaj-Hegyalja, where the famous variety of white wine or “liquid gold”, as it is often called, is produced. This place has been attracting true connoisseurs and gourmets for many years, and Hungarians are rightfully proud of this unique place and the vineyards located in it.

Hungary, and especially its nature, is also famous for its national parks, the most famous of which are Hortobágy and the Balaonian Upland Park. Hortobágy is the largest state reserve, where you can enjoy the view of endless steppes, various lakes and oak groves, see untouched nature and the birds and animals living in it. Another national park - the Balaton Upland - is located in a mountainous area (which explains its name), which allows you to see caves and several extinct volcanoes; in addition, there are certain species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book and on the verge of extinction - that is why the territory of the park strictly guarded.

The nature of Hungary is unusual in its beauty and diversity, its sights fascinate at first sight: mountains, islands, resorts, parks - all these are real national treasures of the country. In general, this state is suitable for both active recreation and quiet contemplative tourism and health promotion; extraordinary views can forever leave a mark on the minds of any person.

Most of the territory of Hungary is located on the Middle Danube Plain and is predominantly flat in nature. The eastern part of the plain (Alföld) has a flat, low-lying topography, while the western part (Dunantul) is dissected by numerous hills up to 300 meters high.

In the north-west of the country there is the Kishalföld lowland, bounded on the west by the foothills of the Alps, with an altitude of 500-800m. In the north of Hungary there are spurs of the Western Carpathians up to 1000 m high. They are dissected by wide river valleys and represent isolated volcanic massifs and limestone plateaus.

Mount Kekes (1014 m) is the highest peak in Hungary, located in the Mátra massif northeast of the Hungarian capital Budapest.
The mountain got its name because of its color; in the Hungarian language the word “kek” means “blue”, and Kekesh means “bluish”.

Mount Kekesh on the map

How to get to Mount Kekesh

In order to get to Kekes you need to either rent a car in Budapest or use public transport.
Moreover, by car you can get almost to the top of the mountain.

A direct bus on route No. 1045 departs from the Nepliget bus station (Budapest) and runs daily 3 times a day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 55 minutes. Distance 98.4 km.

On weekdays, the bus from Budapest leaves at X6:45, 8:45, 14:15 and back to Budapest at X9:45, 12:45, 17:05.

Bus number 1045 stops in the nearest town of Gyöngyös (Gyöngyös).

You can get to the top of the bluish mountain by car or on foot from the town of Matrahazy.

Bus schedule Budapest - Gyöngyös - Matrahazy - Kékestető.

Kekesh Mountains photo

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 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 in 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

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

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!

(Mátra) are located in northern Hungary. They extend from east to west for 40-50 km, from north to south – 15-22 km. 70-80% of the mountains are covered with oak and beech forests. The Matra Mountains are rich in fauna diversity, including rare and protected species of animals.

Matra Mountains on the map

Matra is the third most popular place among tourists. It is from here that the longest ski slope begins (1.8 km).

In 1978, a track was built here, on which the Tour de Hongrie cycling tournament is held annually in August, and since 2004, competitions for amateurs have been held.

Resorts in the Matra mountains

There are also several resorts in the Mátra Mountains: Mátraháza, Mátrafüred and Parádsasvár.

The first resorts on Matrafured were opened in the 1920s. The main attractions are the church built in 1767, the Bene House (Bene-ház) - one of the oldest houses in Hungary, which housed an inn in the 1700s, the Palócmúzeum (Palócmúzeum) and the observation tower (Kozmáry-kilátó). And if you like extreme sports, then I advise you to visit the Oxygen adrenalin park. On the territory of 19 hectares there are many attractions that increase adrenaline: a suspension bridge, a giant swing, a bobsled, a climbing wall, and there is also a playground for the little ones.

Suspension bridge at Oxygen adrenalin park

Lake Shashto(Sástó) is the highest lake in Hungary. There is a 50-meter observation tower, which was previously used for oil drilling in the city of Szeged.

Gayateto(Galyatető) the second highest peak, 964 meters. In winter, ski slopes are open here.

Matrassentimre(Mátraszentimre) is the highest Hungarian village, located at an altitude of 750 - 835 meters above sea level.

Parade(Parád) is one of the oldest resorts in Hungary, here you can find 200-year-old houses - monuments of folk wood carving.

Settlement Paradshashwar(Parádsasvár) is famous for its healing water and talented artisans who have been making glass art since the mid-18th century. The main attraction is Károlyi-kastély Castle, built in 1827.

The highest mountain in Hungary

Mount Kekesh(Kékes) is the highest mountain in Hungary, its height is 1014 meters above sea level.

Highest mountain in Hungary

It is located in the northern part of Hungary in the Matra mountain system. Mount Kekes received its name for its bluish tint, translated from Hungarian Kék - blue color.

There is a TV tower on the mountain, built in 1958. Its height is 180 meters and the tower has a cafe and a circular observation deck. I recommend climbing it, and you will have a picturesque view of the northern midlands.

TV tower

Opening hours: from 09.00 – 18.00 in summer, from 09.00 – 16.00 in winter.

Ticket price: adults 480 Ft, children (from 3-14 years old) – 350 Ft.

View from the observation deck

Wine region of Matra

Winemaking has been practiced in this area since ancient times. Matra is home to the country's second largest wine region, covering 7.8 hectares. The first written mention of vineyards in these places dates back to 1042.

Vineyards

Traditional grape varieties for the area: "Olaszrizling", "Leányka és Muscat Ottonel", "Szürkebarát", "Sauvignon Blanc" and "Chardonnay".

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

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.

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.