Szilvásvárad and the Szalajka Valley: the places that even manage to attract international stars

The narrow-gauge railway leaves every hour from Fatelep station in the valley and runs on the steepest railway track without cogwheels in Hungary. The railway passes the Szalajka fish pond where, if you are lucky, you will see the fast trout swimming in the water. The line ends at the Gloriett glade: this is where you get off and take a short walk to the Szalajka spring. The place is an ideal spot for a picnic, but while you are here you should also try one of the mouth-watering local trout dishes. While in Szilvásvárad, visit the Stud Farm, where you can admire the Lipizzaner horses, which are under national protection. Interesting fact: the genetic value of the Hungarian stock of these horses is extremely high. Then head to Erdődy-Pallavicini Castle, whose foundation was built by Count Béla Keglevics, while the design actually constructed was made by Miklós Ybl.

The other popular holiday destination in the Bükk region is Lillafüred, a town just a few kilometres from the centre of Miskolc. Try the chair lift or test yourself in the local fun park. However, the natural and architectural treasures themselves are also worth a visit. There are some botanic rarities in the hanging garden of the Palace Hotel, a building built in a Renaissance Revival style, but the area is full of natural treasures as well. You only have to take a few steps from the hotel to reach the 20-metre Lillafüred waterfall, then – just a little further on – you will find yourself at Anna Cave, a natural limestone cave that is unique even by international standards. Make sure your time in Lillafüred includes a visit to Szent István cave where, if you are fortunate enough, you can catch a classical music concert in the cool Theatre. After a long and tiring day of sightseeing, visit the nearby trout farm to taste the freshly fried fish.

Interesting fact: some of the rooms in Szent István cave are used to treat people suffering from respiratory conditions, while the nearby villages of Mátraderecske and Parádfürdő are also popular destinations for people who suffer from certain health problems. Both places have a special healing gas bath, where the steam of the carbon dioxide fumarole (mofetta) surging up from a depth of 1,000 metres promises relief for certain medical conditions.