Would you like to combine a trip to Hungary with a beautiful excursion destination? Then Bükk National Park is the perfect choice! The park, which spans over 43,000 hectares near the city of Eger, is one of the largest protected natural landscapes in the country. The name "Bükk" means "beech," as this tree species shapes the landscape of the national park.
The park offers plenty for geology and cave fans. Over 1,000 caves have already been discovered. Especially impressive is the István Cave, which stretches over 254 kilometers and is the deepest cave in the country.
In addition to the many interesting caves and limestone formations, the park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site—the Hungarian beech forests. It also provides a habitat for many rare plant species, such as the Northern Dragonhead. You can also admire mountains and stunning waterfalls in the national park. The Sebes-víz gorge valley is definitely worth a visit, as are active springs, lakes, streams, and the breathtaking view from the approximately 950 m high cliff, Tar-kő. A good starting point to explore the park is Miskolc.
The park is home to a large number of mammals, including wild boars and deer, which are widespread in the forests and easily observable. Night-active animals such as foxes also live in the park. You can observe squirrels with their agile climbing skills. Martens and wolves are also found here, along with lynxes, which are gradually returning. Beavers and otters inhabit the river regions.
Many bird species live in the park as well. These include birds of prey such as the Eurasian griffon vulture, which has been reintroduced and stands as a symbol of the park's successful conservation efforts. The rare Eurasian eagle-owl also lives in Bükk National Park, along with the kestrel and various species of woodpeckers, which you can often hear first through their characteristic drumming sounds before seeing them.
There are also many interesting reptiles and amphibians. Among the lizard species, the common lizard and the emerald lizard feel particularly at home in the park and can often be spotted on sunny days on rocks and pathways. You can also find the adder, though they are much better hidden than the lizards. With a bit of luck, you might spot a fire salamander, known for its bright yellow color. The park's waters are home to many frog species, such as the common toad and the European pond frog.
The insects are also very diverse. In addition to the large stag beetle, various butterflies are frequently seen in the summer, especially the peacock butterfly and the admiral. Over 300 different butterfly species live in the park! There are also many species of day-flying butterflies. The dragonflies lend a fantastic atmosphere to the clear streams and ponds with their acrobatic flight maneuvers and colorful bodies.
Bükk National Park places great importance on nature conservation. Over 22,000 animal species live there. In addition to protecting the flora and fauna, there are actions aimed at reintroducing endangered species, such as the Eurasian griffon vulture and the European lynx. The park also supports many research projects that study the development of ecosystems and the adaptation of animal species to climate change.
Bükk National Park is a very important habitat for many animals and plants, offering them protection from human intervention. The combination of dense forests, limestone formations, caves, and waters creates this unique and suitable environment for the many animals and plants. The park offers you the opportunity to respectfully observe the animals and plants in their natural habitat.
Bükk National Park offers numerous activities, so there's something for everyone. Outdoors, the options are especially diverse. To give you an overview, we have highlighted the most popular activities.
Hiking is excellent in Bükk National Park. Even in autumn, the hikes are worthwhile as the leaves change color, and the views look completely different compared to the summer. The over 2,000 km of hiking trails are very varied, and there are numerous routes with different levels of difficulty. The most famous hiking routes include:
There are also different challenges for cyclists. In particular, the Bükk cycling trail has already attracted many tourists. The route is relatively mild, with some hills. But for mountain bikers, there are demanding trails. For advanced mountain bikers, the Hór-völgy – Bükki Csillagda loop from Cserépfalu is a good choice, requiring very good fitness and advanced riding skills.
If you want to observe birds in their natural habitat, the park offers many opportunities. In the forests and open meadows, you can spot a variety of birds, including the Eurasian griffon vulture and the Eurasian eagle-owl.
Since the national park has many caves to explore, the guided tours available in some of them offer an exceptional experience. You can learn a lot about the geological formation and the history of the caves. This activity is of particular interest to those who are passionate about cave exploration and spelunking.
Especially popular is Lázbérci Lake, where there are various exploration options for the whole family. In addition to fishing, you can also row or pedal boat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on the water. The Hámori-tó is a small, romantic reservoir where you can also row and perhaps enjoy a lovely evening walk.
On the Tisza River and Tisza Lake, you can kayak, canoe, and windsurf. The artificially created Tisza Lake is a reservoir with an incredible size of 127 square kilometers and is one of the largest in the country.
Would you like to explore nature on horseback? Then choose one of the horseback tours offered by the park. You can ride through the forests and meadows on horseback and discover the national park in a relaxed way and from a new perspective.
Whether after a hike or just to relax and enjoy nature, there are numerous picnic spots in the park. These are often located at the most beautiful viewpoints or in secluded areas, depending on whether you prefer more lively or quieter spots. A picnic in the park allows you to unwind and feel the stress melt away. Simply put your phone aside and enjoy the view.
While skiing is not possible in the national park, for nature lovers who want to do winter sports outside of crowded ski resorts, the park still offers something. In addition to cross-country skiing, you can also go snowshoeing. Especially in the area around Kékes Mountain, you will find well-prepared trails.
Outdoor activities are abundant and offer something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife. For the curious, there is much to learn, especially in the caves.
There are several routes where you can explore the national park with your dog. It’s important to note that leash rules apply. A nice circular route with a dog is, for example, the Burg Odor Loop. This 11 km loop is near Bükkzsérc, takes about 3 hours and 18 minutes, and you will likely encounter other hikers, mountain bikers, and dogs as the route is popular and worth a visit.
Before or after visiting the national park, it’s worth visiting the surrounding regions and exploring them. The picturesque villages with traditional architecture showcase Hungarian craftsmanship and the art forms represented there.
The park offers an incredible variety of nature. You can explore countless caves, admire scenic waterfalls, view the clear waters in streams and lakes, and get to know the fantastic wildlife. As if that weren't enough for an outing, you can take part in numerous activities and either choose a relaxing one or challenge yourself. Why not try something new? Bükk National Park has plenty of options to offer.
