Mezőkövesd Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and tips for traveling to Mezőkövesd, Hungary in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mezőkövesd

Welcome to Mezőkövesd, a charming town located in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, in the northern part of Hungary. Mezőkövesd is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning nature, delicious food and wine, and warm hospitality. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to see, do, and experience in Mezőkövesd, as well as provide you with practical information to help you plan your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Mezőkövesd

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Matyó Museum - A great place to learn about the Matyó culture, one of Hungary’s most unique and colorful folkloric traditions. The museum displays intricate embroidery, traditional costumes, and handicrafts, and shows how the Matyó people have maintained their culture through the centuries.

  2. Zsóry Thermal Spa and Bath - Enjoy a relaxing day at Zsóry Thermal Spa and Bath, which boasts natural hot springs and modern facilities. A perfect choice for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

  3. Érsekkert - A beautiful park in the heart of Mezőkövesd, surrounded by lovely gardens, peaceful ponds, and walking paths. A great spot for picnics, strolls, and fresh air.

  4. Ottó Herman Museum - Established in 1964, devoted to natural history, ornithology, and art, including Hungarian works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

  5. Klein Miksa House - This small museum showcases the life and legacy of artist Miksa Klein, one of the biggest representatives of post-impressionism in Hungary.

Natural Attractions of Mezőkövesd: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Bükk National Park - A paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering spectacular hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas. A must-visit for adventurous travelers.

  2. River Keleta - A picturesque river flowing through the town, ideal for fishing, boating, or simply strolling along its banks.

  3. Bor station - Visit the station of Méliusz Juhász Péter memorial Touristic railway, located nicely in the middle of grape fields, young vineyards of special vines and the winery that is named after the station.

  4. Zsóry lookout tower - Located on the Csikó hill, over the Zsory spa. It offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Matyóland and Bükk Mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mezőkövesd

  1. Biking through Matyóland – Discover Mezőkövesd’s most charming feature, the Matyó culture, with a peaceful bike ride through the region’s open fields and villages.

Best Things to Do in Mezőkövesd: Activities and Tours

  1. Wine tasting - Experience the taste of the best wines of the region on private or group wine tastings.

  2. Local Market – Visit the traditional market hall or street markets that give the opportunity to taste or buy local delicacies such as the Matyó salami, Molnárka cake or Matyó embroidery.

  3. Horseback riding – Dear Horse Riding School is open all year and the riding programs are carefully designed to bring the guests closer to the wonders of the Mezőkövesd area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mezőkövesd

Day 1:

  • Visit the Matyó Museum
  • Stroll around Érsekkert Park
  • Explore the historic parts of the town

Day 2:

  • Discover the Bükk National Park
  • Hike one of the popular trails
  • Take in the stunning views

Day 3:

  • Enjoy a relaxing day at Zsóry Thermal Spa and Bath
  • Experience the natural hot springs

Day 4:

  • Take a bike tour through Matyóland and visit some of the local villages
  • Try some of the regional wines

Day 5:

  • Visit Klein Miksa House to learn about the life of the artist
  • Enjoy a day at the local market

Day 6:

  • Go horseback riding at Dear Horse Riding School
  • Visit River Keleta for fishing or boating

Day 7:

  • Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Eger, Aggtelek National Park or Tokaj

Food and Drink Scene of Mezőkövesd

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Matyó Goulash - A traditional dish made with lots of paprika and veal or beef or with leg of lamb which belongs to the unique gastronomy of Matyóland.

  2. Molnárka Cake - A delicious sponge cake layered with chocolate or vanilla cream and topped with caramel.

  3. Matyó Salami – The traditional sausage is made with spicy paprika and salt-cured pork.

Local Beverages

  1. Matyó Land Wines – Mezőkövesd region is famous for its fruity white wines produced in the region: Kövérszőlő, Királyleányka, Furmint, Zéta, Hárslevelű and Chardonnay.

  2. Local Beers – Cservenkő and Galambos brewery provides unique taste options usage of local and traditional ingredients.

Where to Stay in Mezőkövesd: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Nefelejcs – A lovely four-star hotel located in the heart of the town, featuring comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.

  2. Zsóry Wellness Hotel - A beautiful resort-style hotel offering a multitude of spa treatments and amenities.

  3. Fecskefészek – A cozy and rustic bed and breakfast located in a charming old house within walking distance of local attractions.

What to Buy in Mezőkövesd: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Matyó Embroidery – A celebrated folk art, which features ornate red and black embroidery on white cloth that has become a signature of Matyó culture.

  2. Matyóland Porcelain – Handmade fine porcelain and ceramics with Matyó flower motifs, also known as “Matyó roses”.

  3. Local wines – Bring back a bottle (or two) of the Matyóland wines to enjoy back home as a lasting memory of your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Mezőkövesd

The Matyó culture is a living tradition in Mezőkövesd, as evident in the colorful embroidery, delicate lacework, and distinctive architecture of the region. The Matyó people are proud of their culture and are eager to share it with visitors. It’s worth taking some time to learn about it, and perhaps even try your hand at some embroidery.

Best Time to Visit Mezőkövesd

The best time to visit Mezőkövesd is from May to October when the weather is usually warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, Mezőkövesd is beautiful all year round, with each season offering distinct charms and activities to experience. The special Matyóland events, such as the Matyóland Festival, held in August, are really worth seeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mezőkövesd

Do:

  • Learn about the Matyó culture and history
  • Try the delicious local food and wine
  • Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions
  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Be rude or impolite to locals and other travelers

Safety and Health

Safety in Mezőkövesd

Mezőkövesd is generally a safe and peaceful town, but like any other place, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out at night. Petty theft can occur, so it’s always a good idea to guard your valuables.

Health in Mezőkövesd

Mezőkövesd has a few clinics for basic medical attention but, if you encounter a medical emergency, you should immediately dial 112.

Getting to Mezőkövesd: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mezőkövesd

The nearest airport to Mezőkövesd is Debrecen International Airport (DEB), located about 85 kilometers to the east. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is also an option, located 160 kilometers to the west.

Bus Stations Near Mezőkövesd

There are several bus stations near Mezőkövesd, including the Mezőkövesd Bus Station, and the nearby towns of Szentistván and Tiszafüred.

Other Options

Mezőkövesd can also be reached by train, with frequent connections to Budapest and other nearby cities throughout Hungary.

How to Get Around in Mezőkövesd

Mezőkövesd is a small town, so it’s easy to get around on foot, or by use of car, bike or taxi. Public transportation options are limited, but for further exploring, car or bike rentals are available in town.

Where to Go Next from Mezőkövesd: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some additional time, there are several nearby destinations that are worth exploring, including:

  • Eger – A charming town with a rich history and beautiful Baroque architecture.
  • Aggtelek National Park – A major highlight of northern Hungary featuring phenomenal stalactite caves.
  • Tokaj - A famous wine region that produces some of the best white wines in the world.

Conclusion

Mezőkövesd is one of Hungary’s hidden gems, a beautiful town that blends old-world charm with modern amenities. Whether you’re into culture, nature, gastronomy, or outdoor activities, there’s always something to discover in Mezőkövesd. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you to plan your trip and get the most out of this amazing destination.

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