Danube–Tisza Interfluve

– The central Danube region

The most varied and exciting part of Hungary is the Northern part extending from the Danube Bend to the east. This region awakens the interest of tourists with its mountains, countless values of its stormy history, medical waters, the famous wine district found here, and not least folk art. A big part of the Central Danube region belongs to three National Park areas; The Duna-Ipoly National Park, the Bükk- and the Kiskunság National Park. These are enjoying several nature reserve areas and the protection of wildlife. The Danube serves as a natural connection between countries. It flows into the country at Bratislava, but before it can enter Budapest, it has to conquer the obstacles of nature derived from the Pilis and Börzsöny Mountains. Two of its most distinguished parts are the “Palóc country” in the north and the Gödöllő Hills in the east. The Palóc name for the here living ethnographic group has a ´Cumanian´origin. It derives from the Polish and Russian word ´polovec´ which means half-breed, and it depicts that the culture, dialect, and traditions of the Palóc people are rich, unique, and various. Since the Central Danube region welcomed and gave home to many nationalities throughout history; such as Bavarian, Slovakian, Swabian, and Serb settlers who well preserved their history and cultures; they enhanced the region´s cultural richness. In addition, numerous fortresses welcome visitors in the northern counties of Hungary. These were a defense against the attacking nomads, who triumphantly managed to break through the challenging passes of the Carpathians. Yet, later on, it was right in this central part of the country that felt the most of the 150-year-long Turkish occupation. According to some sources, the region has over 50 significant surviving architectural monuments from the Middle Ages, such as the church of Tarnaszentmária from the 10th century which undercroft is the resting place of the family members of Prince Géza, and there are also over thirty monuments from the Gothic period.  

Peasant life-created taste of people which differs from region to region is often expressed in folk architecture, costumes, furniture, pottery, and wood carvings. For instance, in the uplands, the distinct features of folk architecture were determined by local materials. Thus, before the 1800s, the buildings were mainly wood constructions. Later, however, even earth and stone became widespread building materials here. On the other hand, high artistic ornamental pottery flourished chiefly at the edges of the Great Plain. In addition, weaving and spinning were widespread among the Palóc people. The Palóc weaver women used hemp, wool, flax, and cotton. From the 1980s, cross-stitch technique decorated the bodices and aprons of Palóc women and the collars, front, and cuffs of men’s shirts. While museums in this region exhibit many surviving artifacts of national cultures, the artifacts, traditions, and even some traditional facilities of Hungarian ethnic groups, such as those of the Palóc people, are also conserved and have survived in isolation, and those who have solid knowledge in native folklore can identify villagers according to the colors of their skirts and hats, the way their head kerchief is bound or based on the number of underskirts they wear.    

Suitable for a wild novel, the magical landscapes of Northern Hungary hide a multitude of caves, castles, castle ruins, sparkling streams, and transparent, clear springs, as well as the country’s highest mountains, but they also reveal them for curious and daring visitors. Its nicely kept park forests, rich in elk and deer, serve as a natural divider between the small villages hidden in the mountains and have several thousand kilometers-long, marked hiking trails. Whereas the summers and autumns offer visitors a picturesque palette of colors, during winter, it is the Mátra, Bükk, and Börzsöny Mountains have big promises. The Börzsöny is a primeval volcano with an average height of 650 meters and with beech and oak forests. The highest peaks can be found in Mátra; Kékes is 1015 meters, and Galyatetö is 965 meters high. Because of the varied flora and fauna of the area, the Mátra Landscape Protection Region was established in 1985. This area covers almost 12 000 hectares of land. However, for those looking for natural values, the Bükk is a must-see since it is home to nearly 1 600 kinds of flowering plants. Here at least 600 caves were created by the action of water.

While the region’s charming small towns, small traditional villages, and baroque cities are the undisputed homeland of Hungarian history and art, the Tokaj and Eger wine regions are the cradle of world-famous Hungarian wines. The Mátraalja wine district has the most varied micro climate that allows the cultivation of numerous varieties of grapes. Hence, the area provides exceptionally fine and a wide range of high-quality white wines, such as the Muscat of Domoszló. While in these regions, temporary wine festivals and wine tastings are held for the amusement of both locals and tourists, at the castles and castle ruins, castle games and concerts entertain visitors. And if you want to recharge, the area also boasts thermal baths. All in one, in the calm, cozy embrace of Palócföld, the fabulous sight of medieval castles, unique prehistoric remains, magnificent cities, hundred-year-old small villages, and many exciting events await visitors who crave adventure.

There are also several locations for swimming in natural water, such as Bánk, Fót, and Délegyháza (just outside of Budapest in the south). In addition, many of the places in the northern part are suitable for recreation because of the therapeutic factors they possess. There are many mineral springs and caves with curative quality in the area. Moreover, for those looking for active respite, many of the accommodation places provide, for instance, a sauna, fitness, tennis courts, and bowling greens attached to their facilities, and for winter sports enthusiasts, there are also ski runs equipped with ski lifts.

Some cities and villages have entered the lyrical literary geography thanks to our famous poets. Such is Komárom in northern Hungary, which we know from the writings of Mór Jókai. But Kiskunság is also considered such a place, whose colorful image is conjured before our eyes by the poems of Sándor Petőfi and János Arany. The tender grass, crumbling walls, water of cold streams, and green, dark forests, just like the abandoned or small villages swimming in the smell of manure, served as a real muse for many of the greatest of the country.

Curiosity NR 4! – Palóc soup

Did you know that the Palóc soup is a specific type of goulash that is made of green beans and with a touch of vinegar? 

“Not only to do great things, but also to acknowledge and glorify great things.”
„Nemcsak nagyot tenni, hanem a nagyot elismerni és dicsőíteni is érdem.”
Szondy cult

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If you choose to follow route 1 or route 2 through the Palóc country, then you should book a hotel in some of the places mentioned and take the train from Budapest to Vác and then change to the ´kis piros´ (the local train) in the direction of Balassagyarmat, because the journey with this latter is a magnificent and irreplaceable experience one can´t miss.

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Last updated by Gertrúd Windberg on 8 February 2024, Sundbyberg

I. The Palóc country

II. The borderland of the Hungarian Plain

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