Page 214 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

HUNGAR Y REGION B Y REGION
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THE NORTHERN
HIGHLANDS
Among the gems hidden in the mountains and
forests of the Northern Highlands are grand palaces
and castles, mysterious caves and grottoes, healing baths
and thermal springs. The Hungarian uplands are remote, lying beyond mountain
passes and deep forests, and their plantlife and wildlife are well protected in the
national parks. This region also produces Hungary’s best wine – Tokaji.
From Hollókő in the west to the Zemplén most spectacular of all Hungary’s
Hills on Hungary’s eastern border with thermal baths. Nature-lovers will head
Ukraine, the Northern Highlands feel for the Bükk National Park, where over
remote and other-worldly. Home to a 22,000 species of animal and plant live
number of peoples who are not of in a protected environment.
Magyar descent (the Palóc of Hollókő, for Tokaji is Hungary’s finest wine: the
example), this is the least homogenous golden wine of Aszú is made in the far east
region of the country. Yet the people of of the country, a place where Calvinism,
the mountains are proudly Hungarian, not Catholicism, is the predominant
and proud that at Eger Castle the most religion. Many of the towns and villages
heroic rearguard action in the nation’s east of the Tokaj hills are remote – to
history was fought and won – and the journey to gorgeous Baroque towns such
myth of Bull’s Blood born. as Sárospatak and Sátoraljaújhely really
The region has much for sports is to step off the beaten track.
enthusiasts: skiing, hiking, caving and This area is not short of good places to
horse riding are pursued in the resorts of stay, however. Converted palaces such as
the Mátra Mountains. Bathers and those the Sasvár Kastély in Parád fürdő, or the
seeking hydrotherapy can take the waters Palota in Lillafüred, offer accommodation
at Parádfürdő or at Miskolctapolca, the fit for royals.
Pedestrianized Széchenyi Street, leading to the Bishop’s Palace and Lyceum, Eger
The castle at Hollókő, a UNESCO-recognized centre for the indigenous Palóc culture
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