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Bükk National Park
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Landmark
Established in 1977, Bükk National Park is one of Hungary's most diverse mountainous regions, with forests covering approximately 95 percent of its territory. The park's central feature is the Bükk Plateau, situated at an average altitude of over 900 meters and surrounded by steep limestone cliffs known as "stones." The geological structure is defined by extensive karst phenomena, with more than 1,100 caves identified within the mountain range, including the Bányász Cave, the deepest in the country. Archeologically, the park is of international importance; findings in the Szeleta Cave gave the name to the Szeleta culture. The flora includes rare species like the Edelweiss, a glacial relict, while the fauna features large predators such as the Eurasian lynx and the grey wolf. Numerous educational trails and lookout points provide detailed insights into the complex ecosystem.
- Location: Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hungary
- Top sights: Bükk National Park · Gyertyánvölgyi üveghuta · Háromkő kilátás
- Nearby: Lillafüred (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 4 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 73 | 79 | 83 | 62 | 55 | 54 | 47 | 45 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bükk National Park is open to the public year-round. You can explore its forests, caves, and valleys on foot via marked hiking trails.
Typical hours
The park has no fixed opening hours, but visitor centers typically operate from 9 AM to 4 PM. Trails are accessible during daylight hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park. For cave photography, a tripod and permission may be required.
Time needed
A typical visit lasts three to five hours for a short hike. To explore multiple valleys and caves, plan a full day.
Combine with
Combine with the nearby Lillafüred Palace and the cave baths of Miskolc-Tapolca. The Szalajka Valley is a popular starting point.
Getting there
The park is accessible by car from Miskolc or Eger. Buses run from these cities to trailheads like Szilvásvárad.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy boots and carry a map, as mobile reception can be poor. In autumn, the foliage is spectacular.
Geography
Facts
- The national park was officially founded in 1977
- More than 1,100 caves identified in the mountain range
- Approximately 95 percent of the area is covered by forests
- Bükk Plateau sits at an average altitude of over 900 meters
- Bányász Cave is the deepest in Hungary at 275 meters
- Significant Paleolithic finds originated from Szeleta Cave
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bükk National Park (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bükk Plateau?
A huge karst plateau at approx. 900 m altitude with unique sinkholes and meadows.
Is camping allowed in the park?
Wild camping is prohibited. Designated campsites are located near Lillafüred and Felsőtárkány.
Are the hiking trails well-marked?
Yes, the park has one of the best-developed hiking trail networks in Hungary.
Where can I find the famous caves?
The Anna and Saint Stephen caves are located in Lillafüred, near the Palace Hotel.
Are there ski slopes there?
Yes, there are ski slopes in Bánkút that operate in winter if there is enough snow.
Bükk National Park: where is it located?
Bükk National Park is located in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hungary.
Bükk National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bükk National Park, Gyertyánvölgyi üveghuta, Háromkő kilátás.
Bükk National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bükk National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Established in 1977, Bükk National Park is one of Hungary's most diverse mountainous regions, with forests covering approximately 95 percent of its territory.
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Nearby cities
Miskolc
Miskolc, the fourth largest city in Hungary, is located in the northeastern part of the country at the eastern edge of the Bükk Mountains.
Kazincbarcika
Industrial city in the Sajó Valley, known as the 'City of Colors'.
Ózd
Former center of Hungarian heavy industry in northern Hungary.
Lillafüred
Picturesque mountain resort in the Bükk Mountains, known for its Palace Hotel, Lake Hámori, and Hungary's highest waterfall.
Mezőkövesd
Center of the Matyó culture, known for its colorful embroideries.
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Sárospatak
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Szerencs
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Boldva
Boldva is a settlement of paramount historical and linguistic importance in Northern Hungary, located in the Bódva River valley.
Bogács
A cozy resort village at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, famous for its sulfurous spa and wine cellars.
History & landmarks
Boldogkőváralja
Famous for Boldogkő Castle, perched on a spectacular rocky ridge in the Zemplén Mountains.
Aggtelek
Center of the Aggtelek National Park, home to the famous Baradla Cave system, a UNESCO heritage site.
Jósvafő
A picturesque village in the Aggtelek National Park, famous for the Baradla Cave and Hucul horses.
Bükk National Park
The Bükk National Park protects the diverse flora and fauna of Hungary's most forested mountains.
Lillafüred
Picturesque resort in the Bükk Mountains, known for its castle hotel and waterfall.
Szalajka Valley
A picturesque valley in the Bükk Mountains, famous for its waterfall.
Miskolctapolca Cave Bath
Unique thermal bath located in a natural cave system.
Edelény Palace
One of the largest and most magnificent Baroque palaces in Hungary.
