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Mátra

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Landmark
—°7
Mátra (Hungary)

Weather…

The Mátra is the highest mountain range in Hungary, forming a central part of the North Hungarian Mountains between the Cserhát and Bükk ranges. Its geological formation is the result of intense Miocene volcanic activity approximately 15 to 20 million years ago, which created a rugged landscape dominated by andesite and tuff. The range is home to Kékes peak, the country's highest point, standing at 1014 meters above sea level and serving as a prominent national landmark. Densely forested with beech and oak, the Mátra provides a vital sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including mouflons, deer, and rare birds of prey. Since the late 19th century, the mountains have been a major destination for tourism and specialized medical treatment due to their pristine subalpine climate and clean air. Popular resorts such as Galyatető and Mátraháza offer extensive facilities for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Furthermore, the southern slopes host one of Hungary's most important wine regions, famous for its aromatic white wines produced on mineral-rich volcanic soil.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-14111619222116104-1
Rain mm414444437580836758564947

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Mátra Mountains are freely accessible at any time, peaks reachable via hiking trails. The highest point, Kékes, is visitable year-round.
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Typical hours
There are no fixed opening hours, hiking is safest in daylight. Mountain rescue is reachable in emergencies.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, the landscape has great subjects. Drone flights may be restricted in protected areas.
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Time needed
Plan a full day for a hike to Kékes or a longer tour. For shorter walks, two to three hours suffice.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby thermal baths in Egerszalók or Sirok Castle. The town of Gyöngyös also gives sights.
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Getting there
The Mátra is reachable by car on highway 24 or by bus from Budapest. Hiking parking lots are at the trailheads.
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Insider tip
Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light. Sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing are essential.

Geography

Coordinates
47.88330, 19.98330

Facts

  • Kékes peak is the highest point in Hungary at 1014 meters.
  • Formed by volcanic activity approximately 15-20 million years ago.
  • Home to the longest ski slope in Hungary, measuring 1.8 kilometers.
  • Renowned for its subalpine climate, used for respiratory treatments.
  • The Kékes TV tower stands 176 meters tall with an observation deck.
  • Offers a network of marked hiking trails extending over 400 kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Mátraháza1 km · SExplore →
KékestetőKékestető2 km · SEExplore →
📍Parádsasvár4 km · NExplore →
ParádParád5 km · NEExplore →
MátrafüredMátrafüred6 km · SExplore →
GalyatetoGalyateto6 km · NWExplore →
Matra ForestMatra Forest6 km · WExplore →
📍Mátraszentimre8 km · WExplore →

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 Mátra (7)

Ski jump

Ruins of a ski jump in the Mátra Mountains, a relic of past winter sports.

Kékes északi erdőrezervátum magterület

Core area of a forest reserve on the northern slope of Kékes in the Mátra.

Csór-hegy

Mountain in Hungary, a peak in the Mátra range.

Naphimnusz park

Park or attraction in the Mátra, dedicated to the hymn of the sun.

Som-hegy

Mountain in Heves County, Hungary, a peak in the Mátra.

Kékes

Mountain in Hungary, the country's highest peak at 1014 meters.

Régi fahíd romjai

Ruins of an old wooden bridge in the Mátra Mountains, remnants of a former path.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the highest point of the Mátra mountains?
Kékestető is the highest peak in Hungary at 1014 meters, featuring a distinctive TV tower.
Are there ski slopes in the Mátra?
Yes, the most famous ski centers are located at Kékestető and in Mátraszentistván (Ski Park).
How difficult are the hiking trails?
There is everything from easy forest walks to steep climbs. The trails are well-marked.
Can you drive to the top of Kékestető?
Yes, a paved road leads almost to the peak, where paid parking spots are available.
What is Parádfürdő famous for?
Famous for its medicinal water and the Carriage Museum located in the historic Cifra Stable building.
Mátra: where is it located?
Mátra is located in Heves, Hungary.
Mátra: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ski jump, Kékes északi erdőrezervátum magterület, Csór-hegy.
Mátra: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mátra: why is it worth visiting?
The Mátra is the highest mountain range in Hungary, forming a central part of the North Hungarian Mountains between the Cserhát and Bükk ranges.
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Nearby cities

Eger — Mátra (Hungary)
Eger
Eger, one of Hungary's most beautiful Baroque cities, is located in the northeastern part of the country at the foot of the Bükk Mountains.
Gyöngyös — Mátra (Hungary)
Gyöngyös
City at the foot of the Mátra mountains, the 'Gateway to the Mátra'.
Hatvan — Mátra (Hungary)
Hatvan
City on the Zagyva river, known for the Grassalkovich Castle.
Mátraszentimre — Mátra (Hungary)
Mátraszentimre
Mátraszentimre holds the distinction of being the highest-situated village in Hungary, with its center resting at an altitude of approxim…
Tarnaszentmária — Mátra (Hungary)
Tarnaszentmária
Tarnaszentmária is one of the smallest yet most historically intriguing villages in Heves County, located in the serene Tarna Valley.
Bélapátfalva — Mátra (Hungary)
Bélapátfalva
Town at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, famous for its medieval Cistercian abbey.
Mátrafüred — Mátra (Hungary)
Mátrafüred
Popular resort at the foot of the Mátra Mountains, known for its hiking trails, Lake Sástó, and the Oxygen Adrenalin Park.
Mátraháza — Mátra (Hungary)
Mátraháza
Mátraháza is a high-altitude climatic resort nestled in the center of the Mátra Mountains, situated at an elevation of roughly 715 meters.
Demjén — Mátra (Hungary)
Demjén
A charming village near Eger, famous for its thermal bath located in a massive cascade cave.
Feldebrő — Mátra (Hungary)
Feldebrő
Feldebrő is a quiet village in the Tarna River valley, home to one of Hungary's most significant Romanesque architectural treasures.
Kékestető — Mátra (Hungary)
Kékestető
The highest point in Hungary (1014 m), a prominent climatic health resort with a distinctive TV tower and ski center.
Parádsasvár — Mátra (Hungary)
Parádsasvár
Parádsasvár is a prestigious gem in the Mátra Mountains, celebrated for its aristocratic heritage and centuries-old glassmaking traditions.
Parád — Mátra (Hungary)
Parád
Resort in the Mátra Mountains, known for its healing springs and carriage museum.
Egerszalók — Mátra (Hungary)
Egerszalók
Egerszalók is a world-renowned spa village located in Heves County, Northern Hungary, situated in the valley of the Laskó stream between …
Szilvásvárad — Mátra (Hungary)
Szilvásvárad
Szilvásvárad is one of Hungary's most iconic and beloved destinations, nestled at the western gateway to the Bükk National Park.

History & landmarks

Sirok Castle — Mátra (Hungary)
Sirok Castle
Hungary's best-preserved cave and rock castle in the Mátra.
Szalajka Valley — Mátra (Hungary)
Szalajka Valley
Szalajka Valley is an idyllic excursion spot in the Bükk Mountains, famous for its waterfalls.

More places

Kékes — Mátra (Hungary)
Kékes
At 1014 meters, Kékes is the highest peak in Hungary and a popular destination for hikers.