Lugares de interés (POIs) del Mapa
1: Sóstó Pasture
| The pasture-land of Sóstó Year of preservation: 1994 Area: 69.7 hectares This graminiferous area between the Hernád and Szerencs streams at the western margin of the Tokaj-Zemplén Mountains, formerly utilised as pasture-land, has gained legal protection due to its zoological relevance. It plays an important role as resting and feeding area of migratory birds especially during the spring and autumn migrations. The small-bodied mammals living at the meadow, with the ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) among them are an important source of sustenance of the remarkably valuable birds of prey’s stock at the nearby Zemplén Landscape Protection Area. A further specialty of the area is that it is the northernmost solodizing grassland of Hungary.  Visitability: There is free access on foot into protected nature areas on the marked tourist paths. Access to the habitat of certain species may be subject to temporary limitations by the nature conservation management. Observation of the nature conservation is assisted and inspected by the members of the Nature Conservation Security who are authorised to put on field penalty if necessary. Prior to your visit, please check with the nature conservation management of the area, i.e. the authorised colleague of the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit |
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2: Füzérradvány Castle Park
| Year of preservation: 1975 Area: 140 hectares This park around the Károlyi Castle built in the 18th century in baroque style is first mentioned in a document from 1827 under the name “Vadaskert (Game Park)”. Within the framework of the great park building works during the first half of the 20th century, English park was constructed – in the stocks of old endemic trees, clearings and trenches running radiately from the castle were cut. 250-300 years old endemic oak and hornbeam trees can be found in the park. Of the species brought from abroad, Norway spruce (Picea abies), firs (Abies), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), European larch (Larix decidua), Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) and Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga spp.) grow fast due to the mountainous climate. To the rarities belong empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa), southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides), tulip magnolia (Liriodendron tulipifera) and Ginkgo biloba. A popular ornamental tree is Platanus acerifolia, of which the first was planted in 1721 and still being the speciality of the park. The remarkable representatives of the species rich fauna of the park are the birds, among which hawk (buteo), black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) or tawny owl (Strix aluco) can be observed. The characteristic reptilian of the surrounding mountains adder (Vipera berus) that has become sparse by today also occurs in the park. The park and other natural and cultural historical values of the surrounding area are displayed at the “Kormos bába” study-trail “pole-booklet” in type. credit |
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3: Tállya Patócs-hill
| Year of preservation: 1987 Area: 3.2 hectares This hill with an elevation of 207 m above sea level, built up of rhyolite has a 50-70 m relative lift from the piedmont slope of Tokaj-Hegyalja covered by vineyards. The vegetation of the rocky hilltop bordered by steep slopes and covered by thin soil was not effected by viniculture dating back to several centuries, thus the original ecosystems of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Region has remained in a quasi-nature condition. Several rare protected plants occur in the slope steppe meadows, feathergrass forest steppe meadows and thermophile oak-woods, such as Anemone grandis, mountain pasqueflower (Pulsatilla montana), dwarf iris (Iris pumila), herbaceous periwinkle (Vinca herbacea), Ranunculus illyricus and spring pheasant’s eye (Adonis vernalis). Four of the protected, rather attractive feathergrass species can be found in the area.  The fauna is also composed of species characteristic for warm and dry habitats. Among the butterflies the daytime ones are the most eye-catching. At spring, scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) and old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon) gather at the top of the hill, while the characteristic species of the summer-end butterfly aspect of steppe meadows are Satyridae, such as great banded grayling (Brintesia circe), woodland grayling (Hipparchia fagi) and small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus). At the warm, bare parts, sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) is common, from the nearby warm oak forests Elaphe longissima visits the area for prey. Above the hill abundant in reptilians, one can sometimes observe short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), also red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) and Sylvia species hunt for insects. credit |
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4: Erd?bénye Wooded Pasture
| Year of preservation: 1990 Area: 195.6 hectares This pasture-land at the north-eastern piedmont of the Szokolya at Erd?bénye with patulous sparse trees of former closed oak forests has been transformed in order to gain pasture-lands and to oak-mast. The staddles provided shelter, against the glaring sunshine at summer, for grazing and oak-masted animals as well as for humans watching over the animals. The maintenance of grasslands was provided by continuous grazing that prevented the area from reforestation. In the past decades, along with the withdrawal of extensive pasturing, regular grazing has also ceased. Wooded pasture-lands represent landscape mementos of a medieval farming method that has remained only in some locations, thus their cultural historical significance is outstanding.  The wooded pasture-land of oak-trees with dense foliage has a picturesque landscape atmosphere. This is partly due to the fact that staddles grew standing alone, therefore – as receiving sunlight from all directions – their foliage is more even and patulous compared to those growing in the forest. The fauna of the area is primarily connected to the old trees and mosaic-like habitats. On the patulous trees one can often see birds of prey nesting in the forests of the surrounding areas, such as buzzard (Buteo buteo), regularly visiting this area for feeding. The decaying old trees provide ideal habitat for hole-dweller birds (e.g. woodpeckers – Picidae, titmice – Paridae), small-bodied mammals (e.g. graphiures – Gliss briss., bats – Chiroptera) and insects (e.g. stag-beetles – Lucanus cervus, rhinoceros beetle – Oryctes nasicornis, great Capricorn beetle – Cerambyx cerdo). Habitats formed as a result of human activity, such as the wooded pasture-land of Erd?bénye, can exist in long-term only by continuous human activity. Unfortunately, at the wooded pasture-land at the piedmont of Szokolya – as in most habitats of similar type of the country – by the confining of extensive pasturing in the past decades, regular grazing has ceased and, as a result, scrubbing and reforestation of the open grassland has started. An important task of nature conservation is the preservation of such wooded pasture-lands abundant in natural and landscape values. Today, a part of the area is pastured again– within a framework of cooperation with the nature conservation manager of the area, i.e. the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit |
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5: Megyaszó Tartarian sea kale
| The tartar bread plants of Megyaszó Year of preservation: 1987 Area: 35.3 hectares The habitat of the strictly protected Tartar bread plant (Cramble tatarica) is the area along the natural elevated bank of the River Hernád built up of loess sediments. This white-flowered plant with its growth exceeding 1 meter used to be a characteristic species of the vast loess steppes of the Great Hungarian Plain, thus its significance from the point of view of geobotanics is remarkable.  Today, only few occurrences in Hungary are known, this one was explored only in 1964. From the point of view of the species’ preservation the most threatening factor is the aggressive, extraneous acacia with its dense descendants shading the spears of this light-demanding continental steppe relict plant to a significant degree. The Sulyom Holt, a former buddied ox-bow lake with valuable riparian forests, marshland and sea-weed associations, is also part of this protected area. credit |
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6: Bodrogszeg Várhegy (Castle-hill)
| Year of preservation: 1990 Area: 1.6 hectares This island hill built up of rhyolite tuff, with a height of 300 meters above sea level has a relative height of 100–150 meters compared to the piedmont slopes of Tokaj?-Hegyalja covered by vineyards. Viniculture originating back to many centuries did not effect the rocky hilltop covered by thin soil and bordered by steep slopes, thus the original plant associations of the Tokaj-Hegyalja Region remained in their quasi-natural conditions. The slope steppes and the thermophile oak-woods provide habitats for relict species of wooded steppes formerly characteristic for the Great Hungarian Plain. A protected dwarf shrub of the slope steppes rich in species is dwarf Russian almond (Amygdalus nana), opening its eye-catching pink flowers in April. The dark-violet flowers of the stool Iris (Iris aphylla) open in May. A significant number of individuals of this Pannonian endemic protected rarity live on the hilltop. In May and June, the gasplant (Dictamnus albus) elegant in appearance grows at the margins of oak-woods, on former stone stairs. In the warm oak forests, the large-bodied and protected oak hawk-moth (Marumba quercus) flies at night, whereas flocks of daytime butterflies can be observed at steppe meadows abundant in flowers: old world swallowtail (Papilio Machaon) living on dwarf Russian almond, Iphiclides podallirius growing on Apiaceae, buttercups favouring small Fabaceae and Melitea didyma living on Verbascum. credit |
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7: Long-forest
| Year of preservation: 1996 Area: 1123.2 hectares One of the last remnants of the former floodplain forests along the River Bodrog is the Forest of Long to the north of Sárospatak. In addition to the willow scrubs, soft-wood and hardwood park forests characteristic for river banks, stock of pedunculate oak-hornbeam forests are in full parade. The characteristic features as well as the outstanding botanical value of the forest are given by the presence of mountainous elements, as for example Lamium galeobdolon, May lily (Maianthemum bifolium), common twayblade (Listera ovata) and baneberry (Actaea spicata). Of the tree species, the presence of beech can be deduced to the proximity of mountainous areas. The forest is also famous for its giant old trees (the Mária Tree, the Diana Trees, the Izabella Tree and the Háromhonvéd Trees that were under local protection since 1942). The ox-bow-lakes of the River Bodrog found in the forest or in the neighbouring area show an extremely diverse and also interesting overall view where white water lily seaweed vegetation and abundant marshland-marsh meadow vegetation is present with rarities as for example marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe), marsh pea (Lathyrus palustris), Orchis laxiflora ssp. elegans and sweet-flag (Acorus calamus). This dense vegetation provides habitat for a fauna rich in rare, protected species. Species arrived from the higher ranges of the Carpathians on drift wood and populated here, as for example Bielzia coerulans, Carabus ullrichi and Carabus zawadszkii are extremely interesting. A characteristic butterfly of the softwood park forests is lesser purple emperor (Apatura ilia), whereas at the edges of hardwood park forests colourful Nymphalinae fly in great quantities in certain years. Wetlands also provide shelter for valuable bird species, purple heron (Ardea purpurea), little egret (Egretta garzetta) and black stork (Cicoria nigra) among others. Of the rare mammals, wild cat (Felis silvestris), ermine (Mustela erminea), in the hydro-scapes otter (Lutra lutra) occur. Visitability: There is free access on foot into protected nature areas on the marked tourist paths. Access to the habitat of certain species may be subject to temporary limitations by the nature conservation management. Observation of the nature conservation is assisted and inspected by the members of the Nature Conservation Security who are authorised to put on field penalty if necessary. Prior to your visit, please check with the nature conservation management of the area, i.e. the authorised colleague of the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit |
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8: Szomolya beehive stones
| The Hive-stones of Szomolya (Szomolyai Kaptárkövek) Year of preservation: 1960 Area: 4.8 hectares This nature conservation area is located in the Kaptár Valley at the western slope of the Vén Hill above Szomolya, where the rhyolite tuff range is divided into eight major niche rocks, ranges and stone cones. This is the hive-stone group with the largest number of niches (117) in Hungary. A number of legends, assumptions and scientific hypotheses were created regarding the function, carvers and age of the niches of the hive-stones. One group of the legends preserved in the region mentions cremation, whereas another rather common myth mentions bee-keeping in connection to the niches. Some of the researchers – lacking written data and resources – thought the dead-windowed stones to be the urnal burial place of Celtic tribes, tomb of the „Scythian-Hun-Hungarian heroes” or that of certain ancestries (Gyula Bartalos, Kabos Kandra), while others (e.g. Gáspár Klein) claimed them to be fetish staddles and sacrifice places. Andor Saád took the side of their apiculture function, however, several doubts were raised regarding this theory. Archaeological excavations so far have not supported this theory either. The Lithologic structure of the Bükkalja Region with a maximum elevation of 200-400 m above sea level is different from southern part of the Bükk Mountains built up of mostly limestone and clay-shales making the tectonic border. The material of the hive-stones is mostly rhyolite tuff, formed 21-13 million years ago as a result of the intensive Miocene volcanic activity.  The flora of the area, due to the climatic and soil conditions, was comprised by turkey oak-sessile oak forest and Tartar maple-white oak forest associations. This is referred by the relict species of the autochthonous vegetation, as Tartarian maple (Acer tataricum), white oak Quercus pubescens, European lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), Polygonatum latifolium, Angular Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum) and European bellflower (Campanula bononiensis). Above the hive-stones, forest steppe vegetation, whereas on the rocks acescent acidophilous turfs developed. Their protected species include Echium russicum, round-headed garlic (Allium sphaerocephalon), Stipa dasyphilla and Thlaspi jankae. Grasslands at the valley floors are still pastured today, resulting in a vegetation enduring treading, of which protected species are Centaurea sadleriana and Clematis integrifolia. The area also has significant zoological values. Protected rare species, such as the strictly protected Dioszeghyana schmidtii are connected to the former Tartarian maple-white oak-woods habitat type. These Noctuidae species mostly living on Tartarian maple could have been found in the marginal zone of oak forests as a result of the intensive research activity in the last years. Scarce fritillary (Euphydryas maturna) also protected by the Europen Union also fly at the oak forest margins. At the coolest forest-covered part of the valley, one can meet Camberwell beauty (Nymphalis antiopa), as at warmer patches covered by white oak trees ilex hairstreaks (Satyrium ilicis) are common. The green marshland at the lower section of the valley provides shelter for large copper (Lycaena dispar) and southern festoon (Zerynthia polyxena). On the plateau of the hill, the orchards are divided by bloomy organ hedges. The nectar of organs flourishing in May is supped by lashing daytime butterflies. The battle between old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon) and scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) for the area around the organs often becomes huge fighting. In the fine dust resultant from the weathering of the stones, grubs of Myrmeleonidae dig their trumpets. On the easily up-warming surface of the hive-stones, common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) and sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) occur. Among the birds, the marshland at the lower section of the Kaptárk? Valley serves as a feeding area for the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). In the marshy, unpastured grasslands, the corncrake (Crex crex) breeds. Honey buzzard (Pernis aviporus) is the strictly protected bird of prey of the old turkey oak-sessile oak forests at the piedmont and forefront areas of the mountains. The Kaptár Meadow is an important feeding area of the one pair of lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) nesting in the closed forests near the marginal areas. Among the bats, lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythi), serotine (Eptesicus serotinus), noctule (Nyctalus noctula) and grey big-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus) have been observed in the surrounding area.  Visitability: There is free access on foot into protected nature areas on the marked tourist paths. Access to the habitat of certain species may be subject to temporary limitations by the nature conservation management. Observation of the nature conservation is assisted and inspected by the members of the Nature Conservation Security who are authorised to put on field penalty if necessary. Prior to your visit, please check with the nature conservation management of the area, i.e. the authorised colleague of the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit |
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9: Sz?ll?ske forest
| The forest of Sz?ll?ske (Sz?ll?skei erd?) Year of preservation: 1976 Area: 63.7 hectares The conservation of the area provides undisturbed natural conditions for the long-term eco-system research within the framework of the ‘Síkf?kút Projekt’ being part of the ‘Man and Biosphere’ research programme of UNESCO. The research, carried out within the framework of this programme and initiated by the Lajos Kossuth University of Arts and Science (today’s University of Debrecen), intended to study the structure and ‘functioning’ of the climazonal turkey oak-sessile oak forests found in Hungary.  The turkey oak-sessile oak forests in focus of the ecological research is the most distributed forest association of the country, formerly making up 19.5% of the territory of the country, now only 2.5%. The forest area conserved for research is a stock with rich shrub and diverse herb layers made up by homogenous chestnut oak and moss-capped oak trees. These trees are of sprout origin, there age is approximately 100 years, and since the declaration of conservation no forest management activities take place in the area. Ecologic research included not only a detailed examination of the forest but also the production biological and succession research of the deteriorated forests with nearly identical habitat endowments or of the nearby agricultural lands (vineyards, ploughlands). Scientific results have been published in several monographies and scientific publications. credit |
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10: K?lyuktet?
| Year of preservation: 1998 Area: 117.5 hectares The wine region of Eger is an important pillar of the Hungarian wine industry. Its physical geographical endowments provide the possibility of producing red and white wines of high quality. The variety of topographical, soil and climatic features is manifested in the exciting variegation of wine. The geology of the area is also diverse as sedimentation taken place in the Mezosoic followed by intense crustal movements and volcanic activity in the Tertiary all had an impact on the formation of the area. From the point of view of wine-growing, an important ‘product’ of the volcanic activity is the tuff range in the south-eastern forefront of the Bükk Mountains that provided an ideal medium to the formation of cellars suitable for the storage of the excellent wines of Eger. The nature conservation area was established in 1998 in order to preserve the vine gene bank substances and vine log plantations of the region. The vine plantation of several hectares at the southern edge of Eger is remarkable mostly not due to its ecological or habitat conditions but due to the gene pool of the vine found in the area. The primary purpose of the nature conservation in these areas is the preservation of the gene pool and log plantations as ascertained in measures, regulations and directives. As the area serves the aims of preservation and the establishment of log plantations of certain vine varieties, thus all other farming activities of any kind are prohibited in the area. According to the law on the declaration of the Convention on Biological Diversity, during activities aiming to preserve gene pools, standard methodological recommendation and directives internationally harmonised must be applied. In the K?lyuk Hilltop Nature Conservation Area of Eger, the following vine varieties and clones can be found: Blauburger (mother plants, log plantation) Blue Frankish clone M. 6/44 (log plantation) Rhine Riesling clone T68 (gene bank) Hárslevel? clone P.41 (gene bank) Medina (gene bank) Zöldveltelíni clone 133 (mother plants) Chardonnay (mother plants) Szürkebarát clone 34 (mother plants) Szürkebarát clone B.10 (gene bank) Tramini clone Fr. 46-107 (gene bank) Royal Italian Riesling (gene bank) Italian Riesling clone P.2 (gene bank) Italian Riesling clone B.5 (gene bank) Királyleányka (gene bank) Ottonel Muscatel clone D. 90 (gene bank) Table vines (12 gene bank units) credit |
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11: Kerecsend forest
| Year of preservation: 1959 Area: 106.9 hectares The Forest of Kerecsend is situated at the western margins of the Bükkalja Region, where the foregrounds of the mountains join the Great Hungarian Plain. This forest lying on the terrace of the Laskó Stream was found by a research group led by Bálint Zólyomi in the 1950s which at that time represented the “missing chain” of the autochthonous/original forest type of the treeless loess plateaux. At the time of surveying the forest, this unique forest stock became the “locus classicus” of Tartar maple loess oak-woods and still is the loess oak forest at the margins of the Great Hungarian Plain presumed to be the largest and the most natural.  The Forest of Kerecsend once belonged to the Archbishopric of Eger and its main task was connected to pheasant-keeping and hunting. This may be the origin of the area’s other – more well-known locally – name: Fácános-berek (Pheasant Wood), or Berek Forest. Grazing and all other forest by-use (e.g. collecting mushrooms and forest fruits) was forbidden at the forest’s entire area. Forest management works carried out at the end of the 19th century in order to promote pheasant-keeping advanced the sustenance of stocks with dense shrub and herb layers and, as proved, its secondary evolution. Thus, many hill-country wooded steppe species could survive in trenches dividing forest stocks. As such are, for example gasplant (Dictamnus albus), periwinkle (Vinca herbacea), Thlaspi jankae, spring pheasant’s eye (Adonis vernalis), common grape hyacinth (Muscari botryoides) and tuberous Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa). A feature of the loess oak-woods is that four endemic oak species – i.e. sessile oak (Quercus petrea), common oak (Quercus robur), downy oak (Quercus pubescens) and Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) – are present here, and Tartar maple is grown from the dense shrub layer – or intruding to the second foliage. An interesting dash of colour is an oak-hornbeam forest stock developed in the minor valley trench disrupting the terrace of the Laskó Stream, of which presence in this climatic zone is unusual. The fauna of the area also indicates a transitionary character, between the piedmont marginal areas and the Great Hungarian Plain’s opened habitats. The old trees and the dense layeredness provide advantageous life conditions for the abundant insects’ life. Strong populations of the eye-catching “beetle giants” of the hill-country oak-woods becoming rare, stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and Cerambyx longicorn (Cerambyx cerdo) inhabit the forest. At the edges of thistly trenches lives the protected Netocia ungarica. Margins abundant in Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) attract a number of daytime butterflies: peacock butterfly (Inachis io), scarce swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) living on sloe, the protected butterfly of the wax-tree forest margins, scarce fritillary (Euphydryas maturna), flying in the trenches in great quantities in given years. A non-eye-catching, however valuable butterfly curiosity of the area is Dioszeghyana schmidtii protected by European Union measures and thought to be postglacial relict, of which caterpillars grow on Tartar maple (Acer tataricum) and field maple (Acer campestre) shrubs abundant in forests. The caterpillars of clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) live on hollowroot (Corydalis cava) present in great quantities at spring, of which population here is remnant in character. The vertebrate fauna of the area show similarity with piedmont marginal oak-woods. A characteristic representative of reptilians favouring open areas is sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), whereas at more closed forest clearings and forest margins, aesculapian snake (Elaphe longissima) can be observed. The avifauna is abundant due to the closed forest stocks and the diversified micro-habitats. In the old oak-woods, a number of hole-dweller birds can settle, as for example great-spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus major), middle-spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus medius) and Syrian woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus), however, in addition to the wryneck (Jynx torquilla), several other hole-dweller species also occur. Smaller songbirds, Paridae, Sylvia, thrush, chaffinch and chiffchaff (Phylloscopus) live in great quantities in the forest at both their nesting and migratory periods. Characteristic species of the margins and shrubs are red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) and blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), whereas the birds of prey are represented by buzzard (Buteo buteo) and hawk. In the mammal fauna, hole-dwellers, as bats, forest dormouse (Dryomis nitedula), hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) are relevant, and beech marten (Martes foina), weasel (Mustela nivalis), squirrel and at times, marten (Mustela martes) hunting for squirrel are common, too. Visitability: There is free access on foot into protected nature areas on the marked tourist paths. Access to the habitat of certain species may be subject to temporary limitations by the nature conservation management. Observation of the nature conservation is assisted and inspected by the members of the Nature Conservation Security who are authorised to put on field penalty if necessary. Prior to your visit, please check with the nature conservation management of the area, i.e. the authorised colleague of the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit pic credit |
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12: The alderbog of Erd?telek (Erd?telki Égerláp )
| Year of preservation: 1989 Area: 22.4 hectares The aim of protection of the area in the very neighbourhood of the Arboretum of Erd?telek was the preservation of living world of alder bog and sallow bog, as well as sedge oak plant associations of the Great Hungarian Plain. One of the relevant streams of the Hevesi Plains, the Hanyi Brook, also providing the water supply of the valuable forest associations, has its origin in the area of the alder bog.  Although the range of species of the alder woods is rather poor, the presence of forest, due to the “limbed alder trees” partly resembles the original physical conditions of the Great Hungarian Plain. From the point of view of nature conservation, the most valuable plant species of the alder-woods and the Hanyi Brook are marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), hooded skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) and Scripus silvaticus. The Hanyi Brook and the alder bog as wetlands are relevant reproduction sites for amphibians. Common species are fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and European green toad (Bufo viridis), however northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and moor frog (Rana arvalis) also occur here. The ornithological value of the area is represented by the songbird population nesting and breeding at the margins of the alder-woods, shrub layer and disturbed, shrubby turfs and tall-herb wetlands. Common species in the alder woods are nightingale (Luscinia megarhyncros), blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), lesser whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) and chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). The characteristic species at the sparse wooded-shrubby habitat are red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) and whitethroat (Sylvia communis). Among the mammals, ermine (Mustela erminea) occurring in the area despite the nearness of the settlement should be mentioned. credit |
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13: Erdötelek arboretum
| Year of preservation: 1950 Area: 3.04 hectares The puszta at Erd?telek was received by János Buttler, captain of the Castle of Eger in 1691 as royal gift. Following the extinction of the Buttler Family – at the end of the 19th century – the estate along with the castle was purchased by József Kovács surgeon professor and teacher. Control over the estate then was taken by his foster-son, Dr. József Kovács in 1913, who started the reconstruction of the castle and a dedicated collecting. The collection of the garden was well-known nationwide and included 350 plant species and varieties already in the 1920s and 1930s. The excellence of József Kovács is that he managed to prove that despite the immoderate climate (bitter winter and dry summer), it is possible to establish a dendrological landscape garden. In addition to this, he acknowledged the gene bank establishing and gene preserving roles of nature conservation, the possibility of positive selection, as well as he conceived, apart from the protection of species and individuals, the significance of transmission and reproduction. The abundance of the arboretum is indicated by the fact that at present at this small territory, more than 1200 trees, scrubs and perpetual plants introduces us to the charming world of various continents. The garden has wonderful collections of pines, oaks, maples, European horse chestnuts, Buxus and unique perpetual ornamental plants. The savin (Juniperus sabina) opened from one stool is one of the largest one in Hungary. Ginkgoales (Ginkophyta), lace-bark pine (Pinus bungeana) and California torreya (Torreya californica) are also pretty. One of the plant peculiarities is hardy rubber tree (Eucommia ulmoides), of which both genders can be found here. (In Hungary, this plant can only be found in the Arboretum of Kámon, however, only polliniferous individuals.) Open: weekdays, from 700 to 1600, Saturdays and Sundays: 900–1600. Also open on public holidays. In the garden-tree nursery, ornamental plant propagation and sale also take place. The garden-tree nursery is open all year, Monday to Saturday, from 700 to1600. Address: Erd?telek, F? utca. Telephone/fax: (36) 36/496-022. credit |
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14: Sirok Nyírjes-lake
| Year of preservation: 1961 Area: 22.5 hectares One of the most valuable peat-moss bogs in Hungary, the Lake Nyírjes, found in an endorheic depression 2-3 meters in depth at a height of 280 m above sea-level at the north-east side of the Darnó Hill, is located at the edge of the village of Sirok. Due to its climatic conditions these bog habitats providing living-space for several relict species can only be found in a limited amount of areas in Hungary. In the peat-moss bog, surrounded by open-water ’lag-zone’ and willow scrubs, 7 peat-moss species have been identified.  Apart from the grass species, sheating cotton-grass (Eriophorum vaginatum), the slender sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and downy birch (Betula pubescens) can be considered as real botanical curiosities. Still limited information is available on the fauna of the peat-moss-covered lake. Many of the already extinct snails of earlier stages of the Earth’ history have been identified by scientists, however, the recent fauna of the lake is still to be discovered. Knowledge is primarily inadequate on the subordinate groups as, for example, tardigrada living in mosses or other animals characteristic of peat-moss lakes, microscopic in size. Superior animal species can be found in the oak forests surrounding the lake. On the birches surrounding the lake nyír csücsköslepke occurs, while on the willows the lesser purple emperor (Apatura ilia) lives. Birds are represented by Phylloscopus nesting in the exuberant undergrowth, thrushes and Sylvias nesting in the shrub layer. Visitability: There is free access on foot into protected nature areas on the marked tourist paths. Access to the habitat of certain species may be subject to temporary limitations by the nature conservation management. Observation of the nature conservation is assisted and inspected by the members of the Nature Conservation Security who are authorised to put on field penalty if necessary. Prior to your visit, please check with the nature conservation management of the area, i.e. the authorised colleague of the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit |
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15: Gyöngyös Sár Hill
| Year of preservation: 1975 Area: 186 hectares Conservation on the southern marginal hill of the Mátra Mountains was declared due to its unique vegetation above the vineyards being abundant in botanical curiosities and butterfly fauna. The biogeographical significance of the hill of volcanic base rock, protruding from the southern block of the mountains, is that it is opened from the Great Hungarian Plain, therefore pediment elements could easily mix with steppe elements primarily of continental distribution. The most valuable habitats of the hill are feather-grass wooded steppe meadows, dwarf almond scrubs and Hungarian meadow-grass rock grasslands differentiated on the former vineyards. The habitat and species diversities of the area are further increased by the marsh gentian hay meadows northern in exposition as well as the fragmented hygrophile vegetation of the Lake Szent Anna.  Among the flora elements of the dry southern slopes one can find Plantago argentea and Lathyrus pallescens with sub-Mediterranean relationship only occurring here in the North Hungarian Mountains. On the green rock surfaces, Welsh star of Bethlehem (Gagea bohemica) blows at early spring, whereas on the steppe meadows Pulsatilla grandis blows its violet and spring pheasant’s eye (Adonis vernalis) its yellow sheet leaves. On the stone steps referring to the former viniculture, at some locations, dwarf almond (Amygdalus nana) can be found in great quantities. Grasslands are the most eye-catching during the summer when Stippa spp. – especially Stipa stenophylla and Stipa dasyphylla – colour hillsides nearly white. Among others, the protected tuberous Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa), gasplant (Dictamnus albus), Inula oculus-christi and Hungarian Iris (Iris variegata) bloom at that time. To the turfs, in many cases, white oak shrub forests are associated from where following the cease of viniculture, the vegetation re-settled. In sites with northern exposure, thicker soil coverage, semi-dry cutting meadows where several orchid species also appear, e.g. Orchis tridentata, green-winged orchid (Orchis morio) and Orchis coriophora can be found. Peucedanum officinale appearing on steppe meadows also represents the phyto-geographical relation to the Great Hungarian Plain. The tangle species, as waterwort (Elatine alsinastrum) and Ranunculus lateriflorus, of the Lake Szent Anna are of the Great Hungarian Plain in origin. As a consequence of the geographical location, unique flora and characteristic climate, the Sár Hill provides habitats for animal associations extremely rich in species. In the populations occurring here, several protected animal species considered to be rare in both the Hungarian and European context. The most valuable species can be found among the insects. At habitats steppe meadow in character, lives Catopta thrips, of which only some occurrence data are known in Hungary, only. Alcon blue (Maculinea alcon) flies above the Gentiana sections of the greener steppe meadows. This Maculinae is present in two habitat types on the hill: on green hayfields rich in Gentiana and semi-dry turf types less rich in Gentiana. While its colony to the order of thousands flies at the previous site, its colonies living in semi-dry turfs are much lesser in number. In the Hog’s fennels (Peucedanum officinale) of dry tall herb steppe meadows, in the root collar and culm of the fennels grows the caterpillars of Gortyna borelli. The caterpillar’ presence is soon revealed by its characteristic, fine sawdust-like mark of chewing for aurelians. This butterfly flies at the end of the summer and autumn, often reaching great distances to lay its eggs on the fennels at a suitable habitat. Dioszeghyana schmidtii fly at the maple-tree margins of warmer oak-woods, as on the oaks rare Catocala caterpillars of Mediterranean distribution live. At the rims of greener oak-woods rich in wax-trees, scarce fritillary (Euphydryas maturna) with dark brown-red-yellow texture can be observed in June.  Apart from the butterflies, rare beetles also live at the Sár Hill. In the old oak-woods around the Lake Szent Anna, Cerambyx longicorn (Cerambyx cerdo) is common, whereas the characteristic species of the marginal ash forests and orchards at the piedmont is Megopis scabricornis. A protected rarity of the warm white oak forests is long-horned beetle (Deroplia genei). Of the Cerambycidae fauna, steppe meadow species growing in herbaceous plants, are worth mentioning. Such protected species is, for example Musaria argus, growing in Seseli species, or Cortodera holosericea living in squarrose knapweed (Centaurea triumfettii). Few reproduction sites are available for amphibians in areas covered by dry steppe meadows and warm oak-woods. The most relevant oviposition site is the Lake Szent Anna. At spring, many thousands of toads (Bufo), agile frogs (Rana dalmatina) and Hylidae gather to lay their eggs. Permanent residents of the lake are edible frogs (Rana esculenta), lake frogs (Rana ridibunda) and smooth newts (Triturus vulgaris). In dry turfs, at warm, rocky sections green lizard (Lacerta viridis) is common, and at clearings between forests and forest margins Aesculapian snake (Elaphe longissima) can be observed.  The avifauna of the Sár Hill is closely related to the large forested areas of the Mátra Mountains. Above the steppe meadows abundant in insects and reptiles short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and honey buzzard (Pernis aviporus) can be observed regularly, whereas at the reed-beds of the Lake Szent Anna marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) has settled. From the Mátra Mountains, imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) and lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), that in the occasions of their preying often visit the turfs of the Sár Hill, feeds from the agricultural lands at the foregrounds of the mountains. Of the smaller-bodied songsters, all the dwellers of closed forests and steppe meadows can be found. Learning about the natural values of the area is supported by a study-trail of which starting point can be found in Gyöngyös. credit |
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16: Sóshartyán Hencse mountain
| Year of preservation: 2004 Area: 104.7 hectares One of the most valuable area, from the point of view of nature conservation, of the sandstone areas at the vicinity of Salgótarján has become to the focus of scientific interest following the discovery of the population of the strictly protected Zephyr blue (Plebejus sephirus). Protection was declared in order to conserve and preserve the sandstone rock grasslands, steppe meadows, steppe scrubs and related biocoenoses. The bedrock of Hencse Hill is the Oligocene sandstone (Pétervására Sandstone Formation), the most characteristic formation of the area. It makes up a rock wall nearly 300 meters in length and 30-40 meters in height at the edge of the nearby range (K?lyuk Hillside).  Here, at the Hencse Hill, the sandstone complex is exposed as rock ribs, rock ledges. The flora and vegetation of the area show close relation to the sand steppes of the Great Hungarian Plain as evidenced by plant species of sub-Mediterranean origin. In the open, plant species rich grasslands of the stepp meadows, rarities such as, Astragalus excapus, Festuca vaginata and Scabiosa canescens live. At patches with transported loess Jurinea mollis, Viola ambigua and scented grass (Chrysopogon gryllus) are characteristic. The grass being already hard to classified are further diversified by the common species with dolomite meadows and stepp meadows of the Transdanubian Mountain Range, of which some cross the Mid-Danube flora dividing line. Of the plants characteristic for rock grasslands an stepp meadows are coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), Scorzonera austriaca, Ononis pusilla and Seseli hippomarathrum Jacq as such. Similar to its flora, the fauna of the region is rich in protected species. It is only here in Hungary where all four plebeius species, i.e. the strictly protected zephyr blue (Plebejus sephirus), the protected northern blue (Plebejus idas), Amanda's blue (Polyommatus amandus) and silver-studded blue (Plebejus argus), can be found. Another protected butterfly is the large blue butterfly (Maculinea arion), used to be the characteristic plebejus of the thyme grasslands, stepp meadows, or the also protected Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth (Hemaris fuciformis) resembling a giant bee. In the loose sand, several Myrmeleonidae, awaiting at bell-mouthed holes, to prey upon the insects trapped, occur. Visitability: There is free access on foot into protected nature areas on the marked tourist paths. Access to the habitat of certain species may be subject to temporary limitations by the nature conservation management. Observation of the nature conservation is assisted and inspected by the members of the Nature Conservation Security who are authorised to put on field penalty if necessary. Prior to your visit, please check with the nature conservation management of the area, i.e. the authorised colleague of the Bükk National Park Directorate. credit |
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17: Ipolytarnóc fossils
| Year of preservation: 1954 Area: 513 hectares The so-called ‘palots Pompeii’ is situated about 2 km east of the village of Ipolytarnóc in the County of Nógrád. In the outcrops of the watercourses gashing the hilly landscape, remnants of creatures living approximately 20 million years ago have been preserved in a particularly great abundance. An exciting geological trip to a paleo-environment can be taken at the exhibition site with trained guides. Among the rocks cropping out in the trench, the oldest ones were deposited at the beginning of the Eggenburgian stage of the Miocene, about 24–23 million years ago, in a shallow sea environment. The clay and sandy layers contain numerous fossil remains – remains of the shell pieces of snails and shells as well as rarely shells of corals can be recognised on the rock surfaces. One of the remarkable sights of Ipolytarnóc, the so-called ‘sharkteeth-bearing strata’ deposited at the beach belt of the tropical sea that can be found in the sandstone formed by the cementation of sand particles. In the early 20th century, the local children sold the sharkteeth taken out of the rock to tourists as “birds’ tounges”. 24 species were identified based on the teeth remains. Petrified remains of sharks as well as those of skates, dolphins, dugongs and crocodiles were also discovered here.  On the land elevated, following the sea regression and due to the forces of orogenesis, paleo-rivers spread their gravel sheets 22–21 million years ago. Watercourses with high discharge carried vast siliceous tree-trunks from time to time that were, together with pebble layers, deposited. Some fine examples of these truly ‘petrified’ trees infiltrated by silicic acid (i.e. rich in silica) solutions during an earlier volcanic eruption can be found along the path. By the thin sections made of the tree-trunks, palm, pine species as well as lauraceae, that used to live under tropical or sub-tropical climate, were identified by scientists. Continental sedimentation later continued by the deposition of more fine-grained sandy sediments. The grey-coloured sandstone formed by the cementation of sand particles is the real sensation of Ipolytarnóc, for several reasons. One of its peculiarities is that it contains the traces of the fossil flora dominated by lauraceae and indicating an African relation in the form of footprints and in large numbers. During these research, more than 60 paleo-plant species – lauraceae, palm, magnolia, plane, pine and fern species, among others – were identified, of which many has become extinct since. Significance of the findings at Ipolytarnóc is further supported by the fact that several species were first described from here. By the rich collection of findings, researchers managed to give a detailed description on the climatic and bio-geographical features of the paleo-environment. The richest collection is held at the Natural History Museum in Budapest where approximately 15,000 trace fossils can be found.  The other paleonthological curiosity of Ipolytarnóc is a vast silicified paleo-pine. The coast sugar pine species named ’Pinuxylon tarnocziense’ has neither fossil nor recent adequatives. The petrified tree-trunk, being about 8 meters in trunk perimeter at its shank and approximately 100 meters in length as estimated, overvaulted the two sides of the Borókás Trench as a bridge at the beginning of the 19th century. Locals named it ‘Gyurtyánk?-lócza’, legends were born on its petrification. Its decay began already when discovered; the locals carried it away to use it as rubstones, building stones, tombstones, excursionists took it as a souvenir. Today, only three larger pieces can be seen at its original place; its thicker trunk pieces are held in a cellar built for their preservation, whereas its thinner part that belongs to the foliage is held in the great hall. At the upper section of the stone ensemble containing plant and paleo-pine imprints, as a result of the extraordinary environmental conditions, footprints of paleo-animals have been preserved. 20 million years ago, at this site, springs rose, whereas at there surroundings waterlogged land was found. In the deponing mud, footprints of animals guzzling were left. This ancient idyll came to an end with an enormous volcanic eruption of which ash covered the surrounding areas in a thickness of several meters. (This is the so-called ‘lower rhyolite tuff’ with many occurrences in the Carpathian Basin.) Later, the loose sedimentary layers were silicified and hardened by waters percolated the rhyolite tuff, and, as a result, the animals’ footprints have been accurately preserved on the surface of the silicified sandstone. The ’footprint sandstone’ is exposed in several places at the trench. By the more than 2700 footprints, up to now, 11 animal species (paleo-rhineceroses, roe-deers, deers, felid and canine predators, birds) have been identified, all of which had been unknown for the science. The occurrence at Ipolytarnóc is one of the world’s richest site in Tertiary footprints. A hall has been built in order to preserve the footprint layer at the most explored part of the ‘paleo Pompeji’. To represent the international significance of the site as well as to acknowledge the attempts made in order to preserve its natural values, the nature conservation area was awarded a European Diploma in 1995. To the geological exhibition site leads the K?zetpark study trail. At the Borókás Trench entrance, a reception building awaits for visitors. Fossil remains are presented at the Borókás Trench geological study trail by trained guides and information boards. The geological K?szikla study trail leads visitors to the Botos Trench. Features of the living nature are exhibited at two biological study trails.  The excavations can be visited with expert guiding: From 1st of April till 31th of October (thursdays, fridays, satursays, sundays): 9.30-15.30 Address: 3138 Ipolytarnóc, Pf.: 1.; Telephone./Fax: 36-32/ 454-113, E-mail: itarnoc@t-online.hu. credit |
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18: Megyer-mountain Lakelet
| Territory of the protected area: one hectare. Location: The protected area is situated to the north of Sárospatak, in the Megyer-mountain. Visitors: Free of access for visitors. Management: Directorate of Bükk National Park The volcanic cones to the north of Sárospatak – the Király- and the Megyer-mountains – belong to the Tokaj-mountains.They are made up from rhyolite tuff formed during volcanic activities. This porous stone was saturated with steam and hot water containing silicic acid during post-volcanic activities resulting an extremely resistant cemented secondary stone – the best material for making millstone. Locals started exploiting this stone in the 1400s just below the peak of the Megyer-mountain.  Exploitation going on for centuries resulted a huge hollow in the mountain which was slowly filled up with rain quite abundant in this region. The tall bare walls of the quarry provide an insight into the inner structure of the mountain, marks of the geysers of the hydrothermal processes – are very well visible. Traces of tools used during quarrying are preserved from the Middle Ages and modern history, as rare mementos of cultural history. credit pic credit |
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