Borsod

Borsod, commonly referring to Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, is a county in northern Hungary. The county’s seat and largest city is Miskolc. It sits in a varied landscape that includes the Bükk Mountains, the Zemplén Hills, and karst areas around Aggtelek. The Baradla Cave system within Aggtelek National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Slovakia, is a notable landmark. The Tokaj wine region extends into parts of the county along its eastern border, contributing to the area’s cultural and economic heritage.

Historically, the region has been important since medieval times and developed into a major mining and industrial center in the 19th and 20th centuries, with coal, metallurgy, and related industries anchored around Miskolc and nearby towns. In recent decades the economy has diversified toward services, light industry, tourism, and energy.

The county includes several notable towns besides Miskolc, such as Ózd, Kazincbarcika, Edelény, Tokaj, and Sátoraljaújhely. Cultural heritage is highlighted by sites like Diósgyőr Castle near Miskolc and the resort town of Lillafüred. Higher education is represented by the University of Miskolc, among other institutions.

Demographically, the area is predominantly Hungarian with Roma communities forming a significant minority. The current administrative unit, established in 1950, merged the historic Borsod with Abaúj and Zemplén to form Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County.