Csillagfej

Csillagfej is a village located in northern Hungary, within the administrative boundaries of Nógrád County. The settlement lies on the northern slope of the Zemplén Mountains, approximately 38 kilometers north of the county seat, Salgótarján. The village sits at an elevation of roughly 400 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 8.5 square kilometers. As of the latest census, Csillagfej hosts a population of around 450 inhabitants, yielding a low population density characteristic of the region.

The name Csillagfej, which translates literally as “Star Head,” is derived from a medieval reference to a distinctive, star‑shaped hill that tops the local terrain. The origins of the village date back to the 13th century, when it was first mentioned in royal charters as a small agrarian settlement within the domain of the Csik clan. Throughout the Middle Ages, the villagers primarily engaged in subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry.

In the modern era, Csillagfej has maintained its rural character, though the community has gradually incorporated elements of tourism. The proximity to the natural reserve of the Zemplén Mountains allows for hiking, bird watching, and the exploration of ancient beech forests. The local economy is supported by small‑scale farming, artisanal production, and service activities catering to visitors.

Csillagfej’s cultural heritage is evident in its preserved folk architecture, comprising wooden cottage structures and a 17th‑century wooden church that remains an important landmark for local religious and community events. Annual festivals celebrating the harvest and the traditional crafts keep the village’s cultural traditions vibrant.