Mátrában

Mátrában refers to the Mátra, a mountain range in northern Hungary and the country’s highest natural area. It is part of the North Hungarian Mountains and lies mainly across Heves and Nógrád counties, north of the Great Hungarian Plain. The range extends from the eastern foothills near Gyöngyös to the western outskirts of the Bükk region, forming a conspicuous backdrop for the surrounding towns and villages.

The highest point in the Mátra is Kékes (also referred to as Kékestető), which rises to about 1,014 meters above sea level. The summit is known for a telecommunications tower and a small cluster of facilities that serve visitors, hikers, and researchers. The landscape features extensive beech and mixed forests, rocky outcrops, and interspersed plantations, with a variety of viewpoints and trails that attract walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts year-round. The area contains protected landscapes and conservation efforts designed to preserve its natural and cultural values.

Human settlement concentrates at the foothills, with towns such as Gyöngyös acting as gateways to the Mátra and providing services for tourists. Smaller resort villages along the southern slopes, including Mátraháza and Mátrafüred, offer lodging, ski facilities, and hiking routes. The Mátrai borvidék, a wine region on the slopes around the Mátra, contributes to local agriculture and tourism.

Climatically, the Mátra experiences a cooler, wetter climate than the surrounding plains, with snow in winter and milder summers at higher elevations. The region remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation and nature conservation, reflecting a balance between tourism, forestry, and protected landscapes.