kékes

Kékes is the highest peak of the Mátra mountain range in northern Hungary and the highest point in the country, with an elevation of 1,014 metres above sea level. It is a dominant feature of the Mátra, the country’s tallest mountain range, which lies in Heves County and forms part of the northern edge of the Great Hungarian Plain.

The summit area hosts weather and telecommunications installations, and it is equipped with a viewing terrace and a small visitor facility. A road provides access to near the top, and marked hiking trails lead to the summit from nearby villages, making Kékes a popular destination for day trips and mountain walks throughout the year.

Geographically, the Mátra is a volcanic-derived mountain range within the Carpathian region. The slopes of Kékes are forested, with beech dominating the lower elevations and coniferous trees appearing at higher altitudes. The climate is cool and mountain-like, with snow occurring in winter and mild summers, contributing to a distinct seasonal landscape.

Culturally and practically, Kékes serves as Hungary’s national high point and a reference for meteorological observations and telecommunications. The name Kékes is Hungarian for a blue-tinted or blue-hazy appearance, a descriptor that has historically been associated with the region. The peak is a recognized landmark and a common stop for hikers exploring the Mátra.