For those who aren’t well-acquainted with the area, we’ve put together a thoughtful program recommendation for two people, complete with prices and distances, so you can plan without any hassle.
Day 1 – Arrival in Kisnána (around 14:00)
Program: Explore the Kisnána Castle. Open from March 1 to December 21, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ideal for a leisurely late afternoon visit. Discover more about the Kisnána Castle!
Admission for two adults: 5,000 HUF (12,5 EUR)
Day 2 – A Short Hike in the Mátraalja
Program: Enjoy a leisurely morning hike within the village. Follow a designated path to the Got-headed rock in the Ördögvályú valley, where legend has it that Móré László’s treasure lies hidden. Explore our hiking options! After returning, if you still have energy, you can have an impromptu sausage roast in the guesthouse garden or drive to nearby Markaz and stroll along the water reservoir lake. And, quietly, you can also go fishing – just be careful not to find yourself stuck with your husband fishing by the lake!
Distance: 9 km – 12 minutes, round trip 18 km. Daily fishing permit: 4,000 HUF (10 EUR) (ask the lake manager!)
Day 3 – Time to Swim!
Program: Luckily, there are several top-notch spas near Kisnána, so you can pick where to go for a swim, but we suggest visiting just one for the day. For instance, there’s Egerszalók, renowned for its salt hill, a one-of-a-kind spot in Europe. Besides swimming, you can purchase cosmetics made from the local thermal water. Another option is the recently opened Demjén Cascade Cave Bath and Adventure Pool, offering an unparalleled experience in an artificial cave system. If you prefer not to get wet, there’s an alternative: two Mofettas are nearby, which are carbon dioxide dry gas baths. The latter is typically recommended for therapeutic purposes, especially for certain heart and circulatory conditions, but it’s advisable to inquire about it beforehand! Fortunately, Parádfürdő and Mátraderecske are also available.
Distances and Prices:
- Egerszalók: 20 km, 23 minutes, admission for two people: 16,600 HUF (42 EUR)
- Demjén: 22 km, 26 minutes, admission for two people: 8,000-18,000 HUF (20-45 EUR)
- Parádfürdő: 25 km, 28 minutes.
- Mátraderecske: 23.5 km, 28 minutes
Day 4 – Enjoying Eger
Program: It’s unlikely anyone in the country hasn’t heard of Eger. Some know it for its thermal baths, others for its excellent wines, and some associate it with historical sites and the castle. We suggest starting with a gentle morning walk in the city center, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, choose between visiting the castle, the Turkish Bath, or the Thermal Bath, depending on your interests. And don’t leave without some wine – you can buy it in the Valley of the Beautiful Women or at a wine shop.
Distance and Prices: 27 km, 33 minutes.
- Lunch for two people: 10,000 HUF (25 EUR)
- Castle admission for two people: 9,600 HUF (24 EUR)
- Bath admission for two people: 8,400 HUF (21 EUR)
- A bottle of quality Eger wine: starting from 2,000 HUF (5 EUR)
Day 5 – Expedition to the Country’s Highest Point
Since we’re already in the Mátraalja area, it would be a significant oversight to skip visiting Kékestető. To make the most of our day, let’s start by visiting the zoo in Gyöngyös! Recently, some lion cubs were born, and they’re still quite small, so it would be a pity to miss them. And while we’re there, we can also see the little llamas. After that, we simply head towards Mátraháza and take the road to Kékes. Once we reach the top, let’s enjoy a leisurely stroll, take some photos with the red white and green stone at the summit, and definitely don’t miss the view from the TV tower, as on a clear day, you can see the entire surrounding area.
Distances and Prices:
- Gyöngyös: 24 km, 27 minutes. Zoo admission for two people: 5,600 HUF (14 EUR)
- Kékestető: From Kisnána, 31 km, 41 minutes – from Gyöngyös, 19 km, 29 minutes. TV tower admission for two people: 2,000 HUF (5 EUR)
Day 6 – Departure with a Heavy Heart
You’ve now completed 5 nights and 4 very eventful days at the Vár-Liget Guesthouse. Sadly, it’s time to pack up and head home in the morning, but keep in mind that Kisnána is always ready to welcome you back for another week packed with just as much content and excitement!