The highest mountain in Hungary is Kekes. The highest mountain in Hungary - Kekes The highest mountain in Hungary and its height

Hungary - amazing beautiful country, which has its own special history, incomparable architectural monuments and indescribable beauty of nature. The most famous natural attraction is the most high mountain Hungary, Kekes, located in the northern part of the state and belonging to the Matra mountain system.

The name of the highest mountain in Hungary comes from its bluish tint, visible from the side, the word "kek" is translated from Hungarian as "blue", according to this, the name of the mountain, "Kekes" can be translated as "bluish".

Directly on the mountain there is a television tower, from the observation deck of which an unusually beautiful all-round panorama of the highlands opens, and if the day turns out to be cold, you can always hide in a cozy cafe inside the same tower.

The thickness of the snow cover covering Kekesh reaches 40 cm, and from a distance, framed by floating white clouds, the mountain seems iridescent and luminescent. It is known that Kekes is the highest mountain in Hungary and its height of 1015 meters, although not among the ten highest mountains in the world, is nevertheless almost daily a large number of tourists begin their climb to the top. As a starting point, it is recommended to consider the small town of Matrahaza, from where it is most convenient to get to the mountain by any vehicle.

The climate in this part of Matra is quite mild throughout the year, without sharp temperature changes, and long sunny days make this area most suitable for warm summer holiday. Even in late autumn - early winter, when at the foot of the mountains, in cities and villages it is already dank and foggy, on the top of Kekesh it is still quite warm due to the warming gentle sun.

On the mountain itself there is a lot of entertainment: ski slopes, all kinds of excursions, a restaurant serving Hungarian cuisine, playgrounds for children, etc. All people who have visited the mountain note the beauty of nature on the slopes: here you can see birches, spruce, fir, oak and chestnut trees, beech is a little less common, and in some places, at the foot, there are minerals: manganese, copper and lead ores.

The quiet and peaceful nature of Hungary is adjacent to a diverse world of animals: deer, hares, wild boars, foxes, etc., including such rare animals protected by the state as otters and beavers.

In addition to climbing Mount Kekes, in Hungary it will be very interesting for tourists to see other natural attractions, such as thermal springs, lakes, Danube, etc.

One of the most famous of the Hungarian lakes is Balaton, so blue and clear that on a clear day it can easily be confused with the sea, if you do not pay attention to the fact that the water there is not salty. Balaton is located in close proximity to Budapest and is the largest European lake. Previously, it was open only to rich people, but nowadays anyone can stay here. Another one of the largest lakes in Europe, the thermal Heviz lake, is located right on the site of a former volcano, which now heats the water and makes it possible to swim in the lake even in the cold season. Heviz is considered quiet health resort, but many people come here on the way from Budapest or Vienna just to take a little break from the hustle and bustle and admire the extraordinary nature.

Almost the entire territory of the country is located in the Danube River basin, only within Budapest itself on the banks of the river there are seven islands: Csepel, Hayodyari Sziget, Molnar Sziget, Nepsiget, Haros Sziget, Palotai and the most famous and popular - Margaret.

The Danube Bend, located just 13 km from the capital of the country, is a favorite place to visit for both tourists and local residents. It offers extraordinary picturesque views of the surrounding nature with green fields stretching into the distance and the soft contours of the hills, in addition, there are many the most beautiful towns, among which Esztergom especially stands out. It's small but historical significant city: for many years it was the capital of the state and here, in Esztergom, the legendary king Stephen the Saint was born.

The Hungarian city of Tokaj is interesting to visit. It is the center of the large wine-growing region Tokaj-Hegyalja, where the famous variety of white wine or “liquid gold”, as it is often called, is produced. This place has been attracting true connoisseurs and gourmets for many years, and Hungarians are rightfully proud of it a unique place and the vineyards located in it.

Hungary, and especially its nature, is also famous national parks, the most famous of which are Hortobágy and the Balaonian Upland Park. Hortobágy is the largest state reserve, where you can enjoy the view of endless steppes, various lakes and oak groves, see nature untouched by man and the birds and animals living in it. Another national park- The Balaton Upland is located in a mountainous area (which explains its name), which allows you to see caves and several extinct volcanoes; in addition, there are certain species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book and on the verge of extinction - which is why the territory of the park is strictly protected.

The nature of Hungary is unusual in its beauty and diversity, its sights fascinate at first sight: mountains, islands, resorts, parks - all these are real national treasures of the country. In general, this state is suitable for both active rest, and for quiet contemplative tourism and health promotion, extraordinary views can forever leave a mark on the consciousness of any person.

The main part of Hungary is located on the Middle Danube Plain, so its territory is mainly dominated by plains and low hills. East End This area, called Alföld, has flat lowlands, and the western one, which is called Dunantul, has numerous hills rising 300 m above the ground. But on the territory of this country there are also mountains. The highest mountain in Hungary is located in the western part of the country and is popular among locals and tourists.

Mountains of Hungary

The Hungarian mountains with many limestone plateaus are located north of Lake Balaton - the largest body of water in Central Europe, which is located 1.5 hours drive from the country's capital Budapest. The western part of the Hungarian state - the Dunantl region - is occupied by numerous hills covered with coniferous and deciduous forests.

The Transdanubian part of Hungary is located in Pannonia - historical region in Central Europe, which is located between the Eastern Alps and the large local rivers Danube and Sava. The mountains here are low, approximately 400-700 m high.

The northern part of Hungary is located on the spurs of the Western Carpathians. There are several isolated mountain ranges of volcanic origin, having their own names. One of them is Matra. The eastern part of this massif is occupied by mountains with a height of 500-560 m, and the western part with a height of 700-830 m. It is here that the highest mountain in the country is located.

Mount Kekesh

Kekes is the highest peak in Hungary. It reaches a height of 1014 m. Compared to many other world peaks, this is, of course, a modest height, but the mountain itself is very beautiful and picturesque. This is not a classic rocky mountain, but rather a huge hill with smooth, gentle slopes. Coniferous trees grow on them, as well as:

  • birch;
  • linden;
  • Oak trees;
  • chestnuts.

The name of the mountain means “blueish” in translation from the local language. The top has this color when viewed from a distance. Hungarian Kekes is a very popular place among Hungarians themselves and tourists visiting the country. In this regard, the mountain is second only to Lake Balaton and the Danube.


Ski slope

For vacationers on this mountain there is a ski sports complex with modern infrastructure, including:

  • route with a total length of 1.8 km;
  • springboard;
  • lifts.

This route is the longest and safest in the country. It is safe to ski on it even for beginners and inexperienced skiers, because the slopes of the mountain are smooth and gentle, without steep drops. For the same reason, there are few professional athletes here who prefer to train in other places. Therefore, Mount Kekesh and its route are considered more of an interesting attraction of the country than important object skiing.

The sports complex on the “bluish” mountain is open all year round. In winter, the track surface is natural, there is a lot of snow (the snow cover reaches a height of 0.4 m), and when it melts, it is replaced with artificial one, which is produced by special equipment.


On the top

Kekesh is also famous as a wonderful climatic resort, since the largest number of sunny days of the year is recorded here. In addition to the sports complex, there is a comfortable hotel on the mountain where you can stay for several days and a 187-meter television tower, from which a circular observation deck offers a wonderful view of the foothills of Matra. From this height you can look at the mountains spread out at the foot of:

  • extensive oak and beech forests;
  • industrial gardens;
  • huge vineyards.

There are especially many of the latter here, because this area is the second largest wine region countries. Winemaking has been practiced here for more than 1000 years.


Mountain attractions

Having visited Kekesh, you can appreciate not only the beauty local nature, but also the advantages of local cuisine. There is a café on the TV tower serving Hungarian National dishes, satisfying and aromatic. Spicy pork seasoned with hot red pepper is especially popular. Here, in the cafe, you can try the world-famous local Tokaji wines. Their high quality is ensured by a successful combination of a whole range of conditions:

  • mild mountain climate;
  • long warm and humid autumn;
  • volcanic soils;
  • unique local varieties of light grapes;
  • original methods of making and storing finished wine.

You can relax in this amazing place either alone or with the whole family. Both adults and children will always find entertainment here, depending on their desires and capabilities. And as a keepsake of your visit to Mount Kekesh, there will be small souvenirs that can be purchased right there. They will remind you of an exciting trip and the unforgettable beauty of this mountain and the area located next to it.


How to get there

You can get to the highest peak in Hungary from Budapest by public transport, rented or own car. The easiest and cheapest way to get to the mountain is by bus, which departs three times a day from the capital's Nepliget station. Travel time is about 2 hours.

You can get to the “blue” mountain by taxi or your own car. In this case, you can get to the place faster, but it will cost more. You can climb the gentle mountain directly by car along the highway or on foot along numerous almost straight paths that lead from its foot to the very top. Walking route originates from the small picturesque town of Matrahazy, located at the western foot of the mountain. This settlement is interesting in itself with its tiny medieval and more modern temples and chapels.


The walk to the top of Kekesh takes approximately 3/4 of an hour and may seem long and exhausting, especially to unprepared people, but it is worth taking to admire the surrounding beauty. The paths leading to the top pass among picturesque coniferous trees, so it is better to take a camera with you on your trip to capture the most interesting moments.

Hungary is not a country where you can count on climbing high mountain peaks. Almost its entire territory is hilly; many places in Hungary are elevated above sea level by about 200 meters. Despite the circumstances of the Hungarian topography, there is still a high mountain peak on the lands of the European state.

Mount Kekesh and its features

If you translate the word “kekes” from Hungarian, its meaning will be close to a shade of blue. The Hungarian Mount Kekes rises 1014 meters above sea level.

The modest height of the mountain does not prevent travelers from climbing it to use the mountain as a natural observation deck. From this mountain you can see many amazing things: beautiful sunsets and sunrises, the Middle Danube Plain, neighboring peaks mountain range Matra.

Mount Kekesh has several uses. In addition to the observation deck, there is a small ski resort for beginners on the mountain. The slopes of Kekesh are gentle and even, so skiing there is suitable for those who want to master this science without getting injured.

At the top of the mountain there is a television tower, the height of which is 180 meters. There is also a cozy cafe with national cuisine open to visitors.

The natural attraction is included in several Hungarian travel guides. Holidays on Mount Kekes help you get to know the nature of Hungary better.

How to get to Mount Kekesh?

Near the town of Matrakhazy, a highway begins that leads straight to the top of the mountain. There is also a pedestrian road there. There is no route to the top of Kekesh transport connection, so you can get there by taxi, rented car or on foot.

The article tells about Hungary, briefly outlines the history of this European country, its main attractions, talks about ski resorts, and Hungary itself is not forgotten.

Brief historical background

Hungary is one of the oldest countries with more than thousand-year history known for numerous battles and conquests. The country is also famous for the launch of the first European metro in 1869. Since the mid-twentieth century, due to the invasion of Soviet troops into the country in order to overthrow the German occupiers, the communist regime prevailed in it. However, in the late 90s, Hungary switched to a capitalist system and is currently a member of NATO and the EU.

The area occupied by Hungary on the Middle Danube Plain is relatively small, which does not guarantee exceptional diversity climatic zones. The climate here is temperate continental, without sudden temperature fluctuations. Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to Hungary to experience the special atmosphere of the Middle Ages that prevails in the capital, as well as to visit the ski resorts of this miniature country.

Budapest.

Why do tourists love the country?

The main tourist attractions of the country besides Budapest are the city of Miskolc, Lake Balaton, Aggtelek caves and several springs with thermal and mineral water. This also includes Heviz, located near Lake Balaton. At all healing springs Hungary is considered the most valuable asset and brings a stable income from visiting tourists.

Ski resorts

Ski resorts in Hungary have recently begun to gain popularity among connoisseurs of this sport. Several Hungarian mountain ranges are especially popular among ski tourists.

The most famous ski resort in Hungary it is generally accepted mountain system Matra, located one hundred kilometers from the capital. This area is famous for its long-lasting snow cover (up to 100 days). At a time when real snow leaves the mountain range, it is replaced by artificial snow, which is supplied by specialized cannons. The tourist influx here does not decrease year-round.

What is the highest mountain in Hungary?

The country does not have high mountain peaks, although almost all of it is located 200 m above sea level. We can assume that almost its entire territory is a hill.

The most in Hungary is the peak of Kekes. It is part of the Matra mountain range and has the longest ski slope in Hungary. Its length is about two kilometers, but skiing from the slopes of Kekesh is more to the liking of inexperienced and novice skiers.

The highest mountain in Hungary, whose height is 1014 meters above sea level, is famous for its magnificent scenery, the snow cover is quite soft and the slopes are gentle, without drops. Accordingly, professional skiers who prefer more adrenaline visit other slopes.

Nature is one of the main attractions of the country. Flora and fauna

In general, Mount Kekes belongs more to the class of attractions than to the name of the highest mountain in Hungary, translated as “bluish”. This mountain is unusually picturesque. This is why it attracts guests who, after the Danube, prefer to visit nature almost untouched by civilization.

The forest on the hills is represented by well-known oaks, birches and spruces. In some places you can find chestnuts and fir. By the way, forests occupy only 1/5 of the country's area. This guarantees visibility from the top for many kilometers ahead and creates an unforgettable landscape, virtually unchanged for several generations. In addition, in some of the hills of Matra, minerals are found lying at the foot in the form of copper, lead and manganese ore.

The diversity of the animal world, the lion's share of which falls on wild boars, in addition to the familiar foxes, hares and deer, includes several rare species animals. These include beavers and otters, which are protected by the state.

On the top

You can get to the top of the bluish mountain by car or on foot from the town of Matrakhazy, which itself is interesting with miniature temples and a chapel. Certainly, walking quite difficult due to its range. However, it's worth it, as the trails leading to the summit have exceptionally beautiful surroundings, which will brighten up the walk and allow for stunning photographs.

TV tower on a mountain 180 meters high, with observation deck and a cafe, will allow you to appreciate all the beauty of the middle mountains in the northeast of the country. It helps you not to get lost on the numerous paths on the way to the top. According to visitors, all paths towards the mountain lead to the top. The cafe offers guests Hungarian cuisine - hearty and aromatic. Pork is the main product for cooking. Here you can also see a delightful exhibition of miniature bottles of locally produced drinks.

From time immemorial, the black earth lands of Matra are famous for their vineyards. Tokaj is recognized as a world-famous wine here.

Most of the territory of Hungary is located on the Middle Danube Plain and is predominantly flat in nature. The eastern part of the plain (Alföld) has a flat, low-lying topography, while the western part (Dunantul) is dissected by numerous hills up to 300 meters high.

In the north-west of the country there is the Kishalföld lowland, bounded on the west by the foothills of the Alps, with an altitude of 500-800m. In the north of Hungary there are spurs of the Western Carpathians up to 1000 m high. They are dissected by wide river valleys and represent isolated volcanic massifs and limestone plateaus.

Mount Kekesh (1014 m) is highest peak Hungary, located in the Matra massif in the northeast of the capital of Hungary, Budapest.
The mountain got its name because of its color; in the Hungarian language the word “kek” means “blue”, and Kekesh means “bluish”.

Mount Kekesh on the map

How to get to Mount Kekesh

In order to get to Kekes you need to either rent a car in Budapest or use the services public transport.
Moreover, by car you can get almost to the top of the mountain.

A direct bus on route No. 1045 departs from the Nepliget bus station (Budapest) and runs daily 3 times a day. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 55 minutes. Distance 98.4 km.

On weekdays, the bus from Budapest leaves at X6:45, 8:45, 14:15 and back to Budapest at X9:45, 12:45, 17:05.

Bus number 1045 stops in the nearest town of Gyöngyös (Gyöngyös).

You can get to the top of the bluish mountain by car or on foot from the town of Matrahazy.

Bus schedule Budapest - Gyöngyös - Matrahazy - Kékestető.

Kekesh Mountains photo