North-east of Budapest, the hilly landscapes of the Mátra and the Bükk are carpeted with enchanting forest and dotted with dramatic caves. Hikers, spa lovers and spelunkers flock here at weekends, stopping off for a fine meal, a wine tour and sightseeing in the two main cities close to each unspoiled upland, Eger beside the Mátra and Miskolc next to the Bükk. Autumn is the best time to explore each region, when the slopes turn a thousand shades of orange and brown, and local restaurants offer seasonal specialties such as mushrooms in many varieties and recently harvested wines.
The Mátra and the Bükk are the focus of a new English-subtitled video, provided to We Love Budapest by the Hungarian Tourism Agency. Created during and specifically for autumn, the film highlights the natural wonders of these enticing destinations, also exploring the historic and gastronomic attractions of nearby Eger and Miskolc.
;t=31s
A journey around Eger’s Ottoman landmarks is complemented by scenes of satisfied diners sampling the famed Bull’s Blood and its white counterpart, Egri Csillag. In Miskolc, we visit medieval Diósgyőr Castle and taste exquisite trout. Further exploration reveals the crashing waterfall and tranquil lake around Lillafüred, the caves of Szent István, Istállós-kő and Szeleta, and the narrow-gauge train that glides beneath the greenery of the Bükk forest.
How to get there from Budapest:Trains leave Keleti Station every hour for Miskolc and every two hours for Eger, journey time about two hours for each destination.
