Szalajka Valley

The Szalajka Valley is a deep gorge in the Bükk Mountains, carved by the Szalajka stream. The protected area covers 558 hectares and has enjoyed nature protection since 1955. Its best-known sight is the Fátyol Waterfall (“Veil Waterfall”), a series of steps built from travertine, which lime-rich karst water has deposited. The Szalajka spring, the largest in the valley, yields about 4,500 litres per minute on average over the year. Around 1910 a narrow-gauge railway began running to open up the forested plateau.

Along the valley you will find the open-air forestry museum, the forestry museum and the ruins of the medieval Éleskő Castle. In the Istállóskő Cave, archaeologists found bone tools, jewellery made of mammoth ivory and a bone flute, roughly 29,000 to 44,000 years old. The shady path is especially pleasant in summer; pack a rain jacket for sudden showers. Hiking trails lead on to the Bükk plateau.