Zempléni Tájvédelmi Körzet

Zempléni Tájvédelmi Körzet is a landscape park covering roughly 26,500 hectares in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County. The terrain features narrow valleys carved between volcanic remnants and sedimentary ridges that create a varied topography throughout the region.

The protected area was established in 1984 to safeguard the natural landscapes of the Zemplén Mountains for future generations. This designation represented a concentrated effort to preserve the geological and ecological significance of the region.

The region preserves pottery traditions through the Hollóháza factory, where artisans continue to craft fine ceramics using methods passed down through generations. This craft remains a living part of village life in the surrounding communities.

The park features multiple hiking trails of varying length and difficulty that wind through valleys and across ridges. The best time to explore is from spring through autumn, when trails are well-maintained and weather conditions are favorable for walking.

The park contains distinctive rock formations shaped over thousands of years by weathering of andesite stone, with Rákóczi Rock standing as the most recognizable landmark. This geological feature draws visitors keen to see how natural forces have sculpted the mountain landscape.