Heves County

Heves County is rich in historical, cultural and natural treasures. Eger, its county seat, is one of the most stunning Baroque towns in Hungary while its surroundings form a famous historic wine region. On the county border, Lake Tisza offers recreation and relaxation for all ages.

Heves County starts at only 55 kilometres from Budapest. It is framed by the Mátra and Bükk Hills to the north and the River Tisza and Lake Tisza to the southeast. Neighbouring counties are Nógrád, Borsod -Abaúj-Zemplén, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok and Pest. It covers 3637 square kilometres and has a population of over 328,000.

The county seat of Heves is Eger. Other towns are: Bélapátfalva, Füzesabony, Gyöngyös, Hatvan, Heves, Kisköre, Lőrinci and Pétervására.

Heves County straddles two large geographical regions: the Northern Uplands (Északi-középhegység) and the Great Plain (Alföld). Its lowest point, 86 metres above sea level, can be found west of Kisköre while its highest point, which is also the highest point of Hungary, is the 1024-metre high Kékes Mountain in the Mátra Hills.

Among the varied scenic shapes occurring in this region are the archetypal plains, hills and the lower mountains divided by valleys.

The protected natural treasures belong to the Mátra Landscape Protection Area (Mátrai Tájvédelmi Körzet) and the Bükk National Park. Alongside these are the protected areas and natural assets of local significance.

Eger and its surroundings form an important historic wine region. Viticulture traditions of more than a millennium has delivered excellent wines such as Eger Bull's Blood (bikavér), Eger leányka and Medina.

Tourism is significant in Heves County. The settlements here attract visitors with their varied sights, historical heritage and colourful events.

The cultural and economic centre of the region is Eger. Over a thousand years old, this intimate city in its picturesque setting is held to be one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Hungary. With a past to be proud of and plentiful valuable heritage, Eger is known as the city of history, of wine, of healing and thermal waters, as well as the city of students.