Satoraljaujhely

One of the intellectual and trade centres of the Zemplén Hills and the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, the city surrounded by lovely wooded mountains is popular amongst hikers. After World War I it became a border town split between Hungary and Slovakia.

As early as medieval times Újhely, new town underneath the 'tent hills' as its full name reads, was already of significance. Once a junction of trade routes towards Russia, Poland and Transylvania, it was in this famous centre of the trade of Hegyalja wines that Father Máté Szepsi Laczkó prepared the first aszú wine, today the most famous variety of all Tokaj-Hegyalja wines.

From the mid-18th century until the division of the county and the city after World War I Sátoraljaújhely was the seat of Zemplén County. By the second half of the 19th century the railway line from Budapest had reached Újhely and a tobacco factory and a baths were constructed. The wine of Tokaj fame continues to ensure the town's significance.

As a city with a long history Sátoraljaújhely has several monuments and heritage buildings. It is also an excellent base for excursions. Hungary's longest chairlift (1,334 metres) leads up to the lookout on High Hill (Magas-hegy) where a ski and toboggan run operate in favourable snow conditions.

The old Jewish cemetery is a significant place of pilgrimage. It is here that wonder-working rabbi, Mózes Teitelbaum, was laid to rest.

How to get there:
By publis transport, take a train from Budapest; more connections are available with a change at Miskolc or Szerencs. Local Volán coaches run to Sátoraljaújhely from Tokaj and Debrecen. By car from Miskolc take Route 37. Outside the town there is an international road border crossing to Slovakia.