Szalajka Valley (Szalajka-volgy), Szilvasvarad

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The Szalajka Valley is one the most stunning mountain valleys in the Bükk Hills and indeed in Hungary. The countryside here is simply overwhelmingly beautiful, but there is also plentiful historical heritage too.

The Szalajka Stream, the Rock Spring (Sziklaforrás), Veil Waterfall, and the forest study trail are amongst the natural treasures here. Places of historical interest include the Istállóskő Cave where prehistoric findings of cavemen were discovered, the Open-air Forestry Museum which evokes the industrial life of the area, Mary's iron mine (Mária-vasbánya), and the nearby historical castle ruins of Éleskővár and Gerennavár. Éleskővár was built before the Mongol invasion, while Gerennavár, the knight's castle built at the time of King Matthias, is ruined to the point of being almost unnoticeable.

The main gem of the valley is the fast-running Szalajka Stream. The name 'Szalajka' connected to an old profession. Potash, which was indispensable for glass production, was produced here. The name Szalajka was derived from 'sal alkalicus', Latin for potash. The water of the Szalajka Stream was dammed at several places on its way down the around 4 kilometre long Szalajka Valley. Trout is farmed in these artificial lakes. In summer a narrow gauge train takes tourists the length of the valley.