Bódvarákó and nearby Esztramos

Esztramos is located in the vicinity of Bódvarákó. A marked trail leads from the car park to the via ferratas. The via ferrata routes were created in summer 2020. In addition to via ferrata climbing, Esztramos is also suitable for cave exploration. The area is protected and managed by the Directorate of Aggtelek National Park. When looking for a holiday apartment in Bódvarákó, it helps to consider whether via ferratas, cave exploration or the landscape itself will be the main focus of your holiday. It is advisable to check local conditions before setting out.

Esztramos: Via ferratas and mining history

The summit of Esztramos was altered by mining; a rock pinnacle about 50 metres high remains there. The pinnacle makes the changes easy to see: the reshaped summit and a striking remnant stand side by side in the same landscape. Esztramos thus offers both a specific destination for via ferrata climbers and a notable example of how mining has shaped the terrain.

More nature experiences in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

The wider travel destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén also has its own attractions centred on caves. The Baradla–Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. A nature trail connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to Baradla Cave and introduces the natural and cultural history of the area. Thus, alongside an interest in cave exploration, the region also offers a route that brings together natural and cultural history.

Another option in the wider travel destination is the short Aggtelek Cave Tour: it is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. The length specifies the distance, the duration provides a separate time frame, and the rating adds an assessment of the level of difficulty. Together, these details make the tour a clearly defined option in terms of time within the regional selection.

The Zemplén Landscape Protection Area offers a different natural focus. It is part of the Zemplén Mountains, whose landscape influences the area’s flora and fauna. While the rock pinnacle at Esztramos illustrates the summit’s transformation by mining, the Landscape Protection Area draws attention to the relationship between the landscape and its wildlife and plant life. The Zemplén Mountains are part of the Eperjes–Tokaj Mountains, which connect with the Carpathians to the north in Slovakia.

The Hucul herd can be visited year-round in the pastures of Gergés-lápa, around 1.5 kilometres north of Jósvafő. As arrangements for looking after the animals may change, check current visiting options in advance. These options differ for travel planning: the cave tour is specified as lasting one hour, while the Hucul herd can be visited year-round. This lets you choose between a tour with a defined duration and an outing focused on animal observation.

Discover more destinations: Szögliget, Tornabarakony, Szendrő, Becskeháza, Perkupa, Tornaszentandrás, Ziliz, Damak.

For the wider travel overview: Edelény.