Börzsöny Mountains

For nature lovers a trip into the unspoiled countryside of the Börzsöny Mountains is recommended, of which the on average 300-400m (984-1312ft) high volcanic peaks form the western foothills of the North Hungarian Central Uplands. In the south, west and north they extend as far as the Danube and Ipoly, in the east they descend into the Nógrád Basin. Around the Csóványos, the highest peak at 938m (3077ft), lies the 18,000ha (44,478ac) conservation area of Magas-Börzsöny. The varied landscape is characterized by wooded slopes, deeply incised valleys with numerous springs and river courses. In the lower regions the vegetation is mainly oak woods, with beech woods on the higher slopes. On a walk through this untouched, restful countryside it is quite possible to encounter stags, wild boar and moufflon.

Nógrád or Diósjeno (about 20km (12mi.) north of Vác) are ideal starting points for walks of one day or more. For the less energetic there is the narrow gauge railroad which crosses the Börszöny Mountains from Veroce (5km (3mi.) west of Vác).