Karancs-Medves Landscape Protection Area

The area of the Karancs–Medves Landscape Protection Area is 6,709 hectares, of which 447 hectares are strictly protected. The Landscape Protection Area falls under the administration of the Bükk National Park Directorate.

Location

The landscape protection area is located within the administrative boundaries of Nógrád County, in Bárna, Karancsalja, Karancsberény, Karancslapujtő, Kazár, Mátraszele, Salgótarján and Somoskőújfalu. At the time of its designation, the area incorporated the nature protection areas of Salgó Castle, Szilvás-kő, Kercseg Valley, Földház Ridge, Gortva Valley, Bárna Stream and the source area of the Zagyva River.

Characteristics

In the Nógrád–Gömör basalt region, more than 100 independent basalt areas are found, the majority of which are in Slovakia. The basalt volcanoes that created the cup-shaped mountains and flat plateaus operated in several phases with differing characteristics. Medves Hill is the most beautiful volcanic prominence of the Nógrád Basin, segmented by steep ridges and deeply incised valleys. The erupting lava formed the mostly columnar basalt peaks. The most spectacular formations can be seen at Szilvás-kő, where the basalt columns stand arranged in vertical rows like the pipes of a cathedral organ.

Flora and Fauna

Within the landscape protection area, forest coverage is significant. Typical forest associations are oak stands without underbrush, hornbeam-oak stands, and submontane beech forests. Special values are hidden in the spruce forest stands, debris-accumulation forests, and hornbeam-ash groves accompanying the stream valleys. Among the protected rare plants, the landscape protection area's emblematic species, the silky *cuckoo* clover, as well as the Danube starflower, sword-like bird's-foot trefoil, and the spotted *couch* orchid are noteworthy for their aesthetic beauty. The rich bird life of the area indicates the natural state of the forests, with notable representatives such as the black woodpecker, imperial eagle, and white‑necked raven. The diversity of the insect fauna is signaled by Europe's largest beetle, the great stag beetle, the uniquely beautiful mountain *cincér* (a type of beetle), and the rare eight‑spotted flower beetle. Throughout history, continuous human presence is shown by the extensive meadow areas that developed as a result of forest clearances. These secondary habitats are represented by valuable brush‑poppy meadows and the rare *sőrfű* (a grass species) patches in our country. The mountain pastures are made diverse by beautiful and valuable flowers, such as meadow carnation or two‑leaf *sarkvirág*, providing habitats for butterflies like the swallowtail and the large fire‑winged butterfly.

Geological values

Even at the time of its designation as a protected area, the series of special geological values of the region was an important consideration. Among these, the "glauconitic sandstone" (Pétervására Sandstone Formation) deserves mention, whose characteristic cross‑layered surface occurrences are found in the area. The "coal‑bearing assemblage" (Salgótarján Brown Coal Formation Subunits) that underlies the formation of the Nógrád coal basin can be studied, among other places, on the eastern edge of Medves and at Szilvás‑kő. The nationally renowned discoveries of the "eastern Nógrád andesites" (Matra Volcanic Formation Group) are located in the Bobonyér and Farkas‑kő quarries. The "Nógrád‑Gömör basalts" (Salgóvár Basalt Formation) represent outstanding natural values both in the rehabilitated mines (Eresztvény, Magyarbánya, etc.) and in their natural occurrences (e.g., Nagy‑Salgó). Within the series of geological values, the Szilvás‑kő fissure caves occupy a special place. Their genesis, size and unique characteristics constitute distinctive values of the protected area.

Somoskő

Above the village of Somoskő rises the eponymous castle, which is already located on the Slovak side of Medves, as is the spectacular basalt waterfall hidden on the hill side of the castle. The basalt, solidified in a curved‑columnar form, is a geological rarity. On the Hungarian side we find the Várallya Park, where the Petőfi memorial hut can be visited.

Magyarbánya Stone Park

At the border of the village of Somoskő we find the abandoned courtyard of Magyarbánya, where an open‑air exhibition presenting the stone formations of Nógrád County can be viewed.

Petőfi Promenade

The pleasant walking trail with atmospheric resting places and developed springs connects the village of Somoskő with one of the landscape protection area's tourist centers, Eresztvény.

Bird Park

In the Eresztvény community park, visitors can learn about cavity‑dwelling birds and garden bird‑protection tasks through informational boards and artificial bird nests.

Coal Mining Memorial Hall

The exhibition site can be approached from the Madárpark of Eresztve, commemorating the coal mining in Medves.

Salgó

The ruins of the medieval castle rising on the 625 m high basalt dome can be freely visited. In front of the castle there is information, and in the tower panorama boards help with orientation.

Kis‑Salgó (Witch Stone)

The well‑studied forms of the basalt volcanism can be learned about using the educational trail that circles the summit.

Eresztve Stone Quarries

After the abandoned stone quarries were arranged, the conditions for visitation and presentation were ensured. In the stone quarries information boards and an educational trail await visitors.

Szilváskő

The Szilváskő educational trail leads from the Rónabánya settlement to the spectacular basalt pillars, and along the way several stations allow one to learn about the various volcanic forms, the memories of stone and coal mining, and their landscape‑shaping effects.

Hiking Trail in Karancs

From the Salgótarján Lake‑Beach, following the suggested route, one can reach the lookout built on the summit of Karancs. Along the way one can pass the former wooded pasture (Kercseg), which has become a popular hiking spot, and the Margaret Chapel.