Markaz lies at the foot of the Mátra and combines a landscape of lakes and forests with traces of local history. Forests surround the town to the north; to the south, a lake with a water surface of around 50 hectares borders Markaz. These offer different themes to help you choose your destination: you can make trails, water or culture the focus of your stay.
A cycle path was created by converting a lakeside walking trail. The lake is suitable for water sports; when frost sets in, it can be used for ice skating. These activities depend on different conditions. Check the current access rules and conditions before planning to take part.
Hiking Trails and Navigation
Marked trails lead from the town center via Kékestető to the route of the Országos Kéktúra, which also passes via Kékestető. The Mária út runs along the southern side of the reservoir to the dam. At the edge of Markaz, the Szent-János Chapel stands beside this trail. Check the trail markers and trail conditions before setting out. The information identifies two different destinations: the connection to the Országos Kéktúra via Kékestető and the dam on the Mária út.
A hike in 2021 included Pusztatemplom, the lake, Kálvária and viewpoints.
Archaeology and Views
Remains of Pusztatemplom may become visible when the reservoir water level is low. Archaeological excavations identified the church as a single-nave Romanesque building with a semicircular apse; its construction is dated to the late 13th or early 14th century. If you want to see the remains, take the water level into account. The ruins of Markazi vár offer panoramic views of the surrounding area; check access to the ruins and viewpoint locally.
Exhibitions and Local Traditions
The Markazi Tájház displays traditional clothing, furniture and tools from the early 20th century. The Míves Tojás Magángyűjtemény features a permanent exhibition of decorated eggs and old household items. The two venues have different focuses: historical everyday culture at one, and the art of decorating eggs at the other. Exhibition content and visiting arrangements may change; check the latest visitor information before your visit.
Viticulture and winemaking are also part of Markaz’s local traditions, dating back to the 1400s. In the wider destination of Hewesch, the Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area lies in the southern part of Heves County. The 16,114-hectare protected area was designated in 1993 and reached its present extent after expansions in 2005 and 2008. The Szépasszony Valley in Eger is a distinct focus for wine culture: it is home to Eger’s largest contiguous area of wine-cellar rows; wine culture and the gastronomy associated with it are among the area’s most important tourist attractions.
Discover more destinations: Gyöngyös, Atkár, Gyöngyösoroszi, Mátraszentimre, Sástó, Kisnána, Abasár, Gyöngyössolymos.
Go to the wider travel overview: Gyöngyösi.
