At Lake Sástó, the lakeshore and a lookout tower are distinctive local features; the Béka Nature Trail draws attention to the flora and fauna of the Mátra Mountains. If you are looking for a holiday rental, considering what matters most to you may help: are you more interested in the history of the structure, a nature-focused trail or the area around the lake?
A lookout tower with a history of its own
The Sástó lookout tower is 53 metres high. The structure was originally intended for use as an oil drilling rig and was installed at Sástó in 1973 after minor alterations. If the history of buildings is also a factor in your choice of destination, you will find a specific historical point of interest here. The tower’s history adds a different perspective on Sástó to the natural features around the lake.
Lakeshore scenery and places to rest
There are several wooden benches, covered rest areas and a playground on the north shore of Lake Sástó. These different places to spend time are part of the area’s character. Check the condition of the facilities locally before your visit. The natural surroundings include willows providing shade along the shore, reeds, wooden boardwalks and wild ducks swimming on the lake. The vegetation, boardwalks and water offer a different focus from the facilities on the north shore. If you would rather shape your stay around the landscape than the history of the structures, these lakeshore features offer another way to experience the area.
Nature trail and amphibians
The 15-stop Béka Nature Trail leads visitors to Farkas-kút and offers the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of the Mátra Mountains. The route thus combines a specific destination with a nature theme. Sástó provides a spawning ground for several amphibian species, including the common toad, pool frog and grass frog; their larvae develop here. The nature trail focuses on the flora and fauna of the mountains, while the spawning ground offers a specific insight into the development of the amphibians mentioned. Their seasonal presence may vary.
In the wider destination of Heves
The wider destination of Heves also encompasses its own landscape and cultural themes. The Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area lies in the southern part of Heves County. It covers 16,114 hectares, was designated in 1993 and reached its present extent after expansions in 2005 and 2008. The 6.5-kilometre Ilona Valley Nature Trail along the Ilona Stream passes geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and evidence of former ore mining. In Eger, the Szépasszony Valley is home to the city’s largest contiguous area of wine cellars; wine culture and the associated gastronomy are among its major tourist attractions. At Kékestető, Hungary’s highest point, fans of active tourism can enjoy winter sports during the winter. Compared with the Béka Nature Trail in Sástó, the Ilona Valley Nature Trail focuses on geology and evidence of former ore mining.
Discover more destinations: Kisnána, Mátraszentimre, Galyatető, Gyöngyös, Gyöngyössolymos, Gyöngyösoroszi, Markaz, Gyöngyöstarján.
View the wider travel guide: Gyöngyös.
