Salgótarján is the county seat and largest city in Nógrád county, Hungary. Once a small mining town, the city was built in a very modern communist style, leaving much to be desired in terms of classical architecture. Nevertheless, the city boasts two excellent castle ruins and several hiking opportunities through the forested Cserhát hills.
- Nógrádi Történeti Múzeum Bányászati Kiállítóhelye. On Zemlinszky Rezső út 1. is the first underground mining museum in the country and the second in all of Europe. There is an exhibit showing the history of mining in the region, from old times to present. The main attraction, however, is where they let you into actual sections of the mine and show some of the different equipment once used there.
- Nógrádi Történeti Múzeum. Downtown on Múzeum tér 2. is the town's principal museum. The exhibits contain several items about the history of the county. There is a special exhibit on János Balázs, the Romany poet and painter who lived in the city.
Nógrádi Történeti Múzeum Bányászati Kiállítóhelye. On Zemlinszky Rezső út 1. is the first underground mining museum in the country and the second in all of Europe. There is an exhibit showing the history of mining in the region, from old times to present. The main attraction, however, is where they let you into actual sections of the mine and show some of the different equipment once used there.
Nógrádi Történeti Múzeum. Downtown on Múzeum tér 2. is the town's principal museum. The exhibits contain several items about the history of the county. There is a special exhibit on János Balázs, the Romany poet and painter who lived in the city.
- Plébániatemplom (Cathedral) located opposite the County History Museum is the main church in the town.
Plébániatemplom (Cathedral) located opposite the County History Museum is the main church in the town.
- Somoskő (Šomoška) Castle (take bus #11A from downtown) in the suburb of Somoskő is the more restored of the two castles and has an awesome presence atop a 526 meter tall hill. One of the three original towers is restored. The castle lies on the slovak side, but it´s easily accessible from the Hungarian village of Somoskő without need of passport control as both countries are part of EU-Schengen border system.
- Salgói Castle Ruins (take bus #11B from downtown) is in the suburb of Salgóbánya. Though not as restored as the other castle, it provides excellent views of the region from its 625 meter perch.
Somoskő (Šomoška) Castle (take bus #11A from downtown) in the suburb of Somoskő is the more restored of the two castles and has an awesome presence atop a 526 meter tall hill. One of the three original towers is restored. The castle lies on the slovak side, but it´s easily accessible from the Hungarian village of Somoskő without need of passport control as both countries are part of EU-Schengen border system.
Salgói Castle Ruins (take bus #11B from downtown) is in the suburb of Salgóbánya. Though not as restored as the other castle, it provides excellent views of the region from its 625 meter perch.
From casual walks to more serious treks, from anywhere in the city you're never far from the hills.
- Pipis hegy is the hill directly west of downtown. This quick and easy hike also features a Kálvária (Calvary) monument.
- Study Trail is a 2 km long trail that leads to the Salgó castle ruins. Along the way signs explain the local flora, fauna, and geology.
Pipis hegy is the hill directly west of downtown. This quick and easy hike also features a Kálvária (Calvary) monument.
Study Trail is a 2 km long trail that leads to the Salgó castle ruins. Along the way signs explain the local flora, fauna, and geology.
- Fil'akovo and the rest of Slovakia are just across the border.
- Hollókő is directly accessible by bus. It is a museum village with a castle and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Szécsény is a small town with a mansion, firetower, and a few museums.
- Balassagyarmat is the former county seat and the Palóc capital of Hungary.