# Szalajka Valley

> The Szalajka Valley is a deep gorge in the Bükk Mountains, carved by the Szalajka stream. The protected area covers 558 hectares and has enjoyed nature…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/szalajka-valley/

A wooded valley in the Bükk Mountains where a stream tumbles over small travertine steps and a narrow-gauge forest railway runs up the valley. Walk the shaded path in summer and bring a rain layer for sudden showers.

The Szalajka Valley is a deep gorge in the Bükk Mountains, carved by the Szalajka stream. The protected area covers 558 hectares and has enjoyed nature protection since 1955. Its best-known sight is the Fátyol Waterfall (“Veil Waterfall”), a series of steps built from travertine, which lime-rich karst water has deposited. The Szalajka spring, the largest in the valley, yields about 4,500 litres per minute on average over the year. Around 1910 a narrow-gauge railway began running to open up the forested plateau.

Along the valley you will find the open-air forestry museum, the forestry museum and the ruins of the medieval Éleskő Castle. In the Istállóskő Cave, archaeologists found bone tools, jewellery made of mammoth ivory and a bone flute, roughly 29,000 to 44,000 years old. The shady path is especially pleasant in summer; pack a rain jacket for sudden showers. Hiking trails lead on to the Bükk plateau.

- **Nearest town:** Szilvásvárad, Hungary
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 48.0689, 20.3936

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Hungary: Vignette needed for motorways.** Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [Bükk Nationalpark: Szalajka-völgy (PDF)](https://www.bnpi.hu/msite/194/bk_11_x2029_szalajka-volgy.pdf)

## Nearby

- [Eger Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b7-eger-castle/) – 18 km
- [Valley of the Beautiful Women](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b7-szepasszony-valley/) – 20 km
- [Baradla Cave](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b7-baradla-cave/) – 45 km
- [Domica Cave](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b7-domica-cave/) – 46 km

## FAQs

### Where is Szalajka Valley?

Szalajka Valley is in Szilvásvárad, Hungary, at GPS 48.0689, 20.3936. It is about 19 km from Eger.

### Can you camp near Szalajka Valley?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Route 66, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Szalajka Valley?

Places worth a stop nearby: Eger Castle (18 km), Valley of the Beautiful Women (20 km), Baradla Cave (45 km) and Domica Cave (46 km).

### When is the best time to visit Szalajka Valley?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)