Szomolya – Beehive Stones and Lace Tradition

Szomolya brings together two distinct themes: the geological formation of the Szomolyai Beehive Stones and the tradition of Szomolyai lace. The Szomolyai Beehive Stones protected area was designated in 1960. These natural and cultural connections can help guide your hotel search. The key question is whether you want your stay to focus more on the beehive stones, lacework, or both.

Szomolyai Beehive Stones: Formation and Nature Trail

On the western slope of Vén-hegy, in Kaptár-völgy, lies a rhyolite tuff formation comprising eight larger rocks and stone cones with niches. With 117 niches, the Szomolyai Beehive Stones group has the most among Hungary’s beehive stone groups. The material, shape and number of niches offer different points of reference: the geological classification identifies the formation, while the number of niches allows comparison within Hungary. Together, these details give Szomolya a clear focus on nature and landscape.

The Szomolya – Kaptárkő Tanösvény nature trail leads to the natural and cultural-historical features of the protected area. It offers a way to explore both aspects of the beehive stones: their geological formation and their cultural-historical context. A 2019 notice described the Kaptárkő nature trail as freely accessible at no cost. Check current access before your visit if this information matters for your plans.

Lacework as a Cultural Focus

An exhibition on lacework is housed in the Fekete Cseresznye Művelődési ház. Visitors may also be able to watch the handicrafts being made there. Knowledge of how to make Szomolyai lace has been passed down from generation to generation. The exhibition, the possibility of watching the craft being made, and the inherited craft tradition each offer a different perspective on the same subject.

When planning your visit, it is helpful to distinguish between Szomolya’s two main focuses: the beehive stones are about rock type, rock formations and the number of niches; lace is about craftsmanship and knowledge passed down through generations. Watching the craft being made is a possibility, not a certainty.

Other Perspectives in the Wider Destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

The wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén offers other nature and cultural heritage themes. The Baradla-Domica cave system is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst. The short Aggtelek Cave Tour is one kilometre long, takes 60 minutes and is rated easy. Its length, duration and difficulty provide a concrete framework for planning. It can be considered using different measures from those for the Szomolya beehive stones, where the formation, number of niches and nature trail are the main points of interest.

Another perspective in the wider destination of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén is the Tokaj Wine Region. Its climate, soil quality and slope exposure are suitable for growing grapes; at the same time, the region is legally protected as a designated wine-growing area. This landscape and cultural connection differs from Szomolya’s local themes: the beehive stones and lacework are at the centre there, while Tokaj is characterized by viticulture and its legal protected status. This makes it possible to distinguish between specific local themes and other landscape and cultural perspectives within the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Cserépváralja, Tibolddaróc, Bogács, Négyes, Szentistván, Sály, Bükkzsérc, Cserépfalu

View the wider travel guide: Mezőkövesdi.