Abasár: Hiking Trails, Winemaking and History

Abasár combines hiking trails, winemaking history and religious traditions. The routes vary in length and course; the town is also home to historic cultural sites and an annual outdoor Mass. This means you can explore the destination through both outdoor activities and its local history.

Hiking Trails of Different Lengths

Several nationally significant hiking trails start in Abasár: Páternoszter, Via Dolorosa and Aba Sámuel Emléktúra. Nationally significant yellow- and green-marked hiking trails also pass through the town. Abasár also offers three routes from the 17-route Mátra Teljesítménytúrázója series; these start and finish in the town.

The longest organized route starting from Abasár is 56 kilometers long. Shorter routes are primarily dedicated to commemorating King Aba Sámuel and sharing his story. At 6.3 kilometers, the Abasári bortúra is considerably shorter than the longest organized route. These route lengths give you a concrete point of reference when comparing different hikes.

Winemaking History and Sacred Sites

The Kapásház preserves artifacts related to winemaking in Abasár. It also depicts the way of life of seasonal laborer and hoe-worker families active around the turn of the century, and displays mementos of the monastery. Winemaking, everyday working life and monastic history are presented as distinct themes. You can arrange an appointment in advance for a visit.

The present-day Roman Catholic church in Abasár was built in the 17th century. The small stone Szent János-kápolna stands at the entrance to the town. Every year on the first Sunday in May, local parishioners walk from the church to the chapel, where an outdoor Mass is held. The date and the route between the two places of worship give this annual custom a regular place in local life.

Nature in the Town and on Its Outskirts

The Kőtenger lies in the Serpenyő-völgy. It is a natural formation of varied rock blocks left behind by earlier volcanic activity. This geological feature complements Abasár’s hiking and cultural offerings.

The Tekeres Vadaskert is on the outskirts of Abasár. There, you can observe the wildlife of the Mátra, take part in wildlife feeding and experience the Mátra Safari. The grounds also include a garden museum. Before visiting, check directly with the site for current activity arrangements and access to the museum.

The Wider Destination: Heves

Within the wider destination of Heves, the Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area lies in the southern part of Heves County. The protected area covers 16,114 hectares and was designated in 1993. Following expansions in 2005 and 2008, it reached its present extent.

Also within the wider destination of Heves, the 6.5-kilometer Ilona-völgyi nature trail follows the Ilona stream past the geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining. The Szépasszony Valley, also within the wider destination of Heves, is Eger’s largest contiguous wine-cellar area. Wine culture and its associated gastronomy are among the area’s most important tourist attractions.

Discover more destinations: Gyöngyössolymos, Galyatető, Markaz, Mátraszentimre, Sástó, Atkár, Kisnána, Domoszló

Return to the wider travel overview: Gyöngyösi.