Sástó: Lakeside, nature trail and observation tower

Sástó is located within the administrative area of Gyöngyös. Lake Sástó, its observation tower and the Béka tanösvény give the place distinct features: lakeside scenery, a unique architectural history and nature themes of the Mátra Mountains. When planning your trip, you can consider these features separately and give them different weight depending on your interests.

Lakeside and observation tower

On the north shore of Lake Sástó, there are several wooden benches, covered rest areas and a playground. The places to rest and the playground are therefore located along a specific stretch of shore. The natural surroundings include willows that provide shade along the shore, reeds and wooden walkways; wild ducks swimming on the lake also shape the scenery. The lakeside thus brings together practical places to rest and natural features.

The Sástó observation tower is 53 metres high. The structure was originally intended for use as an oil drilling rig and was erected at Sástó in 1973 after minor alterations. For those interested in architecture, this unusual history is a distinctive aspect of the place: its original purpose and its later installation as an observation tower are both part of its history.

Before visiting, check the current access arrangements: a notice dated 24 July 2026 reported that the tower was once again welcoming visitors while scheduled repairs were being carried out in a cordoned-off work area. This notice describes the situation at that time and does not guarantee access today.

Béka tanösvény and nature by the lake

The Béka tanösvény comprises 15 stations and takes visitors as far as Farkas-kút. It offers the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the Mátra Mountains. In this way, the nature trail has a different focus from the observation tower: here the emphasis is on nature, while the tower draws attention to the architectural history of the 53-metre-high structure.

The wildlife by the lake is also part of Sástó’s character. The lake provides a spawning site for several amphibian species, where their larvae develop. These include the common toad, pool frog and common frog. This is a nature topic distinct from the general lakeside scenery: willows, reeds and walkways shape the visible landscape, while the spawning site highlights the importance of the water for amphibians. The seasonal presence of wildlife can vary, so individual sightings cannot be expected on every visit.

Heves as a wider regional setting

Within the wider travel destination of Heves, the Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area offers a distinct regional connection with nature. It lies in the southern part of Heves County and covers 16,114 hectares. The protected area was designated in 1993; following expansions in 2005 and 2008, it reached its current extent.

Also within the wider travel destination of Heves, the Ilona Valley Nature Trail has a distinct thematic focus: the 6.5-kilometre trail along the Ilona Stream passes geological features of the Eastern Mátra Mountains and traces of former ore mining. These features complement the connection with nature found on the Béka tanösvény in Sástó, which explores the flora and fauna of the Mátra Mountains, without implying that the two nature trails are the same route.

The Szépasszony Valley is part of the cultural offering within the wider travel destination of Heves. It comprises Eger’s largest contiguous area of wine-cellar rows; wine culture and its associated gastronomy are among the area’s most important tourist attractions. Another cultural connection is Hevesi szőttes, a textile heritage from Heves County associated with Heves, Mátraderecske and Bodony. Thus, alongside nature and landscape, Heves offers wine and textile culture as distinct regional interests.

Discover more destinations: Gyöngyösoroszi, Atkár, Gyöngyöstarján, Markaz, Mátraszentimre, Domoszló, Kisnána, Abasár.

For the wider travel overview: Gyöngyösi.