TOP 10
BOOKS OF VAC

Vácrátót Botanical Garden
The arboretum, a veritable fairytale place, is a must-see attraction in the Vác area thanks to its natural treasures. Covering 27 hectares, the 180-year-old arboretum is a great destination for families and friends alike, with its charming walking trails and unusual collections. If you love hiking and spending time in the fresh air in all seasons, step out of the doldrums of everyday life and let the beauty of the botanical gardens enchant you.
Lake Bánki
Do you like the beach, romantic walks and fishing? The unique shades of Lake Bánki and the beauty of the surrounding mountains are guaranteed to convince you to return to this charming lakeside again and again. Close to the town of Váh, the mining lake is a haven for active and passive leisure, with something for all ages. Thanks to the multifunctional adventure park and the waterfront wellness hotel, even a few days of relaxation here will be a memorable experience.


Zebegény
Zebegény is one of the pearls of the Danube bend, the settlement offers an unparalleled panorama of the Danube, colourful gastronomic experiences and special sights. The road leading to the Calvary Chapel and the Kós Károly Lookout promises fabulous views, while the István Szőnyi Memorial Museum and the Museum of Maritime History offer a unique atmosphere and valuable sights. If you're in the village, be sure to take a stroll along the waterfront or take a boat to the charming village.
Márianosztra, Basilica of Our Lady of Hungarians
Márianosztra is a beautiful village hidden in one of the most beautiful parts of the Börzsöny. The village is a special sacred place, a Marian shrine and a place of pilgrimage. One of the main attractions of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Hungarians of the Order of St. Paul is the icon of the Black Madonna, which was brought to our country from the centre of the Order of St. Paul in Poland. The monastery, built against the walls of the church, has many legends attached to it. Thousands of people come to the shrine every year on organised pilgrimages or on their own.


Theme farms, animal parks
Near Vác, there are several zoos for the whole family with fun animals, petting zoos and close-to-nature experiences. Nagymaros is one of the most popular destinations, and with children, a visit to the Small Animal Park in Törökmező is a must, which you can also combine with hiking. In the area's theme farms and zoos you can see alpacas, goats, deer, stags and bears. Don't miss out on the fun!
Visitor centres
Vác is a real star hiking centre, thanks to the many hiking centres, excursion sites and nature trails accessible from the town. The Naszály and Börzsöny mountains beckon with fresh air and stunning views, while hiking centres offer a mini-zoo, several adventure parks, nature trails and even an Ant Mountain Trail. If you're planning a family day out, or even several days, visit the area's excursion centres and enjoy the active leisure activities on the left bank of the Danube. The experience is unforgettable!


Small railways
Did you know that there used to be more than 200 kilometres of small railways in Börzsöny? Stop driving and explore Börzsöny by forest railway! The train ride will be a great experience for everyone in the family, and it's even a great choice for a dog trip. Try the Szob-Nagybörzsöny or the Kismaros-Királyrét section, take a train ride on Kemencé or test one of the hairpin tracks in the area, you won't be disappointed. What's more, the forest trains arrive at beautiful hiking destinations.
Big-Hideg Mountain, Chóványos
If you're not afraid of climbing uphill and you enjoy the adventure of difficult climbs, do the famous Börzsönyi Circular Hike! Aim for the 865-metre-high Nagy-Hideg hill, where you can even ski in winter, and then climb Csóványos, the highest peak in Börzsöny. Along the way, you'll pass by babbling brooks and chirping birds in the fresh air, a unique experience in itself. It's a hike you're guaranteed to remember for many years to come.


Mikszáth Kálmán Memorial House, Horpács
The mansion in Horpács was designed by Kálmán Mikszáth's son and Mikszáth Kálmán, and an exhibition on the history of literature was opened in the building to mark the 150th anniversary of the writer's birth. The exhibition also preserves the writer's manuscripts and utensils. The park of the Mikszáth Memorial Museum is still home to many protected plants and is now a nature reserve. Several statues in front of the building and in the garden commemorate the writer and his wife.
Nógrád Castle
The legendary castle of Nógrád was built before 1108 in Börzsöny, and attracts thousands of excursionists to Nógrád every year because of its interesting history and panorama. The ruined old tower of the once proud castle beckons you from afar, but a lightning strike has virtually destroyed the inner castle, so you can only walk around its ruins. The one-hour visit is great for children, and you can also picnic on the castle hill and enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.
