Nestled at the base of Karancs Mountain, Salgotarjan is a compact county capital in Hungary’s north-east. It developed in the mid-19th century with the discovery of coal nearby and was granted town status in 1922. In addition to its ruined castles and communist-style buildings, Salgotarjan boasts several fine museums.
Things to do in Salgótarján
The area’s natural, cultural and artistic history is showcased at the Dornyay Béla Museum, which is named after a local historian, museologist and teacher. Get up close to historic coins and ethnographic artefacts, as well as an impressive collection of glassworks manufactured in the city. The Dornyay Béla Museum also details the impact of coal mining on the local economy.
To learn more, head across the railway tracks to the Museum of Mining where you can venture inside an old mining shaft. On a guided tour, hear about the working conditions in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with vintage equipment and tools on display. Back on the surface, you can discover how mineral resources are formed within the earth and how they have helped to shape modern-day Hungary.
Elevated views across Salgotarjan are on offer from the Country Flag Memorial Place, a hilltop lookout that can easily be accessed from the city centre via a steep staircase. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can hike to the Boszorkany Stone, a volcanic formation that rises north-east of the city. Combine your visit with an exploration of the ruined Salgo Castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views across the Cserhat Mountains.
Getting around Salgótarján
Salgotarjan is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Budapest and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Salgotarjan railway station while buses travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.