Touristic Prospectus of Zemplén
Magyarul    Auf Deutsch   Touristic database of Zemplén Outlined products of tourist importance in the Zemplén region

Zemplén became one of the first Royal Counties of the Hungarian State. The conquerors, by entering through Verecke, first settled in and around the region along the Bodrog and Tisza rivers and in the Bodrogköz and Hegyalja area. Archeological findings dating from the conquering era have documented early history. Zemplén received its name from the former defensive hills in the area. Today we include the smaller regions around them like Hegyalja, the Bodrogköz and Hegyköz.

The communities of historical significance are Sárospatak, Sátoraljaújhely, Szerencs and Tokaj. Sárospatak continues to be a renowned educational center, Sátoraljaújhely is the former county capital, Tokaj is the town of viticulture and Szerencs is the gateway of Zemplén and Hegyalja.

Throughout history, this region took the lion share of defending the country, in the Rákóczi War of Independence, in the 1848 revolution and in other freedom-fights. Memorials of famous predecessors can be seen in most areas of the region like those of the Rákóczi, Dobó, and Lorántffy-families and the relics of Kazinczy Ferenc and Kossuth Lajos. The Reformation as well as Hungarian literature and language reforms originated from this region.

The natural beauty and breathtaking sights of the area are unequaled. Its shapely mountains, clean air and clear waters are rarely seen elsewhere. The wine of Tokaj-Hegyalja is a famous trademark world-wide.

Scenic route 37 branches off highway M3 (formerly E96) and runs from Miskolc through Szerencs to Sárospatak and Sátoraljaújhely. At Bodrogkeresztúr, route 38 joins the main route to Tokaj. A winding country road branches off toward the Hegyköz from Sátoraljaújhely with destinations to Széphalom, Pálháza, and Hollóháza. Another main road from Sárospatak or Sátoraljaújhely can be taken to reach the Bodrogköz.

From Debrecen Highway, M4 goes to Nyíregyháza where route 38 branches off toward Nyírtelek, Rakamaz, and Tokaj where it joins route 37 that leads to Sárospatak and Sátoraljaújhely.

The distance from Sárospatak to Budapest is 251 K, to Miskolc is 69 K and to Debrecen is 113 K. A train runs from Budapest to Miskolc, Szerencs (Tokaj), Sárospatak, and Sátoraljaújhely.

There are border crossings and customs for entry into the Slovakian Republic in the town of Sátoraljaújhely, on the railway, and also at the town of Pácin. Quality and comfortable accommodations and restaurants can be found in each of the four main towns.