Solo Sojourn in the Tokaj Wine Region

A Day of Reflection and Natural Beauty

Today was a day of contrasts, a journey that took me from the serene beauty of a hidden tarn to the solemn reflection at a historical monument. It’s fascinating how much history and natural wonder can be packed into a single day here in the Tokaj Wine Region.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Kelep. I must say, the hotel staff were incredibly kind and accommodating, especially with my dietary needs. Finding gluten-free options can sometimes be a challenge, but they went above and beyond to ensure I had a satisfying start to the day. The reviews I read before booking mentioned the hotel's excellent service, and they were spot on. It’s these little things that make a trip truly memorable.

With a full stomach, I set out to explore the Tarn of Megyer-hegy. This hidden gem is located near Sárospatak, a charming town not far from Tokaj. The drive itself was picturesque, winding through rolling hills and verdant landscapes. As I approached the tarn, I could feel a sense of tranquility washing over me. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sounds of nature.

The Tarn of Megyer-hegy, or Megyer-hegyi tengerszem as it’s known locally, is a former millstone mine that was transformed into a stunning lake. It was chosen as Hungary's most beautiful natural wonder in 2011, and I can certainly see why. The crystal-clear waters are surrounded by steep cliffs, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene. The hike to the tarn was moderately challenging, but the views along the way were well worth the effort. I made sure to wear my comfortable walking shoes, a lesson learned from previous trips where I underestimated the terrain. I even remembered to bring my reusable water bottle this time, staying hydrated as I explored the area.


Explore the breathtaking Tarn of Megyer-hegy, a serene nature preserve in Sárospatak, perfect for relaxation, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

As I walked along the well-maintained trails, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and connection with nature. The area is rich in biodiversity, and I spotted several birds along the way. I made a mental note to bring my binoculars tomorrow; birdwatching is something Katarína and I enjoy doing together back in Potsdam. The tarn itself was breathtaking, the water reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora. I spent a good hour simply sitting by the water's edge, soaking in the beauty and serenity.

After my tranquil visit to the tarn, I drove back towards Tokaj to visit the Tokaji Országzászló Emlékmű. This monument, located opposite the Tokaj railway station on the side of Kopasz Hill, is a poignant reminder of Hungary's history and the Treaty of Trianon. The original monument was erected in 1934 but was later dismantled. It was restored in 2013, thanks to the efforts of the Tokaji Országzászlóért Egyesület (Association for the National Flag of Tokaj).


Explore the Tokaji Országzászló Emlékmű, a significant memorial in Hungary that honors the nation's rich history amidst the beauty of Tokaj.

The monument features a stylized bastion with the Hungarian flag flying proudly. Behind the flag, a wall displays a map of historical Hungary, with the territories lost after Trianon marked in darker stones. The rivers Danube, Tisza, Dráva, Száva, and Maros are depicted in blue. Above the map, the inscription “HISZÜNK MAGYARORSZÁG FELTÁMADÁSÁBAN” (We believe in the resurrection of Hungary!) is displayed, along with a depiction of the Hungarian coat of arms.

Standing there, I couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of history and the enduring spirit of the Hungarian people. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the past, but also as a symbol of hope for the future. As a historical linguist, I find these tangible connections to history deeply moving. It’s one thing to read about these events in books, but to stand in a place where history unfolded is an entirely different experience.

For lunch, I stopped at Horgony Étterem. Based on some online reviews, opinions seem to be divided, but I decided to give it a try. The restaurant offers a beautiful view, and I was in the mood for some traditional Hungarian cuisine. I ordered the soup, which was quite tasty. The service was acceptable, and the prices were fair. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, though perhaps not the most memorable meal of the trip.


Discover authentic Hungarian cuisine and exquisite local wines at Horgony Étterem in beautiful Tokaj.

In the afternoon, I indulged in a bit of wine shopping at Holdvölgy Experience. This winery is known for its extensive historical cellar system, and I was eager to explore it. Holdvölgy grew out of a tiny birthday gift parcel and now has 30 parcels of the 28-hectare estate are located in 7 different, historically classified vineyards of the Mád basin. The estate cultivates all six authorized Tokaj grape varieties. The winery building itself is a blend of modern and traditional architecture, and it has won several awards for its design. I participated in a wine-tasting tour, which was a unique and enchanting experience. With a map in hand, I searched for the wines to be tasted, hidden among the barrels in the centuries-old cellar. The wines were excellent, and I ended up purchasing a few bottles to take home to Katarína. I know she'll appreciate the taste of Tokaj.


Discover the beauty of Tokaj and indulge in exquisite wines at Holdvölgy Experience, a modern winery with a rich heritage.

For dinner, I chose Gizella Pince, a winery run by Laszlo Szilagyi. I had heard great things about their wines, and I was not disappointed. The wines were very good to excellent, and the winemaker was incredibly friendly and hospitable. It was the perfect Tokaj wine experience.


Explore Gizella Pince: A premier vineyard in Tokaj offering exquisite wines and immersive tasting experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful region. The Tokaj Wine Region is not only a place of exquisite wines but also a place of rich history and natural beauty. Tomorrow, I plan to visit Kopasz Hill and Götz Pincészet Gombos-hegyi Pincesor. I’m also considering stopping by MURCI for a drink in the evening.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

Tonight, I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep, dreaming of the adventures that await me tomorrow. And perhaps, a glass of Tokaji aszú to end the day on a sweet note.