Balassagyarmat: Nature, Lakes and Culture

Nyírjes offers lakes, a network of paths, a botanical collection and a wildlife park. The Füvészkert covers 22 hectares; along a two-kilometre path, you can discover more than 500 plant species from three continents. In summer, Nyírjes has a free beach.

The city's history includes the 1919 resistance and the title Civitas Fortissima. Museums and exhibition venues focus on both the events of that time and regional history and art.

The Nyírjesi Füvészkert gives visits to nature a botanical focus: along the two-kilometre path, more than 500 different plant species from three continents take centre stage. The garden covers 22 hectares. Those with a particular interest in plants will find a different way to experience nature here than by walking around the lakes or visiting the wildlife park.

The Nyírjesi Vadaspark lets you see red deer, fallow deer, wild boar and mouflons in their natural surroundings. In the petting area, you can get to know goats, rabbits and lambs up close. The park therefore offers both the chance to observe different wildlife species and closer contact with animals.

An extensive network of paths runs around the lakes and is used by walkers, cyclists, runners and horse riders. There are also nature trails and the Segítő Szűz spring. Fishing is possible at the lakes. The largest lake is used as a training venue for kayaking and canoeing; in summer, the free beach offers another way to enjoy the water. The lakes complement the botanical garden and wildlife park with a focus on activity and water.

The former county hall recalls Balassagyarmat's former administrative role, the 1919 resistance and the title Civitas Fortissima, which represents civilian and military bravery. The Civitas Fortissima Museum is dedicated to the events of 29 January 1919. Contemporary documents, images and film footage illustrate what happened.

Behind the Palóc Museum, an open-air exhibition features buildings and objects that offer insights into 18th-century rural architecture and ways of life in Nógrád. On display are a stable, a barn, an oil mill, a chapel with a dressed statue of the Virgin Mary and a carved roadside cross. The exhibits convey different aspects of village life at the time.

The local history collection, also known as Csillagház, displays works by Horváth Endre, a banknote and postage stamp graphic artist. These include banknote designs, copper engravings, ethnographic photographs and furniture of artistic value. Since 1988, the Szerbtemplom Galéria has shown works by Hungarian and foreign visual and applied artists; since 1990, it has operated as an independent exhibition venue.

If you want to focus your stay on nature, the botanical paths, wildlife park and activities at the Nyírjes lakes offer a range of options. For a culture-focused trip, the museums, former county hall and gallery provide specific places to visit.

Other destinations you may also wish to consider: Terény, Szanda, Drégelypalánk, Érsekvadkert, Bercel, Csitár, Hont and Nógrádmarcal.

How long is the path in the Nyírjesi Füvészkert?

The path is two kilometres long and passes more than 500 plant species from three continents.

Which animals can you see at the Nyírjesi Vadaspark?

You can see red deer, fallow deer, wild boar and mouflons. The petting area also has goats, rabbits and lambs.

When can you swim in Nyírjes?

Nyírjes has a free beach in summer.

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