MátraMátra at a Glance
About Mátra
Mátra is a mountain range in northern Hungary that contains the country’s highest summit, Kékes, at 1,014 metres. The range forms the tallest part of the North Hungarian Mountains and is a well-used area for outdoor recreation.
Trails on forested slopes and ridge paths serve hikers and trail runners, while the summit area has facilities for winter skiing and a visitor centre that supports short excursions. The range is also used for cycling routes and contains several small towns and holiday settlements at its foothills.
The Mátra is a long-established part of Hungary’s landscape; its summit and foothills have been used for forestry, recreation and seasonal agriculture over many centuries. Modern tourist infrastructure expanded in the 20th century with roads and ski facilities.
Geographically the range sits in northern Hungary, north of the Great Hungarian Plain and within commuting distance of regional towns; access points are typically via nearby towns such as Gyöngyös.
- Highest point: The highest point of the range reaches 1,014 metres and is the highest natural elevation in Hungary, making it a popular target for short mountain outings and winter sports.
What to See#
- Kékes: Hungary’s highest peak at 1,014 metres forming the central high point of the Mátra range and featuring a summit road, visitor centre and winter sports facilities.
Best Time to Visit Mátra
Best in late spring to early autumn for hiking; winter suits skiers but expect cold and limited services.
Weather & Climate near Mátra
Mátra's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (625 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 0° | -7° | 27 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 1° | -6° | 30 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| March | Acceptable | -1° - 6° | -1° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 0.5 low | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 3° - 12° | 6° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 22° | 18° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 22° | 17° | 63 mm | some cloud | 64% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Very Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 5° | -1° | 54 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 1° | -6° | 38 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
How to Get to Mátra
From Budapest, take the suburban train (MÁV) to Gyöngyös or Gyöngyöspata, then local buses or taxis into the Mátra villages (approx. 1.5-2 hours total). Driving via Route 3 and county roads provides easier access to trailheads; Kékes summit is reachable by road from Galyatető.
Tips for Visiting Mátra
- Drive or take a regional bus to the villages at the foot of the range-public transit into the interior is sparse.
- Hikers should check local maps: many trails are unmarked and villages offer better trail intel than guidebooks.
- Visit the Kékes summit early for views before the common low cloud forms.