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Climatic resorts in Hungary

The – somewhat delayed - emergence of Hungary’s mountain resorts –although on a smaller scale – was similar to the emergence of spas.  First it was the High Tatras that attracted tourists, hikers, climbers and, later, skiers. Due to the rhe recognition of the beneficial effects of the specific mountain climate in the 1870s and 1880s, Újtátrafüred and Alsótátrafüred already came into being as mountain resorts.  (The first Hungarian tuberculosis sanatorium opened in Újtátrafüred in 1876 and it operated uninterruptedly all-year-round.)  The operation of the sanatoria in the Tátra mountains was coordinated, thus they formed a zone of mountain resorts. The sanatoria in Tátrafüred, Lomnic, Széplak, Tarpatakfüred, Csorbató, Matlárháza played a significant role in the treatment of tuberculotic patients. (Beluszky P. 2006).

After the Peace Treaty of Trianon (1920) Hungary’s mountain climatic resorts were outside the national borders, consequently, their role had to be taken over by resorts located in the mountainous resorts at medium height. The sub-Alpine climate, unpolluted air, the altitude, and sunny peaks of these regions had favourable healing climate.  In additon, they offered wonderful opportunities for combining the therapeutic effect of the climate with some moderate physical activity. Our climatic regions and their spas are as follows:

Mátra

It is one of Hungary’s best known climatic resorts. It incorporates Kékestető (1014 m), the highest peak and the only true high mountain resort of Hungary. Kékestető was officially declared a climatic resort in 1963. It is beneficial for patients with chronic diseases of the respiratory system and of endocrine glands. It is also favoured by patients with cardiovascular problems. The first tuberculosis sanatorium of after-Trianon Hungary opened in 1932 in Mátraháza (710 m). Galyatető (965 m) is one of the sunniest resorts; its climate helps to defeat the symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue.

Mátrafüred (370 m) is located at the southern foot of the Mátra mountain. Its natural environment and microclimate is offered for patients suffering from exhaustion, fatigue and pulmonary asthma. (ideal.hu).

Bükk:

The Bükk mountain is Hungary’s highest mountain when considering its average height. It is also rich in caves. Its highest regions are under protection, consequently, ecotourism and active tourism are connected at this place. Its highest-lying regions are under the protection of the National Park and, at the same time, patients may get a variety of health services at this place. A favourite health resort of the Bükk region is Bükkszentkereszt, one of the highest-lying settlements in Hungary. (600 m). Due to its specific location the temperatures in the village are well-balanced, free of extremities. Its crystal-clear air heps to treat many diseases including hyperthyreosis, Basedow disease, anaemia, respiratory diseases and exhaustion, or nervousness. The popular resorts located at lower altitudes include Lillafüred (300 m), Szilvásvárad (345 m). These settlement have mild weather and thus they are extremely suitable for recreation and sports. (met.hu).

Soproni-mountains:

In the mountains near Sopron – due to the proximity of the Alps – there is a pleasant and well-balanced sub-Alpine climate with much sunshine and ozone-rich air for those people who wish to relax and recharge their energies. In the medical institutions of Sopron’s Lővérek those patients are treated who suffer from heart problems, anaemia, hyperthyreosis, chronic respiratory diseases, high blood pressure and problems of the digestive system. (Németh Á. 2008).

Kőszegi-mountains:

These are the easternmost part of the Alps, and these mountains represent the rainiest and the most humid region of Hungary. The absolute humidity of the air is high, consequently, this region is ideal for patients who suffer from asthma, allergies, and other respiratory diseases. Its most famous climatic resort is Velem (300 m).

Dunazug-mountains

It is the northeastern part of the mountain range of Transdanubia, and it comprises the mountains of Gerecse, Pilis and the Budai-hills. This is where the highest point of the whole range of mountains can be found: Pilis (757 m). The best known and most favoured climatic resort of the region is Dobogókő (699 m), which has a very pleasant climate both in summer and winter.  Its popularity is due to its nice surroundings and the proximity of Budapest, Hungary’s capital. (Németh Á. 2008). The climate is beneficial for patients with vegetative lability, sleeplessness and high blood pressure. (ideal.hu)

Mecsek:

Pécs (360 m) and its environs feature pleasant Mediterranean climate which can be characterized with much sunshine. This climate is good for patients who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.