Bekölce: Landscape, Local History and Horse Riding

Bekölce combines a rural setting in the Bükk region with local history, local produce and horse-riding opportunities.

Location and Landscape

Bekölce is considered a quiet settlement and lies 4–6 km from the main roads. The village stretches along both banks of the Vőgyi or Bekölce stream. It lies on the southeastern edge of the Heves–Borsod Hills in the Bükk region. The gently rolling hills around Bekölce offer views towards the Bükk Plateau; the natural surroundings are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Two aspects of the landscape can thus be found side by side: the village’s position by the water and views from the hills towards the plateau. If you are looking for a rural destination for your trip, these features offer concrete points of reference.

Local Produce

Bekölce’s municipal agricultural program grows lavender. Surplus vegetables from the program are sold at a local farmers’ market in Bekölce. The program also makes elderflower syrup and calendula cream; the cream is made using a beekeeping product. The calendula cream is also sold at the market. Local production therefore encompasses both cultivation and processing into products. Market availability and sales arrangements may change; check in advance which products will be available during your visit.

Church, Pilgrimage and Local History

The Roman Catholic church on the hill above the village was built in 1836 in honor of Mary. The annual church festival and pilgrimage take place on September 8, Kisasszony Day. The exact arrangements may vary; if you are planning your stay around the date, ask about the event details in advance. Bekölce’s religious tradition brings together a fixed construction date and an annual festival: 1836 for the church’s construction and September 8 for the pilgrimage.

Written records mention Bekölce in connection with the Bél lineage from 1381. In the first half of the 19th century, Draskóczy Sámuel owned the estate; through him, the Lipthay family held property in Bekölce. These references trace the village’s history from its early mention to later ownership arrangements.

The persecution of Jews is part of Bekölce’s history in 1944: at that time, the village priest, Dr. Pál Orosz, issued numerous baptismal certificates and hid people who were being persecuted on a remote farm. The village’s history therefore extends beyond its buildings and ownership.

Horse-Riding Opportunities

Csapó Sportistálló breeds Furioso North Star horses and offers trail rides. Riding lessons for adults and children are also available. When planning your trip, you can choose between a trail ride and lessons. Confirm availability before visiting if you plan to take part in either activity.

Getting There

From Eger, you can reach Bekölce via Route 25. From the Budapest–Salgótarján direction, Routes 21 and 23 lead to Bekölce. These directions distinguish between approaches from different directions and provide an initial guide; check the route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Mikófalva, Bátor, Szilvásvárad, Bükkszentmárton, Bélapátfalva, Nagyvisnyó, Mónosbél, Balaton

For the broader travel overview: Bélapátfalvai.