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Green Solutions in a Green Environment: Sustainability in Lillafüred
Many people know this resort town, located at the gateway to the Bükk Mountains, for Lake Hámori, the area’s forest hiking trails, or the Szinva Waterfall. Another defining feature of the town’s character is the nearly 100-year-old, Neo-Renaissance Hotel Palota Lillafüred, which has been a defining icon and key player in the region’s tourism industry for nearly a century.
Preserving heritage in a nearly century-old building
For a hotel operating in a historic setting, sustainability often takes on a very different form than it does for a newly built facility. For the team of Hotel Palota Lillafüred, one of the most important tasks is preserving the building itself and the historical values it represents: modernizing operations while ensuring that its unique atmosphere and character are preserved for future generations, too.
In recent years, the hotel team has carried out several major renovations, while also placing great emphasis on showcasing the values of the past.
Through guided tours, QR-code-based building tours, and historical exhibitions, guests have the opportunity to learn about the Palace’s history while relaxing.
When local people take center stage
Sustainability isn’t just about buildings. Equally important are the people who shape the region’s character day by day. This idea is also embodied by the Bükk Essence initiative, which offers visitors the chance to meet artists, winemakers, local producers, and artisans. The program aims to bring to light the stories and knowledge that have been part of the Bükk world for generations.
Naturally, the initiative is also reflected in the world of gastronomy: the hotel’s menu features an increasing number of dishes made from local ingredients, thereby supporting the work of the region’s producers.
The flavours of the forest on your plate
The Bükk Mountains’ unique natural environment not only invites visitors to explore but also serves as a source of culinary inspiration. This is the foundation of the Edible Forest initiative, which centres on forest ingredients, local knowledge, and a nature-oriented approach. The Edible Forest project is an excellent example of local collaboration: today, many stakeholders in Miskolc – from the city’s tourism organization to the Bükk National Park – embrace this philosophy. Everyone contributes their own expertise to help shape this mindset. One of the program’s most exciting elements is the Forest GastroExpress. Led by Gyula Bózsó, a forester and ambassador for the town of Bükk, this experience allows participants not only to explore the stunning landscapes of the Bükk Mountains but also to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s flavours and local producers. This unique program is a great example of how nature exploration, local gastronomy, and raising awareness can come together.
As part of the Forest Gastroexpress, you can take part in expert-led tours and themed tasting programs – and, what’s more, you can even sample ingredients foraged in the wild.
What’s more, during this special event, we can ride the Lillafüred State Forest Railway! Even outside of the program, it’s worth taking the train – which winds through the trees – with children: the 13-kilometer-long narrow-gauge railway runs between Miskolc and Garadna, and you can get off at several stops to go on excursions.
More than just environmental protection
The example of Lillafüred clearly demonstrates that sustainability is a complex issue that is just as much about preserving built heritage, supporting local communities, and passing on the region’s cultural values. If a destination and its residents are able to care for its natural treasures while creating opportunities for one another – for local stakeholders – they not only create memorable experiences for travellers and guests but also preserve, for future generations, the value that will make it worth their while to return to the region.
