Lillafüred Waterfall

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Nestled in the heart of the Bükk Mountains next to the Palace Hotel, Hungary's tallest waterfall, the stunning Lillafüred Waterfall, cascades down 20 meters in the terraced hanging garden. Fed by the Szinva Stream, its natural beauty and impressive height attract hikers year after year. From Palotaszálló, visitors can descend steps into the hanging garden, where a path offers views of the waterfall, or adventurous visitors can get even closer. This remarkable location is also mentioned in Attila József’s famous Ode. In winter, the waterfall freezes into magical ice formations, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. However, the creation of the waterfall was not a natural occurrence. In the 1920s, alongside the construction of the Palace Hotel, Count István Bethlen proposed the idea to create new attractions in a country deprived of natural wonders. The Szinva Stream was redirected to make way for the hotel and waterfall, resulting in the cascade we know today. Although its flow can vary, a pump system installed in Lake Hámori ensures that the waterfall continues to flow even during dry periods. The surrounding pathways offer several viewpoints where nature enthusiasts can admire the waterfall and the adjacent hanging gardens. The Lillafüred Waterfall provides a unique spectacle year-round, from lush greenery in summer to magical icy formations in winter, making it one of the region’s most beloved natural attractions.