If you’re ready to explore enchanting landscapes, wander through an aromatic lavender maze, or just breathe in the crisp air of the Bükk Mountains, Mount Saint Cross (Bükkszentkereszt) is the perfect destination this summer. In 2025, the legendary Györgytea Herb Tours return, packed with fresh programs, plentiful discounts, and family-friendly adventures for explorers of all ages—whether you’re seeking a one-day escape or a three-day deep dive into the wonders of wild plants.
More Than Just a Walk in the Park
Step into Uncle Gyuri’s (Gyuri bácsi’s) famous medicinal herb garden, home to over 150 plant species. This year, the gardens welcome new arrivals: essential kitchen herbs have joined the collection. Discover their healing and flavorful secrets as you learn not just about classic uses but also quirky, lesser-known remedies. To finish, a gentle forest hike around Mount Saint Cross (Bükkszentkereszt) promises the perfect, mood-lifting conclusion.
And here’s the big news for 2025: the “Herbs and Glass Wonders” tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of the celebrated Bükk glassmakers, right alongside your herbal education.
Get Hands-On with Herbs
Herb tours are more than aimless strolls. Guides help you identify wild medicinal plants and share tips on using them for home remedies, in the kitchen, or even in your own balcony garden. Roll up your sleeves and craft your own herbal products as part of the experience—DIY wellness for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Perks and Local Flavors Await
Taking part? You’ll receive these exclusive perks:
– Taste regional specialties at the Bükk Flavors (Bükki Ízek) table with a 10% discount for tour participants.
– Local accommodations offer special rates for Györgytea explorers.
Kids, Groups & Anyone With Two Legs Welcome
– Kids under six? They join for free.
– The “Garden Adventure for Children” is a guided excursion designed for ages 6–14.
– On the three-day tours, 6–14-year-olds enjoy a half-price discount.
– Schools, friends, clubs, and companies can all book customized group tours.
– Seniors aren’t forgotten—there are slow-paced walks and extra attention from guides.
Capture Autumn or Become a Nature Photographer
The “Leaf-Falling Tours” remain a crowd favorite, showcasing the Bükk’s autumn beauty and teaching you which herbs can still be foraged. Meanwhile, on the “Photography Adventure” days, professionals share their secrets—so you’ll go home with more than just pressed flowers.
How to Join the Herbal Fun
– All bookings and registrations are online only.
– Sign up and pay by May 31st for early-bird savings on the three-day programs.
– Payment by SZÉP card is accepted (a popular prepaid card in Hungary).
2025 Program Calendar
Here’s what you can expect:
– July 1–3, July 8–10, July 15–17, July 19–21, July 23–25, July 25–27, July 27–29, August 1–3, August 12–14: Three-Day “DIY Herbal Remedies for Everyday” and “Medicinal & Spice Herbs for Everyday” tours.
– Many one-day excursions throughout July, August, and September—check dates for the “Herb Knowledge Tour”, “Garden Adventure for Children”, and the “Family Herbal Pharmacy Demo”.
– August 9 & September 13: “Chasing Herbs and Glass Wonders” tour—where herbs meet glass art.
– October 4, 11, 18: “Leaf-Falling Tours”.
Scenic Stays and Local Bites
To match the region’s cozy charm, several accommodation options invite you to unplug and unwind. The premium Oxygen Apartment House (modern interiors with panoramic mountain views), the family- and group-friendly Geopark Guesthouse, and the Rejteki Research House (perfect for groups, with a kitchenette and event spaces) are all ready to host nature lovers.
Smaller guesthouses like the Glassmaker’s Guesthouses (Üvegműves Vendégházak) offer private terraces and the chance to try your hand at Tiffany glass or jewelry making, right next to your room. For larger groups or adventurous families, the Mount Saint Cross (Bükkszentkereszt) Youth and Sports Camp is prepared for every season.
Eating and Drinking Like a Local
Need to refuel between hikes? Local restaurants offer an enticing mix of old and new—delicious regional specialties, seasonal menus, countryside classics, and celebrated wines from the Bükkalja and Eger regions. Whether you crave a medieval-style feast at Matthias Restaurant (Mátyás Étterem) with stunning stained glass, innovative health-focused dishes at De La Motte, or a modern bistro with live music and robust wine at Bacchus Wine Bar (Bacchus Borozó), you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite. If Italian cuisine is your favorite, the Michelin-recommended Avalon Ristorante serves unforgettable pasta, pizza, and desserts.
Set your wanderlust on Mount Saint Cross (Bükkszentkereszt) for a summer (and autumn!) of herbal adventures. Just don’t forget to bring an empty backpack—who knows what botanical treasures or wine bottles you’ll end up bringing home.
