Although this is one of the smallest regions of Hungary, you can find three areas, which have been declared parts of the World Heritage: Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hollókő and the karst of Aggtelek. But several other natural and historical attractions can be found in the region, too.

The mostly hilly region is a popular excursion spot: tourist routes run both in the higher and lower hills from Börzsöny through Mátra to Bükk. All generations can find their best routes, elderly people and children can choose the milder slopes, but the hills are excellent for regular climbers, as well.

The highest point of Hungary, the 1015m high Kékestető can be found here, but other summits also offer beautiful views: from Bálvány in the Bükk hills you can see as far as the Slovakian mountains in fine weather, but it is worth going up to the castle of Salgó or to one of the towers of the castle of Boldogkő.

Three parts of the World Heritage can be found in the region: the stalactite cave of Aggtelek with its unique formations, the old village of Hollókő with its typical Palots cottages with porches and gabled hip-roofs, where the traditions are still being preserved.

One of the greatest treasures of the region is the delicious grapes and wines. Viniculture and the love for wine have become inseparable from people's lives here: the tradition is handed down from father to son.

Many villages of Tokaj-Hegyalja region including Tokaj, as well as Tállya, Mád and Tarcal, are based on wine-making. The most famous wine is the aszú of Tokaj, but other sorts are also excellent such as the szamorodni or the hárslevelű. We must not forget the other wine-regions nearby: in the neighbourhood of Gyöngyös, at the foot of the Mátra hills the ottonel muscatel and the termini are especially delicious and the bikavér (bull's blood) of Eger is famous all over the world.

Those who are interested in baths can visit the Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca with its special atmosphere, but the beneficial effects of the thermal baths in Mezőkövesd and Bogács are well-known, as well. Visiting the region it is worth looking at the famous Matyó embroidery or simply enjoying the nice dialect of the locals.

Special dialects are preserved by not only the Matyó people but also by the Palots communities. Their folk traditions are still living and spectacular, their relics can be seen in the Palots Museum of Balassagyarmat. The Easter traditions are also preserved, when the locals all wearing their folk costumes sprinkle the girls.

The monuments in the region show that this area played an important part in the history of the country. King Béla IV was defeated by the Mongols at Muhi, István Dobó defended the castle of Eger against the Turks, István Bocskai was elected as prince in Szerencs. Zemplén belonged to the Rákóczi family: national assemblies were held in the Sub Rosa Hall of the castle of Sárospatak, in the castle of Ónod and in the Rákóczi house in Miskolc.