#crossip4

The central Ipoly Valley has long been one of Hungary’s most remarkable yet undiscovered tourist treasures: a wild and scenic river corridor, rolling hills, authentic Palóc communities, and two historic small towns that are only now appearing on domestic and international travel maps. Through a joint development package led by the Ipoly Valley EGTC and seven partner municipalities, this potential is being transformed into a connected and coherent tourism experience. The aim is to create an active tourism destination built on walking, cycling, and water-based activities, where routes intersect, experiences link together, and visitors encounter a new facet of the region at every stop.
The project’s non-profit development components will be implemented at six locations, all enhancing existing attractions and improving their quality and usability. In Varsány, a new adventure trail will be created around Lake Tábi, already a popular spot for families and hikers. In Vinica, the existing nature trail will be expanded with interactive content, a lookout point, and elements presenting the region’s volcanic heritage, while also linking the vineyard hills into the visitor route. In Nógrádszakál, a hiking hub will be built, guiding visitors via the Calvary route to the Palóc Grand Canyon, one of the area’s most striking natural formations.
In Busince, the former border guard barracks will host a thematic, interactive indoor exhibition presenting local history in a contemporary format. In Szécsény, the Lipthay Mansion will gain a new garden access point, a cycling rest area, and an outdoor QR-based visitor trail to enhance the overall experience. In Balassagyarmat, the First Bicycle Museum will expand with new exhibition space and playful, modern elements appealing to cycling enthusiasts.
Together, these developments will help the Ipoly Valley emerge as a unified, easily accessible, and characterful cross-border destination. Rather than creating new facilities from scratch, the project strengthens and revitalizes existing assets. Positioned along planned walking, cycling, and water routes, the renewed attractions form an interconnected chain of experiences that can elevate the region’s profile in both domestic and cross-border tourism.