Bátonyterenye

Bátonyterenye is not just one of the younger towns in Nógrád County—it is a crossroads of geological time, folk tradition, and scientific heritage. Though it only officially became a town in 1984 through the unification of three former settlements—Nagybátony, Kisterenye, and Szúpatak—its history stretches far deeper. Archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, the Avar period, and the time of the Hungarian conquest show that the Zagyva Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years. The region was once part of the estates of the Kacsics and later the Rátót noble clans, and in more recent centuries, families like the Kubinyis played a key role in the area’s cultural and intellectual development. In the second half of the 20th century, Bátonyterenye grew into an industrial centre. Today, however, it is rediscovering and revitalising its natural treasures. As part of the Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, the town is reclaiming its geological sites, caves, and legendary rock formations. The nearby Maconka Reservoir is not only a popular fishing destination but also a key ecological zone. Bátonyterenye is a powerful example of how a small town can build a sustainable future by drawing on its natural legacy, scientific tradition, and vibrant local culture. Bátonyterenye is more than just a merged municipality—it is a living tapestry where prehistoric artefacts, Reform Era scientific inquiry, and modern geotourism come together in harmony.