5 Hungarian destinations where sustainability matters

Miskolc is a great example of how a former industrial hub can reinvent itself as a sustainable city. Through collaboration between local providers (Bükki Kör) and the city’s tourism organisation, numerous accommodations and attractions have joined the Edible Forest programme, which is now available as a variety of tourism packages in the city.

Additionally, Avas, the Szeleta Park Visitor Centre, the Pannon Sea Museum, and the Lillafüred State Forest Railway all offer experiences that support local communities while minimising environmental impact. Miskolc is the city of the Bükk Mountains, and it places special emphasis on public transport and nature conservation.

Bodrogkeresztúr is one of the most authentic villages in the Tokaj-Hegyalja World Heritage wine region, where nature and culture go hand in hand. Strolling through the village streets, you’ll discover not only historic wine cellars and pilgrimage sites but also white stork nests – the birds return to the banks of the Bodrog River year after year, signalling the area’s liveability and ecological stability. Programmes in the village, centred around the storks, have earned it a place among the best in the Green Destinations TOP100 competition. 

The locals prioritise protecting natural values: stork conservation, eco-friendly farming, local products, and small-scale tourism all contribute to sustainable development. With the tools of the I-DEST system, Bodrogkeresztúr also measures how it can provide visitors with experiences that are authentic, environmentally conscious, and community-building.

Health tourism can be about more than just wellness – it can also embrace sustainability. The city of Hévíz has recognised that protecting its natural thermal waters, promoting energy-efficient hotels, and implementing mindful visitor management are key to long-term success. With the help of I-DEST, the city actively measures and communicates its sustainability performance, enabling visitors to choose services based on values through SDG filters.

Alföld Slow isn’t just about a single location – it’s a philosophy: slow, community-focused tourism in often tiny villages. By involving local artisans, producers, and hosts, the offerings support the local economy while allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the landscape and culture. Here, I-DEST primarily helps measure community participation, short supply chains, and social impacts.

The UNESCO-recognised Novohrad–Nógrád Geopark, the world’s first cross-border geopark from its inception, is a shining example of how geological heritage conservation can be combined with sustainable tourism. Through the recently launched GEOfood programme, the region highlights the centuries-old connection between geological values and local gastronomy, supporting the preservation of local community values and traditions.

The I-DEST system provides opportunities for geological sites, nature trails, and local museums to function not only as natural assets but also as community treasures.