Edible Forest

Many still associate Miskolc with its industrial past, but the city has taken a completely different path – one that leads towards nature. At the heart of its new tourism identity is the Bükk Mountains, which not only physically surround the city but increasingly define its character. The essence of the 'Miskolc, the City of the Bükk' concept is that the city's natural, gastronomic, and community values can tell a new story – one that is liveable, enjoyable, and green.

The Edible Forest programme was born from the meeting of nature and gastronomy. The 'Edible Forest' initiative is not just a themed dinner series but a movement to reshape perspectives, connecting wild, seasonal ingredients – mushrooms, herbs, berries, game – with local cuisine. The goal is to bring these unique, often undervalued forest treasures to the plate in a conscious and sustainable way.

The programme was created by the Bükk Circle – an informal network of chefs, winemakers, accommodation providers, foresters, and creative professionals working together. Through regular workshops, field trips, and experiments, a new gastronomic tourism offering has emerged in Miskolc, built on nature-inspired experiences and local ingredients. The community members represent not only the city but the entire Bükk region – authentically and collaboratively.

As part of the programme, you can join forest tasting tours by train, where you can not only taste but also learn – about mushrooms, herbs, and conservation. At the Taste of Bükk dinner evenings, exciting menus are crafted from the region's wild ingredients and paired with local wines. The Miskolc Wine Stroll takes you to the historic Avas Hill, where the cool cellars bring together Bükk terroir and seasonal cuisine.

The Lillafüred Palotaszálló has become one of the flagships of the 'Edible Forest' programme: it not only offers gastronomic experiences but also became the first hotel in Hungary to earn the Good Travel Seal sustainability certification. The restaurant offers forest-based, plant-focused menus that celebrate the flavours of the region.

The initiative also involves the Symbiosis Foundation, which employs people with disabilities. Their teas, cheeses, and jams – all made from local, natural ingredients – are now available at several hospitality venues in Miskolc.

The Bükk Region UNESCO Global Geopark and the associated Szeleta Culture both contribute to making Miskolc not just a destination for hiking but also an increasingly attractive cultural and educational hotspot. The city is already preparing paleo-gastronomic programmes that reinterpret prehistoric diets for today.

Miskolc welcomes visitors all year round, with each season offering a different experience. Participants in the 'Edible Forest' programme prepare seasonal offerings – so if you visit in spring, fresh shoots and flowers dominate, while in autumn, game and mushrooms take centre stage. Advance booking is recommended for the Taste of Bükk dinners, the GastroExpress tours, and the forest-based menus at Palotaszálló.

If you'd like to experience how a city tastes as it redefines itself through nature, then Miskolc is your place. Here, the forest not only surrounds you but also nourishes you – both literally and figuratively. The 'Edible Forest' is not a trend but a way of life – and every guest is warmly welcomed.