What, lakelets in Hungary? It sounds strange, but we actually have some smaller and larger fresh water lakes which we call lakelets. Lakelet in Hungarian is ‘tengerszem’, which in English is the metaphrase ‘sea-eye’. However, it has nothing to do with the melting of glaciers which would justify the Hungarian expression. Still, these are definitely worth visiting because of the surrounding landscape, the hills and the crystal clear water. Some of them can be accessed after a light walk, while others take a longer trip, but after seeing the photos we can confidently say they are worth the effort getting there.
From a wound in the landscape to Hungary’s deepest lake – Rudabánya mine lake
This area was already known as an important copper and silver deposit in the middle age, then iron ore was mined there until 1985. The mining heavily damaged the landscape, but as soon as the work ceased and the groundwater was not pumped any further, nature quickly did its job. The large holes were filled up with water, which created the Rudabánya mine lake. The lake, however, can only be admired; because its depth reaches 60 metres in some points, so no one is allowed to bathe in it.
Unique wildlife – Megyer Hill lakelet
Another mine lake where the rainwater accumulated created a small lake after the shutdown of mining activity. The lake lies in the Aggtelek National Park, in the Megyer Hill Lakelet Nature Protection Area, and is surrounded by 50-70-metre high walls. The rhyolite tuff that can be mined here was mainly used to produce millstone, and after the mine closed, a special wildlife developed here. Thus it is a protected natural value and we should also protect it.
A lake hidden in the forest – Apc lakelet
This mine lake, which is near Apc and is surrounded by a beautiful forest, was created thanks to andesite mining. The area and the lake, surrounded by steep cliffs, have been a nature protection area of local importance since 1995. The clear-water, pleasant lake mine is very popular, the braver ones jump into the deep water from top of the cliffs, and it can be walked around in dry weather. Either way, be very careful on the cliffs!
Emerald green wonder – Jósvafő lakelet
This artificial lakelet was created by damming up the Jósva spring. Originally, the lake located in the Aggtelek National Park was used for the production of electricity, but has now become a popular attraction. The area is magical and the lake surrounded by forest is emerald green and crystal clear.
Heaven for anglers and hikers – Erdőbénye Lake
The oldest settlement in Tokaj-hegyalja, Erdőbénye also hides a wonderful lakelet. In the quarry surrounded by hills, water accumulated after the works and pumping were finished, and the locals utilised this clear-water, deep mine lake as a fishing lake. The small lakelet (or as Hungarians call it in their language, ‘sea-eye’), can be accessed after a light walk, and the area offers exciting hiking trails.
It is not enough to admire these lakes and the natural wonders that surround them, they need protection. This is the responsibility of the hikers who visit them, so it is us, humans who need to take care of it. Scattered plastic bottles and other rubbish is often seen along the trails. Do not add to these piles but keep the most important rule: take home what you take with you into the forest. Do not throw any rubbish into waste bins placed along the trails, because it can easily fall out and land under the trees thanks to animals that seek food or the wind. Napkins, handkerchieves and packaging should be collected and thrown out outside the forest as selectively as possible. Do not buy any PET-bottled drinks for your trip. Instead, take your own flask which you can refill with fresh water from the wells at any time.