Preserving Heritage and Promoting Social Sustainability Through Partnerships with Local Organisations

• Preserving our architectural and cultural heritage: Our historic hotel, which is included in Hungary's National Collection of Values, is carefully maintained and developed under regular heritage conservation supervision. In the absence of external grant funding, we invest our own resources in the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the building and its surroundings. We place particular emphasis on preserving the hotel's historic atmosphere, introducing modern improvements while respecting the architectural character, distinctive appearance and original spirit of the Palace Hotel.
• Supporting local attractions and service providers: We are proud not only of our hotel's nearly 100-year history but also of the rich cultural and natural attractions of the surrounding region. Through locally organised programmes and partnerships, we aim to introduce our guests to as many of these experiences as possible. We also offer discounted tickets to selected nearby attractions, encouraging guests to explore the destination and support local businesses.
• Preserving and sharing local history: In cooperation with the Észak-Keleti Átjáró Association, we have contributed to the publication and distribution of several books celebrating the history and heritage of Lillafüred and the Bükk region. By making archival documents from our own collection available for research, we supported the creation of a historical book about the Palace Hotel, as well as publications such as I Love Bükk and Edible Forest, which introduce readers to local attractions and the culinary use of forest ingredients. Much of the historical imagery featured in the Palace Hotel book came from a private collection of archival postcards depicting Lillafüred, preserved by a local resident.
• Celebrating our cinematic heritage: Lillafüred and the Palace Hotel have a rich history of connections to Hungarian cinema. We commemorate this cultural heritage through several distinctive features and activities. Guests can discover the Kabos Telephone near the reception, while large display panels along the park fence recall memorable scenes from films associated with the hotel. Our summer open-air cinema screenings traditionally begin with Meseautó (The Dream Car), the classic Hungarian film released in 1934.
• Working together for the development of the destination: Together with local entrepreneurs, we are members of the Bükki Kör Association, where we draw on shared knowledge, local expertise and professional networks to promote Miskolc and the wider Bükk region as a visitor destination. We are also members of the Tourism Roundtable established by the City of Miskolc and the Miskolc and Surrounding Area Tourism Association. In addition, the Palace Hotel is the founding venue of the István Nádor Wine Order, which holds its annual meeting and ceremonial dinner at the hotel.
• Bringing the stories of Lillafüred closer to our guests: Our latest restaurant menu features Mesélő Lillafüred (Lillafüred Tells Its Stories), a QR-code-accessible digital collection of short articles, historical accounts and interesting stories from the Palace Hotel's past. This initiative enriches the guest experience while helping to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Lillafüred.
• Partnerships with local festivals and cultural events: We are proud to maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with some of Miskolc's best-known festivals and community events, including the CineFest International Film Festival, the Santa Claus Train (Mikulásvonat), the Miskolc Kocsonya Festival, the Vendégségben Miskolcon programme series, the Szinva Heritage Days and the Poet of the Year of the Ode event (Év Ódaköltője). Through these collaborations, we contribute to the region's cultural life and help introduce visitors to its traditions, creativity and community values.
• Authentic experiences led by local experts: Our guided excursions are led by respected local professionals and experienced outdoor enthusiasts whose knowledge of the region and personal connection to its natural and cultural heritage enrich every experience.

  For many years, our Edible Forest gastronomic excursions have been guided by experienced forestry professionals from ÉSZAKERDŐ, who introduce guests to the natural treasures and edible ingredients of the Bükk forests.

  During the summer season, we organise excursions to the local trout farm approximately every two weeks. These tours are led by the farm's manager and operator, whose expertise and dedication attract fish enthusiasts from other parts of Hungary as well.

  Our visits to the medicinal herb garden in Bükkszentkereszt are guided by descendants and former close colleagues of the renowned Hungarian herbalist György Szabó, affectionately known as Gyuri bácsi or the Herbalist. Having learned directly from him, they share their knowledge of traditional herbal practices and the region's medicinal plants.

  When selecting activities for our guests, we place great importance on working with knowledgeable, dedicated professionals who have an authentic connection to the subject and the local area.

• Cultural partnerships and programmes open to the wider community: An important part of the Palace Hotel's cultural commitment is to make selected events and exhibitions within our historic spaces accessible to visitors beyond our hotel guests. As part of our cooperation with CineFest, we hosted an exhibition of historic film projection equipment that was also open to the general public. The exhibition highlighted the hotel's connections to cinema while making part of the technical heritage of filmmaking accessible to a wider audience.
• Sharing local history with the community: In cooperation with a local historian, we have launched a blog and social media content exploring lesser-known events, personalities and fascinating details from the history of the Palace Hotel and Lillafüred. These stories are freely accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they are staying at the hotel. By sharing this knowledge, we also offer members of the local community an opportunity to rediscover aspects of their own heritage.
• Bükk Essence – Celebrating the values of our region: Through our Bükk Essence content series, we aim to draw attention to the people, places and traditions that make our region special, reaching beyond the walls of the Palace Hotel.

  The series focuses on the natural and cultural heritage of the Bükk Mountains, the work of local producers, artisans and experts, and the personal stories that give the region its distinctive character.

  By showcasing these partnerships, we help bring local knowledge, traditional and contemporary crafts, regional gastronomy and natural attractions to a wider audience.

  For us, Bükk Essence is therefore more than a communication initiative. It is a way of celebrating the region's heritage, sharing its values and strengthening our relationships with the people and organisations who contribute to its identity.

OUR TOP TIPS

• Take a little piece of Lillafüred home with you! Discover our selection of publications available for purchase at reception, including Postcards from the Palace, I Love Bükk and Edible Forest. These books offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history, natural beauty and traditions of our region.
• Explore the stories of the Palace Hotel! Join one of our guided hotel tours led by our knowledgeable colleagues, discover our QR-code-accessible self-guided tour, visit our historical exhibition room or try The Palace Mystery, our interactive activity booklet.
• Stay up to date with local events! Follow our social media channels and digital information displays to discover upcoming programmes, cultural events and activities at the hotel and throughout the surrounding area.