What Tóstrand Is
Tóstrand is a recreational area in the village of Sóshartyán, in Nógrád County, Northern Hungary. Located at the northern foot of the Cserhát hills, about 15 kilometers southwest of Salgótarján, the village is part of the Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark.
The lake at Tóstrand was made in the early 1960s for swimming and recreation. The area has since been revitalized with walking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic wooden bridge. One description says swimming is no longer possible because of siltation and water quality issues, while another lists swimming among the activities visitors can enjoy. (source)
Tóstrand is popular with locals and visitors, with active recreation options, child-friendly facilities, and dining opportunities. Nearby are the Városi Gyermektábor, Városi Strand, and Strandkézilabda Stadion.
History
Sóshartyán’s history dates back to the early medieval period. It was first mentioned in historical records in 1227 as ‘Harkyan’, in a document concerning a perpetual declaration before the Vác chapter. The document identifies the village as part of the ancient estates of the Záh clan, with landowners including András and Erasmus, sons of Tardos from the Záh clan, and I. Záh from the Karancskeszi branch.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Sóshartyán was predominantly a royal estate and castle land, before gradually passing into the hands of wealthy Nógrád magnates. After Felicián Záh’s assassination attempt in 1332, King Charles Robert confiscated the Záh clan’s properties in Sóshartyán and granted them to János, son of Alexander from the Ákos clan, and his brother Jakab.
The Méhi family later acquired the estate, lost it to the Osgyáni Bakos family in 1374 and 1383, and regained it by 1398. It subsequently passed to the Palásthi Radó family. In 1447, after Radó Sámuel died without heirs, Governor John Hunyadi awarded the estate to János Geréb of Vingárt. Notable later owners included Zsigmond Balassa in 1548 and Gergely Pásztohi in 1598. A 1592 document first used the name ‘Sóshartyán’, after the village came under the ownership of Pászthóy Gergely from the Balassa family.
During the Turkish occupation, Sóshartyán became part of the Váci náhije, and ten taxable houses were recorded in the village. The Roman Catholic parish registers resumed in 1697, during a period of reorganization and recovery.
What to See and Do
Walking trails around Tóstrand offer routes described as well-marked and ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. The trails pass through the natural surroundings of the Gedőci Valley, where visitors can see diverse flora and fauna.
Picnic areas have fire pits and benches, making them suitable for a family picnic or a barbecue with friends. The wooden bridge and landscape also offer opportunities for photography.
Practical Visiting Information
Opening Hours and Tickets
One set of visitor information lists daily opening hours as 9 AM to 7 PM, with tickets costing 1,000 HUF for adults and 500 HUF for children. The FAQ information instead says Tóstrand is accessible 24/7 and has no entrance fee. It also notes that nearby facilities such as Városi Strand may charge admission.
Events and Guided Tours
The area is described as hosting seasonal events, including summer festivals and guided nature tours, and visitors are directed to check the official Tóstrand website for the latest schedules. Another account says there are currently no official guided tours at Tóstrand and that visitors can explore the well-marked trails at their own pace.
Getting There
Tóstrand is accessible by car, with ample parking near the site, and is close to main road 21. Local buses provide regular service to the area; Sóshartyán is accessible by bus from Salgótarján and Szécsény, with scheduled services passing through Nógrádmegyer. The closest railway station is approximately 1,000 meters from the site.
Visitor Tips
Late spring and summer are described as the best times to visit, when the weather is warm and suitable for outdoor activities. The trails and picnic areas are particularly enjoyable then, and the nearby city beach provides a place to cool off.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the trails. Visitors may also want to bring snacks and drinks for a picnic, and a camera for views of the landscape and wooden bridge.
The area is described as accessible by car and public transport, with ample parking and regular local bus service.
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Nearby Places
Ipolytarnóc Geopark
A short drive from Tóstrand, Ipolytarnóc Geopark is described as one of Hungary’s seven natural wonders. Visitors can see preserved traces of prehistoric animals, including petrified footprints and fossils. (source)
Castle of Somoskő
The Castle of Somoskő is known for its basalt columns and a 16-meter-high basalt waterfall. The waterfall is described as a rare geological formation, one of only four in the world. The castle also provides historical context for a visit. (source)
Other nearby points of interest mentioned include the Cserhát Hills and the town of Salgótarján.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the visiting hours for Tóstrand?
One set of information lists daily hours as 9 AM to 7 PM. The FAQ information says Tóstrand itself is accessible 24/7, and recommends visiting during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the trails and picnic areas.
Are there guided tours available at Tóstrand?
Seasonal guided nature tours are mentioned, but another account says there are currently no official guided tours at Tóstrand. Visitors can explore the area at their own pace using the well-marked walking trails.
Is there an entrance fee for Tóstrand?
One set of information lists tickets at 1,000 HUF for adults and 500 HUF for children. The FAQ information says there is no entrance fee to visit Tóstrand, though some nearby attractions, such as Városi Strand, may charge for their facilities.
