Hollókõ is a fine example of vernacular architecture, which has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Although the village was burned down several times, it was always restored in the style of the 17th century. Only after the last large fire in 1909 the thatched roofs have been replaced with tile roofs.

The old village consists of about 60 residential houses with farm buildings and a small parish church, the modern village is right next to it. The single long street forks at the small church creating a lens-shaped "island" in the middle of the settlement. The plastered half-timbered houses have a stone base and most of the houses have overhanging porches and galleries or a veranda on the street side. The photo shows a typical example. The architecture is similar to the houses in Vlkolínec (also a WHS), but Hollókõ appears more elegant due to the white-washed walls and the verandas.

Another difference to Vlkolínec is that Hollókõ is more developed to tourism, there are several museums, craftsmen exhibitions, a restaurant and facilities for accommodation. Most interesting is the Village Museum (Falumúzeum), where the traditional interior layout with three separate rooms and historic furnishing can be seen. Fortunately it was not too busy when we visited Hollókõ on a weekday in August 2014, there were only about ten private cars in the parking lot and about thirty visitors spread over the village. But Hollókõ is a popular destination for group tours (it's just 100 km from Budapest), so it can be crowded in the peak season.

We also went up to the castle, but it was closed for renovations. I don't think that we have missed much, it does not look particularly interesting. Actually we climbed the hill for a view of the village, but it is hidden behind trees and the hill. Maybe the view from the castle tower is better. Back at the car park we noticed two large tour buses – and we were happy with our perfect timing.

It is a matter of taste whether you prefer Hollókõ or Vlkolínec, we visited both on our trip and I liked them both. There are not many villages in Central Europe that entirely have been preserved in their historic structure, and only a few of them are World Heritage Sites.