Badacsony Hill (Badacsony hegy) | Botanical garden (Arborétum) – Cserszegtomaj | Mineral springs (Gyógyforrások) - Balatonfüred | Lóczy Cave and Jókai look-out (Lóczy barlang és Jókai kilátó) – Balatonfüred | Koloska valley (Koloska-völgy) | The lakes of Tihany (Tihanyi tavak) | Lajos Lóczy (Educational) Pathway (Lóczy Lajos tanösvény) | The Shore of Lake Balaton and the Bozsai Bay (Balatonpart és a Bozsai öböl) | Wonderberry cave (Csodabogyós barlang) - Balatonederics | Nagyberek - Fehérvíz marshland (Fehérvízi láp) | Lake Hévíz | Kál Basin - Hegyestű (Káli medence – Hegyestű) | Kis-Balaton (Small Balaton) | Kányavári Island and the ‘Great crested grebe’ Educational Pathway (Kányavári-sziget és a Búbos vöcsök tanösvény) | Salföld Manor - Domestic animal farm and exhibition (Salföld major) | Small hill (Kishegy) - Balatonlelle | Tapolca Cave Lake (Tapolca tavasbarlang)
Natural treasures of Balaton region
An old dream of Hungarian nature conservation experts came true in 1997: a protected ecological system embracing the area of the Balaton Uplands was established by the connection of the already protected areas which had been separate for a long time. As a result, an area of 56 997 hectares of the Balaton-felvidék (uplands) National Park today consists of – the formerly separate - six landscape protection areas.
Among these regions Kis-Balaton (Small-Balaton) is a special one as it is also protected by the international Ramsar Convention, serving the protection of wetland habitats. Tihany Peninsula - as a recognition of its outstanding geological values and the work of nature conservation in that region - was awarded a European Diploma in 2003. The Natura 2000 areas, covering partly the National Park and going beyond its area ensure the possibility of the conservation of habitats, plant and animal species which are of European importance.
The initiative of Bakony-Balaton Geopark - the area of which covers partly the National Park - sets the aim of interpreting the geological, natural and cultural values and awakening the consciousness of their social significance.
The primary objective of the Balaton Uplands National Park is the comprehensive conservation and protection of natural treasures and areas. Beside protection it is also important to interpret the beautiful landscapes, living and non-living natural values and to provide possibilities for the present and future generation for learning and relaxing in nature.
These goals can be achieved only with the co-operation of the visitors who show responsible behaviour on the protected areas. Please help us to protect nature, do not disturb the habitats and natural values! Think of your fellow visitors, who would also like to enjoy the beautiful and intact environment.
For more information on Balaton Uplands National Park:
http://bfnp.nemzetipark.gov.hu/index.php?pg=sub_740
Badacsony Hill (Badacsony hegy)
Badacsony hill (437 m) on the South-western shore is an extinct table-shaped volcano and is really characteristic of Balaton. Its slopes are covered with interesting geological formations, fossilized lava columns called basalt organs as well as vineyards which produce the excellent wine of the Pauline monks, the Pinot Gris locally called Grey Monk (Szürkebarát).
The highlights of region forming part of a natural park are the volcanic hills called Witness Hills, including Gulács (393 m), Csobánc (376 m) and St. George Hill (Szent György hegy - 415 m). The reason they are called witnesses is that they bear witness to the once much higher land surface level due to volcanic activity. Visitors following the geo-botanical path in Folly Botanical Garden in Badacsonyörs will recognize the immense heritage of the place. The arboretum displays 400 types of conifers and is mainly characterized by cedars and cypresses.
Address: 8261 Badacsony, Római u. 139.
Open: 1 April - 31 October; Tue-Sun 9.00-18.00
Web: http://www.folly-kertepites.com/arboretum.asp?MainID=9&Ny=M
Botanical garden (Arborétum) – Cserszegtomaj
On the western end of the village of Cserszegtomaj, in an area of 20ha, some 200 pine species and other evergreens can be seen.
Address: Cserszegtomaj, Barát u. 15.
Opening times: 1 March - 30 October, Mo-Fri 8.00-16.00
Mineral springs (Gyógyforrások) - Balatonfüred
The fame and greatness of Balatonfüred health resort have been earned by the carbonated springs rushing up here and their exploitation for centuries. Several springs containing a significant amount of minerals rise in different parts of the town. It is a calcium-magnesium-hydrogen-carbonated, sulphated type of water with a considerable amount of free carbon-dioxide (so-called sour water) and is classified as natural mineral water. Today, the medicinal water of Füred is used for healing heart and circulatory diseases and treating general exhaustion. As a drinking treatment, it is effective against gastric influenza, diseases of the bile and the intestines as well as diabetes.
Visitors coming to the town can taste the 'sour water' of Füred at several places (e.g. the Kossuth Lajos Ivócsarnok at Gyógy tér or the Tagore Promenade).
Lóczy Cave and Jókai look-out (Lóczy barlang és Jókai kilátó) – Balatonfüred
The 120 m long Lóczy Cave (at the end of Öreghegyi Street in Balatonfüred) was explored in 1882 and can be visited since 1934. It is characterized by varied shapes ofdissolved limestone and walls with thin layers showing the structure of the mountain. There are guided tours to the illuminated cave.
Open: from 1 May to 30 September; Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
A marked hiking trail leads from Lóczy Cave to the wooden, 3-storey Jókai look-out tower (Jókai-kilátó) on Tamás-hegy (317 m) from where there is a wonderful view on Lake Balaton and the Tihany Peninsula. Along the Path named Golden Man after one of Jókai's heroes, benches make your excursion even more pleasant and comfortable.
Koloska valley (Koloska-völgy)
From the Jókai look-out tower you can get to the beautiful Koloska Valley and the Koloska Rock on a marked hiking trail (blue and green). There is a small pond in front of Koloska Spring embedded in the rocks, however, it dries out in drought-stricken periods.
The 250-300m high uplands around Balatonfüred are covered with typical sub Mediterranean karst vegetation, while small brooks which carved valleys into the limestone mountains slowly babble and flow into Lake Balaton.
The lakes of Tihany (Tihanyi tavak)
Tihanyi-félsziget (Tihany peninsula) divides the Balaton into two basins. The characteristic view of the Mediterranean landscape was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago as shown today by two giant calderas. The remains of these craters form little lakes, without outlet and higher than the water level of Balaton: Belső-tó (Inner lake), which is popular with anglers, and Külső-tó (Outer lake) which is a birdlife paradise. The list however is not complete, since a third lake also appears in wet years: the Rátai-csáva. There are no springs or streams supplying the lake, they are simply filled with rainwater and this explains their periodic drying out, as has happened to all three lakes on some occasions during past centuries.
The Inner Lake is situated directly under the village, its clear water surface is almost perfectly circular. It lies 26m above the level of the Lake Balaton in the sunken caldera formed after volcanic eruption. Once it was famous for its rich flora and fauna. The Inner Lake today is a popular fishing spot.
The Outer Lake, once formed in the main crater of the peninsula's volcano is a heavily filled up shallow lake 116 m above sea level. During the early 1800s drainage canals were dug to carry the water away via the Aszófő-séd stream into the Lake Balaton. The drained area was used for hay-making. In 1976 management of the area was granted to the nature preservation authority of the time. This is when - by blocking off the drainage canal - the restoration of the original conditions of the lake began. During the two and half decades since then, the water flora has totally resettled and fauna characteristic of wet habitats have also reappeared. Insect life relying on water is diverse; several rare dragonflies have found suitable conditions for survival here. Among the large number of amphibians and reptiles living in the lake, there is an outstanding abundance of pond turtles. Among the birds, the greylag goose and the Western marsh harrier nest here, in later years traces of red heron nests have been found, too. This is an important autumn meeting place for heron species since the shallow water is ideal for migrant birds; groups of herons can frequently be seen together on the lake.
Lajos Lóczy (Educational) Pathway (Lóczy Lajos tanösvény)
The stunning surroundings of the Tihany peninsula – still part of the Balaton Uplands Natural Park - can be explored by taking the Lajos Lóczy pathway. Sights include wind-torn basalt rocks, a hermit’s niche carved from volcanic stone, the monk’s dwellings where Basilite monk settlers lived in the 11th century and the almond trees and lavender fields. From the natural lookouts of the peninsula - the Kiserdő top and the Aranyház (Golden House), the most beautiful view opens up over the hundreds of geyser cones onto the Inner Lake, so loved by anglers, and the Outer Lake where tens of thousands of birds nest.
The starting point of the patway is at the Apáti church ruins next to Sajkod leading on over the Apáti hill, the Nyereg-hill and Csúcs-hill into the Sarkadi-forest, and then via the geyser field and the Aranyház to the ancient settlement. From there the trail leads along the Kiserdő top - Óvár – Hermits’ niche to Tihany harbour. There are 7 stops along the trail each attached to a noteworthy place.
The stops are:
- Nyereg-hegy (Saddle hill)
- Csúcs-hegy (Peak hill)
- Gejzírmező (Geyser field)
- Aranyház (Golden house)
- Kiserdő-tető (Little grove top)
- Óvár (Ancient fortification)
- Barátlakások (Hermits’ niches)
More information: http://www.tihany.hu/en_termeszeti_ertekek.htm
The Shore of Lake Balaton and the Bozsai Bay (Balatonpart és a Bozsai öböl)
The south-western shoreline of Tihany peninsula lies in a close to natural state; in particular the section from the part below Gurbicza to the harbour has remained intact. The shore preserved its original state at Sajkod and in the Bozsai bay.
Bozsai bay is one of the last almost undisturbed reed bays of the Lake Balaton. White water-lilies (Nymphaea alba) bloom on islets within the reed. Hay-fields, meadows and the remains of fenlands decorate the bay on the shore, lax-flowered orchid, common cottongrass and Siberian iris (Iris siberica) along with a host of other protected plants.
The reeds offer breeding places to many rare bird species, like the greylag goose and the marsh harrier. Among the mammals, the increasingly protected otters are noteworthy.
Wonderberry cave (Csodabogyós barlang) - Balatonederics
Near Balatonederics, the beautiful forest of the Balaton Uplands Natural Park hides the strictly protected Wonderberry Cave, which was named after the shrubs growing next to its entrance. To date a more than 5 km long section of the tectonic cave has been discovered. The pathways (fissures) in the cave were formed by the tectonic movements of the plates. Certain corridors have been opened to the public. If you are curious to see this extraordinary underground world, if you are interested in the history of the development of the cave and would like to admire the spectacular stalagmites, then discover the awe-inspiring sights under the conduct of skilled tour guides! Access to the cave through the forest is only possible by foot; a 40 minutes walk uphill is needed to reach the entrance.
For the types of tours, the clothing needed and for other details please call:
(+36 20) 454 7034
Detailed information, online tour arrangement: www.csodabogyos.hu
E-mail: tours@csodabogyos.hu
Nagyberek - Fehérvíz marshland (Fehérvízi láp)
The formation of the area was the result of a simple geological detachment, whereby the lake separated the area from the water surface with an offshore bar, which later became a swamp. Since this area is not particularly suitable for any kind of agricultural activity, it was never exposed to the harmful effects of urbanization and has been able to preserve its intactness and natural beauty. The process of drainage in Nagyberek is carried out with a system of canals, a total of 216km in length, through which an annual amount of 20 million m3 of water is pumped into the lake.
As Nagyberek was covered with an uninterrupted surface of water until the mid-1800s, the ground still contains a considerable amount of snail shells. When the wind sweeps across the area, these shells cause huge damage by literally shaving off the tender shoots. To prevent this, forest belts have been planted.
Nagyberek has a narrow-gauge railway network of about 50km in length. It originally functioned as a means of transporting crops to the standard railway at Balatonfenyves, but now it serves regular passenger traffic all year round and is a tourist attraction. The ride to Berek offers a pleasant time and a lot of experience, such as the beauty of the nature reserve, a good swim at Csisztafürdő, the row of romantic wine cellars at Táska, or an excursion to Buzsák. Even if the railway is not a museum railway, its unique wooden-framed carriages, the tiny locomotives driven by lorry engines, and the renovated steam locomotive are all worth of attention.
The ancient marshland has been a conservation area for more than twenty years now; it is only accessible for the purpose of scientific research and may be visited by guided tours only. Those interested in photography are guided through the area on a photo-safari by the specialists of the Berek Nature Reserve Fund upon request
In addition to its natural beauty, this area boasts an extremely rich flora and fauna. Among the 270 bird species living in the close environs of Lake Balaton, 123 have their habitat or nest here during the year. You can find great egrets (nagykócsag), small egrets, Eurasian spoonbills (kanalasgém), grey herons (szürke gém), Eurasian coots (szárcsa) and bitterns (bölömbika). The most notable predator bird breeding here is the Western marsh-harrier (barna rétihéja) but the honey buzzard (darázsölyv) or the white tailed eagle (réti sas) is not uncommon either. As regards flora, among the many rarities under protection one can find the marsh pennywort, the marsh violet (mocsári ibolya) and the Siberian iris (szibériai nőszirom) but you will find white waterlilies (fehér tündérrózsa), early marsh orchids (hússzínű ujjaskosbor) and marsh helleborines (mocsári nőszőfű), too.
Due to environmental factors, the number of species and single organisms in the flora of the nature reserve is changing constantly. Nagyberek is also a paradise for hunters, where the stock of deer is excellent, but the roe and the wild boar in the swamps can also be spotted. In addition, the area is abundant in pheasants.
Together with Balaton and Kis-Balaton, the area plays a key role in bird migration.
For more information on photo Safaris, please call: (+36 30) 969-2781
Lake Hévíz
Lake Hévíz is located close to Hévíz, Hungary, near the western end of Lake Balaton, 5 miles from Keszthely. It is the largest thermal lake in Europe (47,500 square metres in area) and is 36m deep. In fact this is a geyser which pours its mildly radioactive, warm medicinal water into a natural crater, forming a lake. The flow of water is very strong and the lake is believed to be completely replenished each day. The waters are reputed to have curative effects, and there is a thriving health tourism industry in the area.
The fauna and flora are unique in Lake Hévíz due to the temperature and chemical composition of the water, which contains reduced sulfuric compounds as well as oxygen in solution. Several species (mainly microscopic creatures) can be found only in this lake.
Kál Basin - Hegyestű (Káli medence – Hegyestű)
The Hegyestű (edgy or pointed needle) is a volcanic cone with a height of 337m above sea level and is located between Zánka and Monoszló at the entrance of Káli basin. A part of the hill was demolished at the time when the place served as a quarry but the remaining part reveals the spectacular inner surface of a former volcano crater. As the lava arose to the surface in the course of an eruption it froze to take the shape of vertical columns. This stunning formation is a rarity in Europe.
The exhibition in the buildings of the former basalt mine presents the geological structure, the characteristic rocks and minerals of the Balaton Highlands, Transdanubia, and the natural resources of the national park.
The Káli basin offers numerous view-points with an amazing panorama, the best one is located on the western edge of the former quarry, from where you have a beautiful view over the hills hemming the basin and can identify those with the help of a panorama guide.
Another bizarre place in the Kál Basin is the ‘Seas of Stones’ filled with sandstone boulders and rocky outcrops. As a result of volcanic follow-up activity, thermal springs not only created more than one hundred geyser hills in the region but glued the sand into interesting sandstone formations the remains of which are scattered all around in a vast area.
Kis-Balaton (Small Balaton)
One of the most interesting landscapes in the tapering southwestern corner of Balaton is Kis-Balaton. This exceptional wetland habitat is a nature conservation area and was once the bay of the lake, before Zala River gradually filled it up with debris. So the Kis-Balaton became one of the country's largest marshes, from which only an island emerges.
Inner areas covered by water, under high protection, can only be visited on a specific route by bus in an organized form. In the Kis-Balaton House in Zalavár, visitors are informed about the history and the future of Kis-Balaton and its surroundings; discover the functioning of the Water Protection System, its role in the water quality of Lake Balaton and the unique flora and fauna of the particularly protected nature conservation area. Starting from the Kis-Balaton House, a part of Lake Hídvég can also be visited by bike until as far as the side-road of Zalavár Balatonmagyaród, where you can enjoy the beauties of nature and the piece. The Excursion Centre on Kányavári Island can be visited without restriction.
Places of interest at Kis-Balaton and surroundings are: Kis Balaton House, Chapel of Saint Stephen (Szt István kápolna), Cyril-Method Monument, Buffalo Reserve in Kápolnapuszta, Folklore Museum in Vörs, Spa of Zalakaros and Lake of Hévíz
The Fauna
The fauna is extremely rich, we can find dragonflies, 32 different species of fish (among which 6 are protected), frogs, water-salamanders, grass-snakes, lizards and pond turtles. Protected species of fish are the following: mud-minnow, common loach, spiny loach, thunder-fish, freshwater goby and gudgeons. Umbra and loach species living in oxygen-poor swampy waters are highly protected. The avifauna with its 232 species (among which 38 are highly protected) is considerable even compared to other nature conservation areas. 13 of the highly protected species breed in the Kis-Balaton region, they are: great egrets, little egrets, herons (purple and grey), Eurasian spoonbills, squacco herons, white storks, white tailed eagles, white owls, lich-owls, curlews, landrails, bee-eaters and the ferruginous duck.
The Flora
In the Kis-Balaton region 29 protected and one highly protected plant species can be observed. The most considerable and well-known species are: mud nettle, a kind of goldcup, cowslip, snow-flake (highly protected), moor-grass, poison-flag and white water lily.
More information: http://www.kisbalaton.hu/safari_on_kis_balaton.html
Kányavári Island and the ‘Great crested grebe’ Educational Pathway (Kányavári-sziget és a Búbos vöcsök tanösvény)
The Kányavári Island is a protected wetland habitat within Kis-Balaton (Kis-Balaton) area, a part of Balaton Uplands Natural Park. The island and its flora and fauna are of outstanding beauty, and can be approached via a specially structured timber bridge (for disabled and families with children there is a small ferry). On the island you can follow a nearly 2 km long educational path named after the great crested grebe (búbos vöcsök), a typical inhabitant of the region. The footpath – with its information points – aims to introduce the rich bird life of the area as well as the bat population (there are built bat holes to enhance their breeding).
Indigenous species are the great crested grebe of course but you will find great egrets (nagykócsag), cormorants (kormorán), Eurasian spoonbills (kanalasgém), squacco herons (üstökösgém), purple herons (vörös gém), grey herons (szürke gém), Eurasian coots (szárcsa), great reed warblers (nádirigó) and moustached warblers (fülemüle sitke). Up to now 250 bird species have been registered in this area, 150 of which also breed here.
Practical information:
Getting there is simple from the road between Sármellék and Balatonmagyaród.
The island and the educational path can be visited free of charge and without a guide.
Web: www.kisbalaton.hu/kanyavar_island_program.html
Salföld Manor - Domestic animal farm and exhibition (Salföld major)
Salföld is a village in Káli Basin (Káli-medence), in the heart of Balaton Uplands Natural Park where significant geological, botanical and folk architectural treasures were preserved. Several indigenous species are presented here at the farm: the urial, also known as the arkars, the buffalo, the Hungarian grey cattle, poultry, shepherd dogs and horses. In a small botanical garden officinal herbs and spices are grown.
Address: 8256 Salföld
Phone: (+36 87) 702 857
Web: http://www.kali.hu/salfoldmajor/
Small hill (Kishegy) - Balatonlelle
The small hill appertaining to Balatonlelle village has been a wine-growing area for centuries. A 18th-century late Baroque chapel sits in the vineyard on the slopes of Kishegy. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but the first record is of the blessing of a bell in 1784. A Mass is celebrated in the chapel on the feast of St Donatus on 7 August. Next to the chapel you will find the XVIIIth century wine-dresser’s house and cellar. A pleasant grove of 136 ha. stretches above the vineyard.
Tapolca Cave Lake (Tapolca tavasbarlang)
The Cave, which is unique in Central-Europe, is right in the heart of the town. It was discovered in 1902 during well-boring and ten years later it was opened to the public. The halls and corridors of the three level cave were formed by karst water. Water of a constant 19 °C is still flowing in the lower chambers of the cave and some parts of the upper corridors are partly flooded. This 300 meter long section of the cave can be cruised by boat (guided tour) and is illuminated with underwater lights. Watchful visitors may spot the sole fish species living in the water: the minnow. In the clear water the paths leading to the lower chambers can also be clearly seen. The healing effects of the cave's special climate have been known for a long time. The extremely clean air, the relatively constant temperature (14-16 °C) and the 100 % relative air humidity help to cure patients suffering from allergy, asthma or other respiratory disease; a separate section of the cave is used for this purpose (hospital wing).
Address: Tapolca, Kisfaludy Sándor utca 3.
Web: http://www.tapolca.hu/mas_nyelven/angol/english.htm
