REGION
Lake Balaton and its surrounding area are the most popular holiday destinations in Hungary. Waterfront relaxation, historical and cultural landmarks, folk traditions, cycling and water tours, rare natural values, gastronomic specialties, and spectacular events attract people here.
The Balaton Highlands, in particular, is rich in attractions, and those who love gastronomy and fine wines will also find plenty of appealing destinations here.
You can read more useful information about the area here.
The Volcanic Hills
The beautiful volcanic hills of the Tapolca Basin are found here, clustered together.
The most famous of these are Badacsony and St. George Hill, but Hegyestű, Gulács, Tóti Hill, Hegyesd, Haláp, Szigliget Hill, Somló, and Csobánc are all fantastic hiking destinations, and it’s worth exploring all of them in the area.
The basalt hills are not only uniquely interesting and picturesque geological landmarks, but the local wildlife also thrives here. Many rare plants and animals have settled in its forests, and several rare bird species nest here, including the rock thrush, which became the namesake of our estate.
The basalt soil was home to a significant grape-growing culture as early as Roman times, and it continues to produce excellent wines today. These highlands were also of military importance, with castles, fortifications, and watchtowers built on many of them, the remnants of which are still visible today.
If you’d like to climb the conical hills, you can read more about them here:
The Volcanic Hills
The beautiful volcanic hills of the Tapolca Basin are found here, clustered together.
The most famous of these are Badacsony and St. George Hill, but Hegyestű, Gulács, Tóti Hill, Hegyesd, Haláp, Szigliget Hill, Somló, and Csobánc are all fantastic hiking destinations, and it’s worth exploring all of them in the area.
The basalt hills are not only uniquely interesting and picturesque geological landmarks, but the local wildlife also thrives here. Many rare plants and animals have settled in its forests, and several rare bird species nest here, including the rock thrush, which became the namesake of our estate.
The basalt soil was home to a significant grape-growing culture as early as Roman times, and it continues to produce excellent wines today. These highlands were also of military importance, with castles, fortifications, and watchtowers built on many of them, the remnants of which are still visible today.
If you’d like to climb the conical hills, you can read more about them here: What to Climb This Year? – 10 Beautiful Conical Hills of the Balaton Highlands – Top List – WeloveBalaton
Csobánc
Csobánc is one of the characteristic coffin-shaped volcanic hills of the Tapolca Basin. On its bare, grassy flat top, the ruins of Csobánc Castle, built in the 13th century, can be seen. From here, we are treated to perhaps the most beautiful panorama of the Balaton Highlands: we can see all the famous volcaninc hills, and the view stretches from the Tihany Peninsula to the Keszthely Bay.
On the hillside of Csobánc, covered with vineyards, several hiking trails are accessible, and the National Blue Trail also passes through here. The road to the top of the hill begins in front of our estate. It starts as an asphalt road, then turns into a slightly eroded dirt road and gravel path that leads to the summit. Its flat top offers a breathtaking view on the Tapolca Basin and Lake Balaton.
In the summer, the hillside is a popular destination for paragliders, thanks to the rising air currents. Sitting on the Kövirigó terrace, we often enjoy the sight of paragliders soaring in the sky.
For further information about the area, please visit the following site here.
Places to explore in the area
Hiking tips
Csobánc
Papsapka Stones
Tóti-hegy, Káptalantóti
Haláp, the quarried monadnock
Hegyestű, the split volcano
Badacsony hike
Szent György-hegy hike
Fekete-hegy, Eötvös Károly Viewpoint
Halomhegy, Kossuth Viewpoint
Worth to visit
Tapolca, Malom Lake
Tapolca Cave Lake
Szentbékálla, Stone Sea
Balatonudvari, Old Cemetery
Tihany Peninsula
Tihany Benedictine Abbey
Festetics Palace in Keszthely
Hévíz Lake
Hunting Museum, Keszthely
Wineries in the Area
Von Beőthy Winery
Bakos Winery
Villa Tolnay
Váli Winery
Borbély Winery
Szászi Winery
Gilvesy Winery
Sabar Wine House
Káli Stones
Istvándy Estate
Programs with children
Folly Arboretum, Badacsonytördemic
African Museum, Balatonederics
Csodabogyós Cave, Balatonederics
Salföld Manor
Tálod Monastery Ruins
Keszthely Balaton Museum
Csillagvár, Balatonszentgyörgy
Kis-Balaton National Park
Markets
Káptalantóti, Liliomkert Market
(Sundays, year-round)
Tapolca Flea Market, Nyárfa Street
(Tuesday-Thursday-Friday, year-round)
Hegymagas, Market Square
(Saturdays)
Castles
Csobánc Castle
Sümeg Castle
Rezi Castle
Szigliget Castle
You can find excellent program descriptions, hiking spots, and Balaton-related legends on the Minavidi website, which is edited by a dear former colleague of mine, who is also a fan of Lake Balaton.