A boat trip through a cave and the exposed interior of an ancient basalt volcano give Lake Balaton - North a distinctive sense of discovery: here, experiences lead both underground and out into the landscape. There are also exhibitions, crafts and places with a long history. What interests you can therefore shape the focus of your trip.
Beneath the surface and along the cliff edge
Boat trips are offered in the Tapolcai-tavasbarlang. The cave is part of an underground cave system beneath the town, which has so far been explored over a length of 14.6 kilometres. A guided exhibition titled “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”) adds an introduction to karst to the experience. Nature and geology come together here in one place.
The geological past is revealed in a different way at Hegyestű, a 337-metre-high mountain between Zánka and Monoszló. Hegyestű exposes the interior of a basalt volcano that was active around eight million years ago. At the viewpoint on the western edge of the quarry site, a panorama board helps visitors identify the surrounding hills. The site also includes a rock garden featuring characteristic rock types from Transdanubia, the western half of Hungary.
The volcanic mountain of Badacsony also brings landscape and geology together: hiking trails and panoramas appeal to hikers, while its distinctive geological formations are known as basalt organ pipes. Badacsony is in Veszprém County on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, opposite the town of Fonyód. Special grape varieties are grown on its slopes and used to make Badacsony wine. Hiking, views of the formations and local winemaking are therefore different aspects of this place.
Crafts, knowledge and history
In Herend, the museum and visitor centre explore the porcelain manufactory from different perspectives. The Herend Porcelain Museum presents a permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions on the history of the manufactory. The visitor centre introduces visitors to porcelain production, the techniques involved and the traditions of applied arts. In workshops, visitors can handle porcelain clay and a brush for painting. The offering thus ranges from the history of the craft to hands-on engagement with its materials.
The Levendula Ház in Tihany presents the formation of the Tihany Peninsula and lavender cultivation in an interactive exhibition. It also features a craft workshop and a garden of experiences. Those interested in the connection between the landscape and regional cultivation will find a different approach here from Herend, where porcelain and applied arts take centre stage.
The Pannon Csillagda in Bakonybél brings scientific subjects to life with an interactive exhibition on space exploration and astronomy. The history of Szent Mauríciusz Monostor leads back to a monastery founded in 1018 in the area of present-day Bakonybél: King Stephen I had it built at the suggestion of the monk Günther. In Sümeg, meanwhile, the castle stands as a relatively well-preserved medieval fortress on a bare hill rising above its surroundings. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2022, and an interactive exhibition opened there in spring 2023.
Activities among viewpoints and wildlife
Those focused on winter sports will find 16 slopes at the SkiArena Vibe Park in Eplény, with a total ski-run system measuring 7,984 metres. The park also offers chairlift rides above the trees on two- and four-seater lifts. The Ámos-hegyi viewpoint in SkiArena Vibe Park looks out over the landscape of the High Bakony. These details describe different aspects of the park: its ski-run system, chairlift rides and viewpoint.
The Ámos-hegyi Pihenőerdő offers hikers a 230-hectare area with a nature trail, an observation tower, a fitness trail and forest playgrounds. At Veszprém Zoo, the offering ranges from animal habitats across six continents to special areas for discovery: the Dinosaur Park features lifelike models of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago, and children can take part in a real archaeological excavation there. The African Savannah Playground has zip lines, climbing frames, bouncy castles and a safari-striped aircraft. The zoo offers experiences all year round and welcomes visitors of all ages.
Whether it is an underground cave, an exposed volcanic wall, crafts or wildlife, each place caters to different interests. Those looking for accommodation can use these discoveries as a starting point for planning their own trip.
Discover more destinations: Hajdú-Bihar, Neuburg, Baranya, Zala, Budapest, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and Bács-Kiskun.
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