Vadlány-lik and the Basalt Road give Vindornyaszolos a distinctive geological character. The surrounding area also features basalt columns, caves, small ponds and nature trails. For planning, options include a clearly defined hiking loop, additional nature trails and a full-day cycling route.

Basalt, Caves and Small Ponds

Vadlány-lik Cave formed at the same time as the Basalt Road. Cracks developed as a result of tilting and sliding movements, both parallel and perpendicular to the road trench. The cave and the Basalt Road are therefore part of the same geological history.

The approximately one-kilometre-long Basalt Road lies on the western edge of Kovácsi-hegy, near Vindornyaszolos. Its basalt columns are five to 15 metres high, and there are also caves and other landforms. Kovácsi-hegy is also home to rare basalt dolines, with small ponds in their depressions. The Rakottyás Lakes there provide a habitat for rare animals and plants.

Hiking on Kovácsi-hegy

The eight-kilometre hiking loop starts at the eastern edge of Vindornyaszolos. From the parking area, it follows a nature trail to the Basalt Road, continues to the Rakottyás Lakes and returns to the parking area through Kő-árok. The route involves an ascent of 150 metres and takes three to four hours.

A route marked with an S also leads from Vindornyaszolos to the Basalt Road on Kovácsi-hegy. The nature trail follows the same markings. The designated loop follows its own closed route via the lakes and Kő-árok; the S markings guide visitors to the Basalt Road.

Nature Trails and a Destination on the Hill

Opened in 1999, the six-kilometre nature trail can be reached from Vindornyaszolos via the quarry. It leads to important natural features in the surrounding area and introduces visitors to their plant and animal life. The Buruczki-Ferenc Nature Trail runs along the side of the hill facing the village.

The Buddhist stupa is located on the eastern side of Kovácsi-hegy. It can be reached from Vindornyaszolos on an easy hike. It is considered Europe’s largest Buddhist stupa and was built around a Buddha relic and an eleven-metre-tall Tree of Life.

Local Attractions and Regional Routes

The Vidra Nature Trail and ecological playground were established in 2008 beside the sports field in the centre of Vindornyaszolos. Both are designed for preschool- and school-age children. The Vindornya Marsh is part of the Balaton Uplands National Park and provides a habitat for numerous protected bird and insect species, as well as protected plants. It extends across Vindornyalak, Vindornyafok and Vindornyaszolos; all three villages take their names from it.

Cycling is also part of the regional route options: a 30.3-kilometre full-day cycling route runs from Zalaszentgrót via Kisgörbő, Vindornyaszolos and Vindornyafok to Karmacs and Hévíz. It links several places in a set order, while the hiking loop and nature trails focus on Kovácsi-hegy and its surroundings.

Discover more destinations: Kehidakustány, Zalaszentlászló, Kallósd, Zalacsány, Zalaszentgrót, Zalabér, Nagygörbő, Sénye.

For the overview of the wider region: Zalaszentgrót.