Badacsony Volcano Valley, Balaton

Badacsony is the land of extinct volcanoes and a great place for hiking: there are many convenient and specially designed paths here. Mountains rise high right on the very shore of Lake Balaton and the observation decks offer breathtaking views! The highest and most famous mountain is called Badacsony. It has slanted slopes covered with green vineyards. And on its tops, you can see volcanic basalt "spikes". The diameter of the mountain peak is 11 km. Its volcanic cone-shaped top stands out among the other mountains of the Badacsony Valley.

History of the silent volcanoes

Volcanic mountains appeared 45 million years ago from basaltic lava. Raging volcanoes became tired and fell asleep. The mountains have acquired the shape of truncated cones and look very picturesque. For many centuries Badacsony inspired poets, writers, and artists. The mountain and its surroundings have more than once been called the most beautiful landscape of Hungary. In 1903, basalt quarries were opened that threatened the pristine volcano valley that was in a deep sleep. Through the efforts of residents, in the 1920s, the quarry was closed. In 1956, Badacsony mountain was declared a protected area. It is part of the Balaton Uplands National Park. Today the basalt mountains are a unique geological place and a habitat of rare plants and animals.

The Volcano Valley of Badacsony in facts and numbers:

• The diameter of the mountain Badacsony – 11 km.
• The highest peak of the valley – 437 m.
• Volcanic mountains appeared 45 million years ago.
• Since 1956, the Valley has been a protected area.

The map sign for the Volcano Valley is placed on one of the walls of Castle Szigliget. By the way, the observation platform of the fortress offers the best view of the area.

Hiking

Extinct volcanoes are a great choice if you want to go hiking while relaxing at Balaton. You will encounter beautiful forests, incredible views and nice places for rest on the way. A perfect place to start exploring Balaton if you love outdoor activities. Many marked trails can be passed on your own and even with a child. You can also go as a part of a group: tours are available.

• You can drive up to the top of the Badacsony if you want a short walk. The rise begins from the former home of the famous Hungarian poet Kisfaludy. There is also a restaurant nearby, and from there a footpath leads to the Kisfaludy Observation Tower.
• If you want to challenge yourself, then start climbing right from the lake. First, you will need to go up the steps: this will take 10–15 minutes. The way runs through a forest after that.
• Hiking trails are well-designed.
• The mountain is inhabited by particularly hungry mosquitoes during the warm season. Be ready for that.
• You can climb a mountain from different sides.
• Expect to spend four and a half hours exploring Badacsony.
• If you are taking with children with you, you can shorten the distance.
• The mountain is not very steep: the hiking route is quite easy and you will not need trekking boots.
• Climbing is recommended when there is no intense heat.
• The pedestrian path runs past two old wineries hiding in the vineyard.

Badacsony wine stories and festivals

Badacsony is always associated with excellent wines. According to locals, the volcanic soil on which the vineyards grow gives them a special charm. And the wine turns out to be special – it preserves the ardour of cooled volcanoes. The first vineyards were planted by ancient Roman legionaries. Wine can be found everywhere: in restaurants and in family wineries. Mostly white grapes grow here. The wine province is proud of the interesting wine “Ice Aszú” where grapes that freeze a bit are used. By the way, each wine has its own holiday. Therefore, festivals do not stop all year round. Most of them are held in summer and autumn.

Interesting to see

• József Egry Memorial Museum dedicated to the Hungarian impressionist artist (painted “Hungarian Sea.”)
• Petrified basalt lava columns.
• The top of the mountain has the Kisfaludy Observation Tower (famous Hungarian poet.)
• Memorial cross can be found 400 meters above. In 1857 it was brought in parts on 40 oxen.
• House Kisfaludy.
• Wineries and wine cellars.
• Basalt church (St Emeric Church).
• Observation platform. It is located at the very top. From there you can go down Exiles Stairs to the shore. The stairs can be found on the back slope.
• Large collection of exotic plants in the Botanical Garden.
• Ancient Roman Ruins.
• Find the Rose Stone! If you have not yet found a pair, sit with your back turned to Balaton. You will have a wedding in a year!

This is a photo from the south coast of Balaton. Even from here you can see the peaks of former volcanoes.

How to get

It is best to go to the Badacsony village by boat, and then climb up the twisting road from the pier. Water transport runs here.

• You can take a train or bus to the train station.
• If you travel by car choose highway 71. For example, the ride from Heviz will take around 30 minutes.