Veszprém: Lake Balaton, Caves and Volcanic Landscapes
Accommodation in Veszprém
Veszprém combines impressive landscapes with unusual discoveries underground and places with a long history. At Lake Balaton, the Tihany Peninsula shapes the lake: it divides it into two basins. There are also hiking trails leading from Zánka and Monoszló to Hegyestű Hill, as well as caves where you can experience the landscape in a completely different way. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore start by considering whether you’d particularly like to focus on nature and hiking, Lake Balaton, or culture and family activities.
Lake Balaton, Nature Reserve and Volcanic Landscapes
The Tihany Peninsula became Hungary’s first nature reserve in 1952. The Outer Lake of Tihany is considered a paradise for water birds. Those interested in the landscape and wildlife will find a distinct focus here, alongside trips to the water. Tihany is also a prominent landmark on Lake Balaton, as the peninsula separates its two basins.
The volcanic landscape also offers a variety of discoveries. Badacsony is a 438-metre-high volcanic cone in the Tapolca Basin. Hiking trails and panoramas for hikers are among its characteristic features; its geological formations are known as basalt organ pipes. A special grape variety is also grown on its slopes, and is used to produce Badacsony wine. This means the area brings together distinctive landforms and regional wine-growing, although these need not be part of the same excursion.
At Hegyestű, the Geological Visitor Site offers panoramic views of Lake Balaton, the Tihany Peninsula, the Káli Basin and the Tapolca Basin. Marked hiking trails lead from Zánka and Monoszló to Hegyestű Hill. If you’d like to combine your outing with a hike, you can include these trails in your day’s plans; if you’re mainly looking for views, the Geological Visitor Site offers vistas across several landscapes.
Caves with Different Experiences
At the strictly protected Tapolca Lake Cave, visitors can take a boat ride on the underground lake. The illuminated water shimmers with a bluish glow. The cave was discovered more than 100 years ago, so a visit combines a special nature experience with a longer history of discovery. At the Tapolca Lake Cave Visitor Centre, an exhibition on the fascinating world of karst regions complements the cave visit.
Lóczy Cave offers another option for an outing: it can be reached from the centre of Balatonfüred in 5 minutes by car or in 30 minutes on foot via green-marked hiking trails. These specific alternatives help you plan your journey according to your preferred mode of transport and starting point in Balatonfüred.
Culture and Outings with Children
Veszprém Castle was built on Castle Hill in the 10th and 11th centuries. If you’re interested in the region’s history, you can include this historic site alongside nature and cave experiences. The Zoopedagógia educational events at Veszprém Zoo offer a different approach, teaching children useful information about environmental and animal protection. The zoo’s African Savannah playground features zip lines, climbing frames, bouncy castles and a zebra-shaped plane with safari-style stripes. The zoo therefore offers both active play and an educational aspect.
Cloisters and Gardens includes two cloisters dating from the Árpád dynasty. Both monuments have been renovated and can once again be visited via the landscaped walkway. For a culturally and historically oriented outing, both their historical connection and the route that provides access to them are of interest.
The Rovaniemi Stairs lead from the Veszprém Valley up to Gulya Hill. They are set into a steep slope covered with trees and shrubs, and run alongside a playground. This description conveys the character of the route: the ascent leads through a wooded slope, with the playground immediately beside it.
Discover the Subregions
For further orientation, here are the subregions of Veszprém: Balatonalmádi, Veszprém, Ajka, Zirc, Balatonfüred, Sümeg, Pápa, Tapolca and Várpalota.
For the overview of the wider travel destination: Hungary.
