Csöde: Forest, Trails and History

Csöde brings together woodland nature, hiking routes and the town’s medieval history. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to ask whether outdoor activities, cultural traces or both will shape your vacation. The town’s distinctive features offer specific points of reference.

Local History and Church Remains

The historic village of Szentmárton was located west of Alsócsöde, in the area of today’s municipality of Csöde. The modest remains of the medieval Szent Márton Church are also west of Alsócsöde, on a small rise in the forest. In 1366, the church and its associated monastery belonged to the Salomvári family, descended from ispán Salamon. Until the more recent past, folk architecture was particularly characteristic of Alsócsöde. This gives visitors several historical perspectives: the location of the former village, the church remains and the building tradition.

Hiking Routes and Nature

Two named routes pass through Csöde. The Dél-Dunántúli Kéktúra, established by Pál Rockenbauer, runs through the town. The Via Sancti Martini, also called the Szent Márton Gyalogos Vándorút, also passes through Csöde. The site of the Szent Márton Church and monastery can be reached via the yellow-marked L (rom) trail, which starts at Jánosfa railway halt. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

The forest of Csöde is part of Őrségi Nemzeti Park. Kakasmandikó grows there. Snowdrops are a seasonal highlight: every spring, numerous flowers bloom for a limited time in the areas in front of the Csöde sign and on the properties behind it. If the blossom season is what draws you, plan your visit for this limited period in spring.

Visitor Information

At the entrance to Csöde, the access road turns right after the Zala bridge and leaves the asphalt road for a gravel track that is passable by car. Check road conditions before driving. A 2018 report describes the park shaded by pine trees near the bell tower as a popular spot for a meal break; it mentions benches, tables, waste bins and a water tap. If these facilities matter to your plans, check their current condition before visiting.

Wine landscapes and protected areas in Zala offer further perspectives. The Zalai Borvidék developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység; it comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. Another landscape and cultural reference is Kis-Balaton: Zala’s largest body of water is strictly protected, covers 14,745 hectares and provides the setting for István Fekete’s novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. When planning a holiday apartment stay, it is therefore worth distinguishing Csöde’s local history from the broader themes found across Zala, so you can consciously choose the focus of your vacation.

Discover more destinations:Egersee, Kiskutas, Gősfa, Egervár, Becsvölgye, Baktüttös, Kustánszeg, Pusztaszentlászló

For the broader travel overview: Zalaegerszegi.