Ruins & Views
Elevated Perspectives: Ancient Ruins and Breathtaking Vistas
There's something profoundly moving about standing amid ancient stones where nobles and knights once gazed across the very same terrains. The Balaton region’s mountaintop ruins and panoramic viewpoints offer more than mere sightseeing: they provide a transcendent connection across time. As you climb these weathered paths, each step reveals more of the breathtaking tableau below, while drawing you deeper into the past. Join us as we discover the sentinels of Balaton's legendary landscape!
The Sphere of Balatonboglár
Commonly dubbed the "Hungarian Atomium," the János Xantus Spheric Lookout crowns Balatonboglár's Castle Hill as one of the region’s most distinctive landmarks. While you're there, take a stroll along the 500-meter canopy walkway where informative displays will teach you all about the local critters and plants that call this beautiful hilltop home. Find out more
Kőkapu Viewpoint
Tucked away on Badacsony's slopes, just a short detour from the National Blue Trail, Kőkapu viewpoint deserves top billing on any traveler's bucket list. Where miners once extracted basalt, nature now reigns, offering an unrivaled perspective. From behind its wooden railing, the entire Tapolca Basin unfolds at your feet, a vista surpassing all other Badacsony lookouts. Find out more
Csobánc Castle
Rising from the Tapolca Basin, Csobánc Hill beckons hikers from Gyulakeszi village. Following trail markers, you ascend through vineyards and past abandoned press houses until you reach the castle ruins. First mentioned in 1272, it was famously defended by 30 brave kuruc soldiers against Habsburg forces in 1707, before succumbing to destruction two years later.
Rezi Castle
Perched 425 meters high on Meleg-hegy, Rezi Castle's ruins crown the Keszthely Plateau as its most popular attraction. Built after the Mongol invasion and abandoned when Turkish forces burned it in the 16th century, this medieval fortress rewards visitors with minimal hiking effort while unveiling the grand expanse of the Balaton Uplands from its weathered walls. Find out more
Tóti-hegy Viewpoint
Though the smallest of the region's witness hills at 346 meters, Tóti-hegy boasts what many consider the Balaton's most beautiful vista. This perfectly conical peak presents hikers with a 360-degree panorama of the Balaton Uplands and the lake below. The trek captivates at every turn - shaded paths winding past abandoned quarries and cellars surrendered to nature. Find out more
Haláp-hegy Viewpoint
Unlike its neighbors, Haláp-hegy bears the dramatic silhouette of 20th-century mining that carved away its basalt cap. Open to visitors since 2019, this 358-meter volcanic formation now welcomes hikers via a nature trail to its quarried summit, where the remaining rim still commands sweeping views of the Tapolca Basin above historic Zalahaláp village. Find out more
Kopasz-hegy Viewpoint
Towering over sleepy Mindszentkálla, the aptly named Kopasz-hegy (Bald Hill) stands as the tallest sentinel guarding the western Káli Basin at 302 meters. Reachable via a thoughtfully designed 3-kilometer educational trail, this barren summit offers adventurers a breathtaking aerial canvas rivaling that of famous Csobánc. Find out more
Fehérkő Castle
From the village of Kereki, you can reach the brick ruins of Fehérkő Castle on foot. This 14th-century fortress changed hands between Habsburg occupiers and Hungarian nobles before being destroyed in 1543 to thwart Ottoman forces. While its materials now grace a parish church and hunting lodge, the site offers a captivating view of the countryside that's well worth the hike. Find out more
Csúcs-hegy Viewpoint
Follow the green trail from Tihany's Inner Lake to discover 235-meter Csúcs-hegy, where magic awaits. From this privileged perch, take a breather to admire the picturesque outline of the historic village and the glistening waters of Balaton. Wander through fragrant ancient lavender fields and explore the mysterious spring cave for a multisensory peninsula experience. Find out more
