The Nagymező, the Great Meadow in Gyenesdiás is the most popular forest hiking center in the Keszthely hills. Fireplaces, benches, rain shelters, sports field and playground are waiting for the nature lovers. From here you can hike up to the Festetics lookout tower, but it is also worth visiting the abandoned quarries and the Vadlán Cave, a room-sized cave (carved by the wind) and the trim trail with 16 stations.
You can take a pleasant hike to the Cross of Light, which offers a beautiful panorama. The cross can be reached from Pince alley or from Nagymező via a forest path. The top of the cross, which symbolically protects the village, is illuminated by three blue lights – the Holy Trinity, the four white lights at the bottom represent the Resurrection and Jesus as the link between heaven and earth. On the nearby dolomite nature trail you can learn about the wildlife of the Keszthely hills with the help of display boards. From here (or from Bem J. Street) one can climb up to the statue of the Virgin Mary, from which there is also a beautiful panorama of Lake Balaton, Keszthely, Gyenesdiás and the forests of the Keszthely hills.
If you want to take a longer hike, we recommend the route between Sümeg and Keszthely or between Keszthely and Tapolca from the countrywide Blue Trail. It passes through beautiful places, and is even recommended by National Geographic. In 2020, the Blue Tour was among the 25 most recommended routes in the world.
We can provide you with a hiking map upon request.
Do you feel like putting on your hiking boots? Here you can have a look at our apartments and request an offer.
