The Balaton Uplands are a favorite among hikers, and not by chance: the rocks and geological formations of basalt cones silently tell the story of the region’s volcanic past and reveal the secrets of the Pannonian period.
Many people can imagine the special silhouette of the Shahid Mountains formed through volcanic activity, such as Badacsony, Somló or Tóti Hill, which were protected from erosion by hard basalt. But there is a mountain that can now only be a shadow of what it was before.
Hallab, the worn advice of the witness
Seeing Haláp Hill today, it is very difficult to imagine that a hundred years ago it was as dense and spreading a disk of basalt as Badacsony and Gulács, but mining completely changed its image. That’s why he was awarded the Witness Tip Token.
Mining took place on Haláp Hill between 1912 and 1980, during which time the mountain almost disappeared. Mine basalt was used mainly as raw materials for cubes and pavements, but Ferihegy II. It was also used in its construction in the 1980s. Although it was associated with a vast and irreparable landscape, the mountain is now an important geotourism destination as a result of exploration: a walk in the belly of a former volcano is a truly special experience.
Hike the fish feeding educational track
An exciting program opportunity to take an easy but informative trek on the Fish Feed Trail any time of the year. With ten stops along the way, one can learn about the geological history of the mountain, the wildlife, and the mining activity that takes place here.
The study trail, about three kilometers long, can be reached from Zalahaláp, which is about a twenty-minute drive from Lake Balaton, around Badacsony. There are also two car parks under the mountain – it is true that the car park closest to the study path can be approached here and there on a gravel road. From Tapolca, you can take a bus into the village in six to seven minutes.
The barrier in front of the study path, with an inscription on the closed road, may lead to some misunderstanding, but there is no reason for uncertainty: you can continue on foot on the road.
Great reviews of Aleppo
In addition to Halápa, not only are there pleasant walks along the way, but there are rest benches on all sides of the mountain waiting for tired hikers or those who simply want to enjoy the panorama. Perhaps the most exciting moment is when we enter the deep stomach of the former volcano.
By destroying mining, one can also gain insight into the stratification of the stones that make up the mountain in the crater. In the belly of the plundered mountain, large grassy areas bordered by steep rock walls have formed, and the shape of the mined rocks is also a special sight.
On the hill, visitors can choose between two routes, or even combine them due to their shortness: in addition to an easy-to-walk section, a steeper part of the forest can be walked, but in rainy weather, avars can do so. The road is very narrow and slippery in good places.
The tenth and final leg of the study path is the observation point built at the highest point, to which a more attractive staircase leads here and there with steep and high steps, but the effort is compensated in one fell swoop by a breathtaking panorama. Tapolca Basin and Lake Balaton.
Coming down from the top of the mountain, it is worth taking a small turn and staying on the spacious balcony below the lookout point, where a sculpture garden has been formed from huge boulders. Near the group of statues, you can also see a wooden statue in honor of Saint Barbara, known as the patron saint of miners.
The place is also ideal for immersion and quiet contemplation, as the panorama towards Lake Balaton is also captivating. From here, the starting point of the study path and the car park are a few steps away, where a pleasant excursion can end.
Csobánc also fits a fairy tale
The Balaton Uplands’ picturesque witness hill, Csobánc, is an ideal hiking destination, as you definitely don’t have to crowd.
(Images: Wikipedia/Lagos LucyAnd vouvertTamas Catalin.)
