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Do you know where Hungary’s only memorial forest is located?
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An article from Turista Magazin.
What exactly will it be about?
- The country’s first memorial forest, nestled in the quiet embrace of the Gerecse Mountains
- A unique form of green burial: how the memorial forest works and its natural values
- Tree selection options, visitor information, and how to get to the Memorial Forest
The country’s first and, to date, only memorial forest spans 2.5 hectares in a beautiful and peaceful natural setting within the Gerecse Nature Park, adjacent to the Agostyán Arboretum, on the border of Tata and Agostyán, and forms part of a 20-hectare hilly area.
A place where everything revolves around life and nature
In the memorial forest, the ashes of the deceased are placed in biodegradable urns at the roots of the trees during civil or religious ceremonies. The central idea is that the plants’ roots absorb nutrients from the decomposing urns, so that everyone returns to the green cycle of life, and – metaphorically – the eternal cycle of life is preserved. This serves as a memorial to those who once lived, while reminding those left behind that we, too, are merely passing through, since our death was given to us as a “gift” along with our birth.
There are no headstones, wreaths, or marble tombs here; instead, trees serve as memorials to the deceased.
Great care is taken to protect nature and avoid damaging the forest; therefore, nameplates are attached to the tree trunks with removable ties and are regularly adjusted to accommodate the tree’s growth.
Another unique feature is that, according to its official classification, it is a horizontal primeval forest – which is a significant distinction in itself and represents great conservation value. This means it cannot be used for commercial purposes, and only forest management activities are permitted (e.g., removal of fallen or hazardous trees), and even then, only along the trails. However, this forest is exceptional not only in its designated use but also in its tree species; it contains all the hard leaf tree species typical of mid-mountain ranges – including beech, oak, hornbeam, linden, ash, and maple – ranging in age from 1 to 300 years.
Options for selecting a tree
In the memorial forest, everyone can choose whichever tree they wish. It is possible to dedicate a single tree or a pair of trees for a period of 1–50 years, or to have one’s ashes placed alongside those of others in a communal tree. Another option is to have an entire family’s ashes placed around a single tree. For those who are truly free spirits, there is also the option of scattering the ashes in a special corner of the forest or at the base of a massive ancient tree.
The Emlékerdő in Agostyán is open to visitors free of charge every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Advance registration is required. More information can be found on the Emlékerdő website and the social media site.
Getting to the Emlékerdő
By public transportation
From Tata, take the local bus heading toward Vértestolna and Tardos and get off at the stop named Tata (Agostyán), Tábor. From the bus stop, walk through the nature reserve gate to the parking lot or to the edge of the Memorial Forest (approx. 150 m).
By car
Driving through Tata on Route 1, turn right after the 11-kilometer marker
(signposted: Ökofalu), then pass through the nature reserve gate to the Ökofalu parking lot.
Explore the country with the Hungarian Hiking Association!
If you’d like to learn more about Hungary’s natural and cultural treasures, visit the Turista Magazin website, published by the Hungarian Hiking Association, for tips and ideas, or download the Természetjáró app with maps, which recommends a wide variety of hiking, biking, and water tours throughout the country.
Photos: Hungarian Hiking Association (Turista Magazine) / Márton Csanádi / MTSZ (Photos 1–3)
