Gigantic ancient trees and vibrant life in the “abandoned” forest of the Ancient Beech Reservation in Vétyem

Forest management is extremely important and beneficial for the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Properly managed forests not only serve economic and tourism interests, but also balance ecological and social objectives. These processes can enable sustainable logging to continue, prevent deforestation, help preserve special habitats and populations of protected species, and help maintain water balance. However, researchers have long been concerned about what happens to the life of a forest when people withdraw completely. The Forest Reserve Programme, under which human intervention has been completely banned in around 60 designated areas since 1993, is designed to address this, so that the natural processes of the ecosystem can continue unimpeded. Hungary has around 6,000 hectares of forest reserves, which aim to promote the long-term conservation and scientific research of intact, semi-natural forests.

The Ancient Beech Reservation in Vétyem in the forests of Zala, near Tormafölde, is also part of this programme, serving as an example of how nature conservation and sustainability can be reconciled. Lajos Gyergyák, director of the Letenyei Forestry, says that in the core area of the Vétyém Forest Reserve, however, forest management has been prohibited since the 1960’s, long before the programme, so logging, clear-cutting and even the planting of saplings and weeding according to the operational plan are not allowed. This has resulted in record height trees within its 16 hectares of core area. In the surrounding 200 hectares of protected area, only native tree species may be planted and only forestry techniques that do not damage the forest soil are allowed.

Such “primeval” forests are also a rarity in Europe, as they are home to many rare species of plants and animals thanks to their old, decayed trees: special birds, fungi and small animals live here, including some really rare species such as the black stork, the blue pigeon, the white-tailed eagle and the green woodpecker.

The area’s hiking trails are easy to follow, making them ideal for families and older visitors. Signboards and information points explain the wildlife and history of the forest. What’s more: the ancient beech forest is also an ideal location for nature photographers! The fresh green canopy in spring and the golden colours of the beech forest in autumn create a special atmosphere. The lights playing between the huge silvery trees with their regular trunks provide a particularly beautiful theme, and there is also a good chance of catching rare birds or animals.

A tip from Hello Hungary: From summer 2024, the Ancient Beech Reservation in Vétyem is also accessible by bike! The tarmac forest road, called the MAORT road, offers easy access to the area around the magical forest reserve, and you can even plan a longer tour to visit the ancient beech forest.

For a tour lasting several days, it is also worth booking accommodation. Kistolmácsi Erdei Lak (Kistolmácsi Forest Lodge), located between Kistolmács and Bázakerettye, is only 15 km from the Vétyém Forest Reserve and can accommodate 8 people in two separate apartments. However, if you are visiting the area with a larger group, perhaps as part of a school trip, you can stay at the 46-person tourist hostel of Zakatoló Erdészeti Erdei Iskola (Zakatoló Forestry Forest School). If you stay here, you can combine the excursion with a pleasant train ride on the forest railway from the forest school.