In pursuit of deer: a weekend tour in the Gemenc forest

Arriving by car, we can find two excellent starting points for exploring Gemenc. The first option is the Gemenc Leisure Centre, which is located 153 km from Budapest, near Szekszárd. The trip can be made on the M6 motorway in about an hour and a half. Following the route in the direction of Dunaújváros and Paks, you can quickly reach the Gemenc region. The other starting point is the Ecotourism Centre in Pörböly, which is located 20 km further south. It is also easily accessible from Budapest via the M6 motorway, which means a journey of only two hours.

The romantic Gemenc forest is a wonderful, almost fairy-tale location: if you go off to explore the area on foot, do not be surprised if you meet red deer, wild boars or roe-deer. The rich fauna of the forest is due to the nature conservation status of the area in 1977, the number of red deer is outstanding, 3-4,000 individuals. It is also home to the world's densest population of black storks. The bird population is also enriched by sea-eagles, saker falcons, and aigrettes, which have found a home in the thick of the forest. The largest tree of the country, the famous Titan of Pörböly, a hundred-year-old black poplar tree with a circumference of 21 metres, can be found in this magical environment.

In the Gemenc forest, you can choose from routes of different lengths and difficulties. If you want to learn more about the wildlife and development of the area, or if you would like to choose a tour that can also be completed by children, then one of the 7 educational trails here promises to be a good choice.

The Molnárka Educational Trail is a 3.4-kilometre section, which can be started right from the Ecotourism Centre of Pörböly. Following the route of the blue tour, we arrive in Lassi, which represents the centuries-old traditions of fishing, and where we can even see an exhibition showing the crafts of water millers. In the same place, you can have a snack under a covered forest rest area, while the children can play on the outdoor playground equipped with a fish-weir climbing frame. From here we can go up to the Bird Watching Tower and then back to Lassi. The route can be covered in about 3 hours by easy walking and you will have time for observing and birdwatching as well.

Returning to Lassi from the Molnárka nature trail, it is worth getting on the train and travelling to the Gemenc-Danube bank stop. The train takes you to a wonderful forest section, where the branches of the huge oaks rise like domes towards the stop. From here it is worth continuing on your way on foot, as the Lake Forgó nature trail starts from here, which leads to the shore of Lake Forgó. On the path, hiding behind a scouting wall, you can admire the waterfowl - mainly herons, aigrette and black storks. If you arrive in good time, you can also see deer and wild boar. The length of the Lake Forgó nature trail is 2 km. It can be walked in about 1 hour, at a pleasant pace, with contemplation. A day will pass with all this, so it is recommended to return to the Gemenc-Danube bank stop and get on a train to Pörböly.

If you want to learn more about the fauna here, then the Ecotourism Centre in Pörböly is a must stop. The reception building offers a buffet and a gift shop for tourists in boots, but it is also the terminus of the forest railway, as well as the interactive exhibition and the Forestry School of Gemenc can be found here. If you consider the tour too long on foot, the forest railway awaits us, which passes through beautiful landscapes and allows you to get to know the area at a comfortable and slow pace. The train has 9 stops, you can get off at many points to explore the area.

The forest is regularly flooded by the Danube, creating a rich ecosystem. Although these floods are essential in maintaining the diverse flora and fauna of the forest, as a tourist these situations can be challenging. Before we start, let's find out about the current flood situation, and do not forget the proper shoes and clothes, as well as mosquito repellent at home!

If you want to escape to nature, the Gemenc forest can be the perfect destination. Let's discover the hidden treasures and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature during an unforgettable weekend tour!