Hungary awaits: Adventures to cool off in the secret gorges of the Bakony Mountains

What will the article cover?

•  Easy hikes
• More adventurous hikes
•  Exciting via ferrata routes
• Extra tip: a walk to Borostyán Spring

Roman Baths Waterfall – Gaja Gorge

The gorge of the Gaja stream carved into limestone shows a different face in every season. The natural bathing pools of the series of waterfalls consisting of huge limestone blocks have attracted those looking to cool off since ancient times. It can be approached from several directions on easy paths, in the shade of the forest. It is especially popular in summer, but you can find places where the silence of nature surrounds you.

Cuha Valley – from Porva-Csesznek to Bakonyszentlászló

The Cuha Valley is one of the most famous stream gorges in the Bakony. You can cross the water on water-logged stones and stiles, while viaducts and forests accompany the way. If the water level is high, it is worth walking barefoot – literally a forest bathing experience! The programme can even be combined with a light rail trip.

Devil's Ditch

You can advance by balancing on giant stones between two huge rock walls. The “Devil's Dam” or Gizella Passage is a legendary part of this short but wildly romantic gorge. The wire rope and the stream bed are an exciting combination, especially if there is still water in it!

Csesznek
Five paved paths of varying difficulty await adventure seekers. The Futrinka Ucca (Futrinka Street) (B) is ideal for children and beginners. The Ostromlók útja (Siegers' Path) (C) leads through the castle walls, and the Várpanoráma út (Castle Panorama Road) (D) offers magnificent views. For advanced hikers, there are also routes of difficulty E/F, and equipment can be rented on site.

Cuha Valley
Eight iron roads wind over the Cuha stream. The Bucsek Henrik Memorial Trail is special: while climbing, the Veszprém–Győr train can slip out of the tunnel in the rock ridge beneath your feet. There are both beginner and more difficult sections, and if you get tired, you can rest in the cool gorge.

Úrkút primeval karst
The old manganese mine can be accessed by ladders, and the fossils, karst formations, and jungle-like vegetation offer an unparalleled view. The rock walls are cool, and the nature trail hides a lot of interesting things. It is worth walking around from above and then descending into the depths.

Kőmosó (Stone-wash) Gorge
The Kőmosó Gorge is short but exciting: its dark, mossy walls are always cool. You can walk along the rocks holding on to a wire rope.

When you leave the valley, it is worth looking up: the famous Csesznek via ferratas start from here, so anyone who wants to take their hiking to the next level can even try climbing.

Extra tip: walk to the Amber Well
This place with its unique atmosphere can be reached in a 20-minute walk from the centre of Bakonybél. At the foot of the small chapel built in honour of Saint Gellért, three springs flow, the water of which has been dammed into a small lake. It is worth resting here at the end of your Bakonybél hikes.

The article was originally published in the Hungarian Tourism Association Foundation's magazine "Hungary awaits".

Source: turizmus.com