Adventures in the bakony mountains – cultural history tour in Bakonybél

The Monastery of St. Mauritius, founded by King Saint Stephen in 1018 and still inhabited by Benedictine monks, is one of the most unique sights in the area. The recently renovated Baroque church features an exhibition and projection room, which tells the story of the monastery’s history going back hundreds of years. Part of the monastery’s nearly 5-hectare cluster garden is a mysterious English garden with ancient trees, while the other is a herb garden and orchard where the monks cultivate and process herbs and fruits using only organic methods. Among other things, they make tea, jam and syrup for themselves and for visitors, who can buy the products in the gift shop. For connoisseurs, try some of the rarities such as bear’s onion puree or dogwood jam. Be sure not to miss the Abbey’s beer selection either!

You can also get a glimpse of the background work, including a tour of the herb garden and arboretum under the care of the monks, as well as exploring the spectacular displays and the plant drying loft. In the bronze-working and bookbinding workshops, you can not only get an insight into the work going on there, but also try out certain processes in the framework of organized programmes and training sessions. And for those who want to recharge their batteries or “get into the skin of the monks” for a few days, the guesthouse named after St. Günter is the place to stay and get involved in monastic life. Before you leave there, check the current opening hours!

And speaking of Bakonybél, it is worth making a detour to the Pannon Observatory, the astronomical visitor centre of the Balaton-Highlands National Park Directorate, which has found a perfect home in the valley thanks to its low light pollution levels. With over 400 square metres of interactive astronomy and space exhibitions, it has a digital planetarium, a telescope park, a 3D Mars cinema and a host of other attractions – in a word, there’s something for all ages. It can be an excellent family programme. Also in the care of the National Park, in the centre of Bakonybél, is the House of the Bakony Forests, which offers a collection of nature and forestry exhibits in the former granary of the Abbey of Zirc. The collection is divided into two large units: on the ground floor, you can learn about the natural environment itself, while upstairs you can learn about the activities of foresters, hunters and woodworkers. And once we know everything theoretically about the natural treasures of the region, all we have to do is explore them in the field.

Nature lovers will certainly not be disappointed by the valley: there are plenty of springs and caves to be found while wandering in the surrounding forests. If you follow the National Blue Trail, you can climb the Kőris Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and Lake Balaton from the third level of the lookout. And if it is not the height but the depth of the cave that attracts you, you should visit the Odvaskői Cave, once a hideout for outlaws. The cave can be easily reached by a short walk of up to half an hour, and afterwards, it is worth climbing up to the rocky hilltop above, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding forest.

In the depths of the High Bakony forests, you can also find a beautiful lake, known locally as the “Killer Lake” because of its resemblance to its Transylvanian big brother. A special feature of both lakes is the multitude of tree trunks protruding from the water and pointing skywards. Officially known as Lake Hubertlaki, this lake was artificially swollen and originally intended as a game watering lake for Count Eszterházy’s hunting castle. Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed in a fire, and since then, the lake has been taken over by nature, providing a home for amphibians and other animals.

The hidden treasures of Bakonybél and its surroundings are worth at least a day, but you can also spend a weekend exploring the many hiking trails that surround the village. The diverse offer has something to offer for all age groups: it can be a great destination for individual and family rejuvenation, for those seeking tranquillity and for adventure seekers alike. One thing is important; don’t leave your thirst for knowledge and your boots at home!