A dazzling feast for the senses in Hungary’s wonderful arboretums

What will we be covering?

• Balaton Mediterranean Botanical Garden, Kisapáti
• Csodás Kertem (‘My Wonderful Garden’) Private Arboretum, Kaposvár
• Folly Arboretum and Winery, Badacsonyörs
• Jeli Magic Garden, Kám
• National Botanical Garden, Vácrátót
• Pannonhalma Archabbey Arboretum and Herb Garden, Pannonhalma

Near Szent György Hill lies a unique Mediterranean garden: founder Sándor Bicskei planted rare exotic plants, fig trees, and palms on the hillside with its unique microclimate. Strolling along the paths, you might feel as if you were walking along a distant seashore. In early summer, the scent of herbs, oleanders, and lavender is particularly intense in the garden. A special feature of the garden is the Taberna Infinito - Tapas & Grill Bar, where you can sip exciting wines alongside cured hams, spreads, olives, cheeses, and other delicacies. While we enjoy our treats, we can admire the breathtaking panorama from the terrace. We can even sign up for a guided garden tour combined with lunch.

Spanning nearly 5,000 square meters, this private arboretum in Kaposvár – which has been in existence for over 26 years – features maples, magnolias, roses, dendrological rarities, and unique plant combinations. Petronella Kis Zoltánné Androsovits’s romantic garden is particularly intimate due to its size, where it’s easy to lose oneself in the riot of colours and scents of the tree canopies and flowers. What makes the place special, however, is its sustainable approach: in this pollinator-friendly, biodiverse garden, the plants are cared for without geotextiles, using rainwater harvesting, conscious soil life maintenance, and water-saving solutions.

Nestled on the slopes of Badacsony, this arboretum – known as the “Garden of Eden of Lake Balaton” – allows visitors to wander among cypresses, cedars, and fragrant Mediterranean plants thanks to the area’s unique microclimate, all while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Balaton. The five-hectare garden features every cypress species in the world and all four basic species of cedar; moreover, in the Old Arboretum, trees over a hundred years old line the walking paths. In early summer, the lavender and numerous perennials burst into bloom, and as we stroll, we encounter slides, child-friendly structures, exciting sculptures, and installations at every turn.

At Folly, during the summer season, you can participate in wine tastings, estate walks, guided tours, and evening programs, during which you can learn about native Hungarian grape varieties and the estate’s award-winning wines. It’s also worth marking your calendar for the Night of Museums at the end of June, during which we can celebrate the summer solstice with a special wine dinner inspired by the element of fire, complemented by a full day of activities.

The Jeli Magic Garden is primarily famous for its rhododendrons: at the peak of blooming, more than three hundred varieties and nearly seven thousand rhododendron plants flourish in the garden! During walks in early summer, we can also see fragrant deciduous marsh marigolds, while admiring the hydrangeas in full bloom. In addition to the white, pink, and red hues, it’s worth noting the rare blue flower clusters, as well. Alongside the unique plant collection, the nearly 130-meter-long canopy walkway is also a must-see attraction.

One of the country’s best-known botanical gardens transforms into a veritable riot of flowers in early summer. Alongside ornamental perennials, roses, and water lilies, numerous rare tree species also fill the air with their fragrance at this time of year. With its romantic bridges, ponds, and winding paths, it’s easy to lose track of time in the garden. The Vácrátót Botanical Garden regularly hosts themed walks and nature education programs.

In the Pannonhalma Archabbey’s 11-hectare herb garden, more than thirty types of plants are cultivated, while in the arboretum – which is the same size – you can admire a collection of species and varieties from all five continents. The true star of the garden, however, is lavender: when the fields are in bloom, visitors are welcomed with special programs, “pick-your-own” events, and lavender-infused treats. During your visit, be sure to stop by the Fragrance Museum, then relax with a coffee or pastry at the Pausa Pastry Shop.