Healing nature: 4+1 unique arboretums in the country

Hungary is rich in beautiful parks and botanical gardens, where you can feel the fresh air, the flora reflects the thousand faces of nature, and which welcome visitors with a healing silence and beauty in all seasons. We recommend arboretums that are located in different parts of the country, have different characteristics, but have one thing in common: they offer a cure for the problems of our hectic lives.

Walking among centuries-old oaks, ash trees and black pines, the trees here seem to reach to the sky. In the neighbourhood of the Sárvár castle, an old gate leads to the old, fairy-tale garden, where you hardly ever meet a human being. The arboretum in the heart of the town depicts the wildness and irregularity of nature. The nature reserve area is bisected by the Gyöngyös-patak (Gyöngyös Stream), which eventually flows into the Rába river on the outskirts of Sárvár. The air, scented with lush plants, and the mysterious paths invite you to take a charming walk. For the entrance fee, you are guaranteed peace and quiet.

Giant sequoias, free-roaming blue peacocks and deer, as well as themed walks and games make the country's largest arboretum irresistible. The fresh air, the beautiful surroundings and the boat rides are a real boost for young and old alike. It takes a lot of time to cover the wander around the area, but you can also follow a variety of exciting routes. You can choose from round trails of different lengths, or explore the adventurous routes of the “Csodaösvény” (Wonder Trail), where you can become the protagonist of a fairy-tale and discover the most beautiful sights of the arboretum. Children can play in the “Ökojátékpark” (Eco Playground), whilst adults can learn about the secrets of biblical plants and soap making.

The green area behind the Archabbey is like a small jewellery box. The arboretum is free to visit and can be explored along a number of exciting themed routes. An integral part of the arboretum is the herb garden and the lavender plantation, which has been tended by the monks for hundreds of years. In 2021, the first and only interactive Fragrance Museum in Hungary opened here. And the “Gyógynövényház” (Herb Building) and the “Lepárlóépület” (Distillation Building) offer regular programmes to round off your trip to Pannonhalma. The permanent events at the arboretum – the lavender days and herb blessing – offer interesting lectures, tastings and craft activities for botany lovers. Don’t miss it!

The highest arboretum in Hungary is located in the Bakony. At an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, you can enjoy the trees, the babbling Cuha-patak (Cuha Stream) and the wildlife of the lake in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Walking under the 200-year-old lime tree row, you can enjoy the sweet smell of blossoming trees and the buzz of busy bees. Visitors will find peace of mind among the rare and protected plants. A great place for hiking and recreation, this diverse location shows its different faces in every season. The nature reserve of the Zirci Apátság (Zirc Abbey) is famous among hikers, and the squirrels, birds and deer that emerge from the native trees and plants of the Bakony provide an awe-inspiring sight.

Adopt a tree, taste the local wines and enjoy the beauty of nature in the most spectacular arboretum of the Balaton Uplands. The steeply winding trail leads you through resin-scented cypresses and rare pines. From the lookout at the top of the garden you can see the blue waters of Lake Balaton. The arboretum is a unique collection of trees native to Mediterranean regions or distant continents. Known as the “Garden of Eden at Lake Balaton”, it is not only a rare botanical collection, but also a modern venue surrounded by cedars, offering delicious food and wine and a spectacular view. To quench your thirst, try the pine bud syrup.