The Secret Villages of Zselic, Where Stardusted Wonders Await

The Zselic Landscape Protection Area stretches along the border of Somogy and Baranya counties, in the heart of the Transdanubian Hills. The 10,500-hectare area has been protected since 1976 due to its unique forest ecosystem and scenic values. The rugged landscape is characterized by wide, flat ridges, as well as the streams, valleys, and contiguous forests winding between them. The highest point in Zselic is Hollófészek, at 358 meters – which clearly shows that there are no truly high elevations in this region, yet the rolling hills can still pose a serious challenge for hikers.

Did you know? Between Kaposvár and Szigetvár, over a distance of about 45 kilometres – most of which is still covered by contiguous forests – you can travel along dirt roads that have been in use since ancient times!

You can explore part of this wonderful region in as little as a day. It’s worth starting the roughly 25-kilometer hike in Simonfa, from where we’ll follow the Pál Rockenbauer South Transdanubian Blue Trail route westward for a while. First along the blue, then the yellow, and finally the green trail, we’ll make our way all the way to Szenna through a varied, forested and hilly landscape.

The town’s main attraction is the Szenna Open-Air Museum, which showcases the folk architecture and way of life of Southern Transdanubia. In the open-air museum, you can explore farmhouses preserved in their original condition or relocated here, and admire period tools, farm buildings, and the living quarters set up in the farmyards. The Reformed church located within the open-air museum is also worth admiring: its coffered ceiling and painted woodwork are among the outstanding examples of Hungarian folk decorative art.

Across from the open-air museum, we find the Cyclists’ Rest Stop by Zselici Tourism Development Llc., where we can not only purchase goods made by local artisans but also enjoy ice cream, coffee, and water. From here, we head south, following the blue trail markers, all the way to our next stop, Patca.

Patca, easily accessible from the surrounding villages, is home to one of the country’s leading family-friendly adventure centres: Katica Tanya (‘Ladybug Farm’). This eco-conscious adventure empire, spread across 13 hectares, is a versatile, nature-oriented destination in Hungary. There are over 100 attractions to choose from: in addition to the electric go-kart track, climbing walls, and the giant playhouse and slide complex, there is also a petting zoo and a variety of outdoor games.

As part of the regular program offerings, you can also try your hand at various aspects of traditional rural life. You can care for animals, feed lambs, knead bread dough, or even find yourself in the middle of a medieval knight’s weekend at the 13th-century-style palisade castle. The entire facility runs on renewable energy, so at Katica Farmhouse, not only the attractions and programs but also the commitment to sustainability are exemplary!

From Patca, continue south toward Zselickisfalud – if you wish, you can shorten your journey by following the blue square markers. Soon you’ll reach Kardosfapuszta, where you can rest at Hotel Kardosfa. The Zselic Star Park is just a few hundred meters from there.

A unique feature of the region is that in 2009, it became the first place in Europe to earn the title of “Starlight Park,” which signifies low light pollution and an exceptionally clear night sky. On clear nights, thousands of stars can be seen with the naked eye. On summer nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible; in the spring, the zodiacal light may appear after sunset, and in the fall, at dawn. This phenomenon is visible as sunlight reflected off interplanetary dust and, under the right conditions, appears as a glow above the horizon.

It’s also worth participating in organized programs at the Zselic Star Park visitor center: on-site, you can sign up for solar telescope demonstrations, nighttime guided tours, and stargazing excursions. From the lookout tower next to the visitor center, the view of the surrounding hills during the day and the sight of the sun setting on the horizon in the evening are truly unparalleled experiences.

Continuing eastward – still following the blue trail markers – we reach one of the region’s most popular destinations, the picturesque Lake Ropolyi. The fishing lake is surrounded by massive willow trees, and its shores feature comfortable piers and a wooden pavilion ideal for picnicking. It’s worth checking out the massive swing well, as well as the thatched-roof country house built in the traditional Somogy style. Along the lake’s shore, you’ll find a snack bar, a nature ranger station serving as an information point, as well as tables, benches, and restrooms.

A few kilometers further on, we find the final stop on our route: one of Europe’s largest wildlife parks, the Bőszénfa Deer Farm. Across an area of approximately 1,336 hectares, visitors can observe eleven domestic animal breeds and eight wild species, including fallow deer, red deer, horses, roe deer, and wild boars. Visitors can explore the park along a designated trail while gaining insight into the daily lives of the more than one hundred animals that live here. Guided tours are also available on weekends: as part of the “Walk with the Deer” program, you can enter the red deer enclosure accompanied by an expert—an amazing experience! If you’re hungry after the hike, you don’t have to go far. The farm includes the Zselicvad Restaurant, where you can sample the forest’s treasures: mushrooms, fruits, and game meat from the Zselic region.