Lookout tower of Bence-hegy

The hill named after István Bencze, the first successful grape grower of the area, used to have a lookut tower (specifically a transformed oil drilling rig) until 1988. It was demolished after an accident when a tourist fell off and visitors could enjoy the view over the lake only from the hilltop for 30 years. Fortunately, this exceptional gift of nature did not remain unexploited, and following a tender in 2014 a new lookout tower was opened in March 2018.

Based upon votes by locals the design by Gábor Kruppa and Tamás Merkel was chosen to be constructed. The tower made of stone and coloured concrete has an organic design resembling a wind-blown tree, a cup-shaped flower or perhaps a snake's head. The "Concrete Flower" as the designers called it catches the eye from all around the hill and shows a different shape to every direction.

The observation deck at the top of the 20 meter high tower is accessible by 118 stairs. As the closed staircase displaying native wildlife by large photos opens to the windy deck a breathtaking 360 degree view unfolds. It is somewhat obstructed to the north by the immediate neighbour of the hill (Meleg-hegy, 351 m), but Velence Lake below is fully visible, even Nature Reserve Dinnyési Fertő at the opposite tip.

Right below the hill you can see homes of Velence and holiday houses of Gárdony strettch on the opposite side. The view to the north is dominated by the low but pointed peak of Csúcsos-hegy with the village of Nadap at its foot, famous for the geodetic mark and the Neo-Gothic style Church of Saint Rosalia. To the northeast you can see Buda Hills, especially Nagy-Kopasz Hill and János Hill, while on the right you may spot the oil refinery in Százhalombatta. To the north, the eastern arm of Vértes Mountains is vaguely visible between Templom-hegy and Csúcsos-hegy, while in clear weather you can see some hills of Bakony to the northwest.

Opening hours

Closed on Mondays

• 1 January – 31 March: 10:00 – 17:00
• 1 April – 30 April: 10:00 – 18:00
• 1 May – 31 August: 10:00 - 20:00
• 1 September – 26 October: 10:00 – 19:00
• 27 October – 31 December: 10:00 – 17:00

In extreme weather conditions (rain, downpour, stormy wind, lightning, snowy and icy periods) visiting the lookout tower is forbidden.

Price:

• Payment on entry: HUF 500 (Automated entry system).
• Free of charge under 5 yrs.