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Lookout Tower
· Keszthelyi-hegység
· 231 m
-
A Festetics-kilátóPhoto: Farkas Péter, Hungarian Hiking Association
Although just at a height of 231 meters (Mount Varsás) the tower provides a great view over Keszthely and the western bay of Balaton. Water color in the bay differs a little from the signature green color of the lake as its primary tributary Zala River enters here. Both its deposited sediment and less intense streams due to the location of the bay contribute to the darker color.
To the same direction but a little closer an abandoned stone mine shines white in the woods on Pipa-hegy. Turning around some other lookout towers are also visible on low but steep peaks of Keszthely Mountains and hills of Zala County are rolling on the west. Unfortunately, recent draughts greatly affected the local Austrian pine stands so clear-cuts due to disease also contribute to the view.
Festetics lookout tower was renovated in 2000. The wooden structure rises 3 levels high. The meadow (Nagy-mező) at the bottom of the hill lies on the Blue (K) Trail and a steep spur trail (Blue▲(K)▲) leads up to the lookout.
Opening times
| Monday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Tuesday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Wednesday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Thursday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Friday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Saturday | 00:00–24:00 |
| Sunday | 00:00–24:00 |
Price:
Free of charge.
Public transport
- Get off at bus stop “Gyenesdiás, községháza”.
- Get off at train station “Alsógyenes”.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
- From bus stop “Gyenesdiás, községháza” head northeast and follow the Blue (K) and Yellow + (S+) markers (behind the Mayor’s Office, Hunyadi Street) until you reach the woods. Blue ▲(K▲) branches off to the lookout tower and descends to Nagy-mező from the peak (Total distance: 1.6 km, elevation gain: 90 m).
- From Alsógyenes train station follow the Blue + (K+) markers along Balaton Street. It soon bends right and following the Blue (K) markers leads to a roundabout. Take the first exit. Past 100 meters where the street forks head left (Hunyadi János Street). Following a short hike the trail enters the woods. At a junction follow the Blue ▲(K▲) spur trail to the lookout tower.
- Park your car at the car park of Nagy-mező picnic spot. Cross the meadow to the west a follow the Blue ▲(K▲) spur trail to the tower.
Parking
- Parking is free of charge at the shady car park of Nagy-mező picnic spot at the bottom of the hill.
Coordinates
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