Around Nőtincs Lake in a wheelchair

Itinerary:

• From the starting point, we first traverse the southern (southwest) side of the lake.
• We return along the same route, then proceed along the northern (northeast) side of the lake.
• We return along the traveled route to the starting point.

Detailed description of the hike:

In our route description, we traverse the beautiful environment of the artificial lake in both directions, going back and forth twice over the sections before the pontoon bridge. We split the description so that everyone can decide according to their strength, time, or mood whether to choose just a smaller route on one side or to complete both.

The southern side of the lake

From the parking lot, head towards the more natural, less built-up, southwestern lakeshore, that is, to the left. This straight section includes the lake’s lock system. Arriving at the turn on gravel, stony, shaded terrain, it offers a promising shady path which follows the gentle curves of the shore a few meters from the water. On the left lies a beautiful natural wildflower meadow, which is later replaced by the varied flora characteristic of the Nógrád Basin: alders, willows, hazel and rowan bushes, and patches of reeds and other shrubs. This seasonal, constantly changing dress of nature is visually pleasing throughout the landscape.

Slowly, a steep hillside emerges on the left, densely forested, and on the right, the lake’s magnificent, calm water peeks out in larger patches as allowed by the rhythm of the shoreline trees' foliage. The shore slopes gently and sheltered everywhere, in many places accessible by wheelchair with little effort. The gravel, clay soil gradually turns into more natural soil with grassy paths slightly sloping towards the lake. Although the area is maintained and mowed, the grass clumps along the path can make passage less wheelchair-friendly; it is advisable to seek the assistance of a companion in this splendid setting. The landscape is characterized by intense, lush seasonal colors and is home to wild ducks, herons, and birds of prey.

On the opposite shore, the Cserhát hills rise impressively, some several hundred meters high: black pines, beeches, and the clustered greenery of water-loving Cserhát tree species reflect on the vast, open water surface. On the right is a larger bonfire site with benches and a beautiful view. The valley narrows slightly, though the natural curves of the bays and indentations deceive this feeling, providing ideal reed-covered fishing spots. Vegetation thickens, then after a slightly muddy left turn—which may be the lowest part of the lakebed shore—we reach a “ballwood” bridge over a stream feeding the lake.

This 3-meter bridge, built from densely laid tree trunks, clearly shows that accessibility was not a priority in the route’s design. It is a wheelchair trap; well-rehabilitated people can clamber over it independently but it is strongly advised to request the help of a companion and to overcome it moving backwards towards the large wheel direction.

The short but difficult (and annoying) obstacle is compensated by the even lusher landscape. The terrain becomes a bit harder and gently rises, but the calmest section of the lakeshore path follows with dense “jungle” forest strips on the left, following the lake’s largest bay. From here, the pontoon bridge’s line can be seen ahead, and the Börzsöny’s blue-green facade closes the horizon in the open landscape. The valley noticeably narrows, tunnel-like trees arch above us, and we reach a shaded straight finish after an S-turn. On the left lies a vast rapeseed field, then after a few hundred meters of rolling, we reach the end of this section. Our “circuit” ends here: the otherwise solid, hardwood planks of the cross-laid, “floating” bridge structure barely fit us, and the lateral securing is only a wire rope, so basically unstable. The ramp onto the bridge made from OSB boards and pallets, along with the poorly laid concrete slabs in front, would convince even the most extreme wheelchair user: it’s not worth the risk! The consolation for this gap is that our previous hike is so charming and wild that it’s worth turning back and experiencing it again.

The northern side of the lake

For the easier, more built-up, less obstructed “half-lake circuit” section, we head right from the parking lot. The lakeside route starts from a charmingly slightly anachronistic park, where the statue of Saint Stephen stands, after whom officially the lake, park, and square are named. To the right, we pass a guesthouse (without accessible toilets), then the lakeshore gently curves in a large arc. We pass a kayak rental and two installed mobile toilets (for walkers), later a fully accessible fishing spot, and enjoy the panoramic view along the lake. The path changes into a paved stone asphalt, but slow and careful progress is still advised: this promenade, built about 20 years ago, has seen no maintenance since, with thick, dense wrinkles showing that the trees are doing their work.

It is sublime to stroll along the beautiful, shaded path beside the gentle water surface. The clean air and the inviting jungle on the opposite shore, the wreath of willows, call for stopping and contemplation. Along the vast shore arc, built fishing spots line the way, promising an easy walk. Long stretches pass by, alongside dark fir and black pine mixed with big oak crowns, offering shade or sunshine depending on the time of day to the hiker.

Continuing, the shore grass thickens somewhat; here, reeds and the reflecting sky prevail as the asphalt changes first to gravel and stones, then to a clay-grassy surface. After a few hundred meters, we reach the pontoon bridge’s leg. This side of the bridge is also not accessible, so before turning back, a longer rest can be taken before returning to the origin. This wonderful lakeside hiking section is probably also well passable in autumn and winter.