In a wheelchair on the Tata Fényes nature trail

Itinerary:

• From the train station, we reach the Fényes springs via the Chesnut alley and the Fényes alley.
• From the Fényes bath entrance, about 100 meters to the left, we reach the trail start point.
• From there, following the trail, we proceed along the planks.
• On the way back, we return on the already known route to the station.

Detailed description of the tour:

The Tata Fényes nature trail can be approached in two ways, by train or by car. By car, one can park directly at the entrance, but the route and the map description follow the path from the train station, which still requires about two kilometers of rolling.

Across streams to the springs

After disembarking the train (with passenger escort assistance), we head left along the platform towards the ambulance entrance, locked by a gate operable by the Tata railway control. Having this opened with staff assistance, we roll towards the station building, from where we descend on the Chesnut alley through mixed, broken pavement westward (it is worth walking on the road to avoid pavement gaps). Crossing the busy main road no. 1 continues on similar pavement – here it is worth walking on the sidewalk. At the end of the road, turn left, then bypass the roundabout to the right, first crossing the Mill stream on a stone bridge, then the Által-ér river on a wooden bridge. We arrive at the Fényes alley, continuing on the independent bike path on its far side. After 500 meters, turning left, this road leads directly to the Fényes bath, which is also the entrance to the Fényes Springs nature trail.

Here, the real adventure begins at the reception, where turning left starts a roughly 50-meter-long, fairly steep downward section on old but decent bitumen pavement. At two points, speed bumps embedded in concrete run across the road at full width, so it is advisable to ask for your companion's help when going down and up.

After this short, steep section, we reach the swamp forest level. From here, we do not expect significant altitude differences. Passing through the wooden gate marking the start of the trail, we find a new reception building, where one disabled parking space is available. Next to it rises a wooden designed tower, its height indicating the water level that the karst water would reach if not obstructed by the natural geological barriers.

Magical swamp world

Turning right starts the plank trail built on stilts, densely crossed with planks (130 cm wide). Passing by the gentle Sarki spring lake, after a short approximately 100-meter winding section, we turn left. This point is the start and end of the loop-like course. Important note for wheelchair users: although practically no elevation difference is encountered following the route, please ask your companion to assist the progress, as the warped boards create stepped grooves complicating the movement, and excessive rolling speed can be dangerous. This danger is absent when using a motorized or handy attachment compatible with wheelchairs.

After the left turn, we approach the heart of the area, following a short open clearing, then arriving at the swamp forest above the crystal-clear constantly 20-22 degree Celsius spring waters. It feels like walking through deeply ancient, prehistoric times; the plank path is the only tasteful human imprint making us aware of the present. Cheerful, natural, and free fish schools swim below us; around us, splashes, croaks, and bird songs create the choir.

Continuing along the scenic route, we reach the open area of the Great alder swamp. This is the largest and least disturbed eco-environment of the trail: among the alder stumps sticking out of the water, numerous water plants, mosses, and peat species typical of swamps can be found. In spring, the orgy of different shades of green and the sparkling, densely broken water mirror unify beyond the frogs’ raging concert. A lookout has been placed here with one or two seats, where we can enchantingly watch the mild carbonic acid springs bubbling their silver spheres from 2-3 meters deep.

Moving on, we can admire the trees' organ-pipe-like weaving, deformations caused by dominant winds, the duality of nature’s ongoing destruction and renewal (observing a different face each season). Rolling along the intertwining small ponds, we notice that each has characteristic features, whether with the emergence of new animal or plant species or morphologically. Among the animals here, we first visit the realm of fishes, then frogs, turtles, and then birds; if paying attention, we can also see nutria, otters, reptiles, wild ducks, wading, and predatory birds here and there.

We reach an artificial small pond sectioned with little bridges, offering an endless program for families with children captivated by the sights: the suspension bridge and the rope-pulled boat. Approaching the Fényes Beach Bath, our path leads between the Kis-Égeres and the Protected Spring lakes. Towards the spring, an alternative detour can be taken, where an incredible neon green-neon yellow aquatic plant carpet covers the water surface. As we approach the bath, forest sounds fade, and returning to the loop’s starting point, it echoes as a small reserve from a distance.

After about a hundred meters, we return to the trail’s starting point, then a few hundred meters further to the upper reception. From there, if arriving in Tata by train, we return to the station by the already known route.