Visible from afar is the imposing 438m (1438ft) high Badacsony, an example of a volcanic mountain with steep basalt sides and the characteristic flat top. From its top there is a splendid panoramic view over the charming countryside with its forests, the western Balaton and the Tapolca Basin. Badacsony together with its fertile surroundings so
reminiscent of Mediterranean regions forms one of the most beautiful stretches of land on the banks of Lake Balaton and attracts large numbers of visitors and holidaymakers during the summer and autumn months. At the foot of the mountain, on the promontory between the towns of Badacsonytomaj and Badacsonytördemic, an extensive holiday complex has grown up in recent years, with guest-houses, a string of bazaars, snack-bars and a mooring for ships.
The climb up to the mountain begins at the railroad station in the Badacsony holiday complex (look for the yellow signs). Those who prefer not to tackle the first stretch on foot can, during the main holiday season, take a group taxi from the railroad station to the parking lot at Kisfaludy House. The basalt stone path - known as Római út because legend has it that it was laid down by the Romans. Almond, fig and poplar trees give the landscape an almost Mediterranean appearance. Halfway up the mountain is a Late Baroque merchant's house built in 1790. This thatched building with an arbor around the upper floor belonged to the Hungarian author Sándor Kisfaludy (1772-1844) and his companion through life Rózsa Szegedy, for whom a small museum has been set up here. From the terrace of the nearby Kisfaludy House guest-house there is a fine view over the lake. Anyone wishing to be able to see further afield should climb either the Kisfaludy or the Páholy viewing tower.
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