Lookout and panorama points
Erzsébet Lookout – Naszály
Between Tata and Naszály settlements, on the Mészáros hill, there is the Erzsébet lookout. Only from this point can you have a perfect view of the Ferencmajor fish ponds below. In this area, there was once a marshland fed by surface water and Tata's tepid water springs. In the middle of the 1700s, the marshes were drained on behalf of the landowner Esterházy family based on the plans of engineer Sámuel Mikoviny. As a result, a specific mosaic of fields, pastures, and meadows was formed, interwoven with artificial ditches and canals. Four lowland fish ponds were established here from 1962, and then nine more during the regime change. Today, the fish pond system, with its 370 hectares, is the largest facility of its kind in Northern Transdanubia. The proximity of the Danube, the ranges of the Gerecse mountains in the background, the Öreg lake in Tata, the wooded forests, agricultural areas and meadows surrounding the area all contribute to the variety and species richness of the natural values found here.
Fellner Jakab Lookout - Tata
The Fellner Jakab lookout in Tata originally performed a completely different task. From 1939, Antal Stieber's shot foundry called "Turul" operated here. The business flourished because between the two world wars there was a great demand for the small projectiles, which previously could only be obtained from abroad. At that time, shot was made by dropping molten lead from the top of a tall tower into a container filled with water on the ground floor. The lead drops assumed a spherical shape while falling, and solidified in this form in the water. The lookout is named after Jakab Fellner, who was the master builder of the Esterházy estate. Many of his works can be found wandering the streets of Tatai. 175 steps lead to the top of the building. However, it is worth fighting them, for two reasons. On our way up, we can see the exhibition about the master builders created in Tata. And from the roof, a unique panoramic view opens up to us, which includes the city and the Gerecse mountains.
Kőpite-hill – Dunaalmás
Kőpite is an elevated point in the western part of the Gerecse Mountains, between Dunaalmás and Szomód. It got its name from its characteristic, pie-like, pie-like shape. Despite the fact that its height above sea level does not reach 300 meters, it still has a breathtaking panorama. From here you can see the Vértest, the Tatai pool, the Danube and the rest of Gerecse. In addition to the natural values, the most exciting attractions in the area are the monuments from the Roman era. To this day, we still use the former stone-carrying road on which the raw materials for the construction of the border castle and city of Brigetio (Ószőny) of the world-conquering Roman Empire were transported. From an archeological point of view, this is a priceless memory for us, since it is the only part of the roads built by slaves that were used to carry stones during the Roman times. Roman-era water culverts and drainage ditches can also be discovered along the routes that can be followed using the Kőpite-körök nature trail network.
Várdomb - Neszmély
Neszmély castle (Nagyvár) is a now completely destroyed medieval fortress in the northwestern part of Gerecse. The researchers also found the remains of two other Árpád-era castles nearby (Kisvár and Korpás-kő castle). The building once stood on the 200-meter-high Castle Hill southeast of the village. The roof is surrounded by steep slopes on three sides, and is connected to the neighboring Meleges-hegy by a narrow ridge from the southeast. We do not know the time and circumstances of its origin and destruction. It was probably built during the time of Sigismund of Luxemburg, when the Kanizsai family may have owned it. Its small size, unfavorable and low location later on did not allow it to play a serious military role - even at the cost of reconstruction. The lookout point is located on the site of the former Little Castle. From here we can enjoy a real panorama of the Danube. Our eyes can see from Komárom to Süttő, and even to the other side of the river, Slovakia.
Warm Mountain - Neszmély
On the long plateau of Meleges Mountain in Neszmély, there are probably the most beautifully situated vineyards in Hungary, which represent the "heart and soul" of the Neszmély wine region. What makes the place special is that its natural "decorations" - including the Danube river and the Gerecse mountain range - have many different environmental effects on the area's natural features and climate. Here, visitors are greeted by a wonderful panorama, which includes the longest view of the Danube in the area, as well as the surrounding hills and valleys covered with vineyards. The natural forests, natural and close-to-nature meadows and pastures that have survived to this day in the neighborhood of the vineyards and cellars are also attractive in terms of landscape aesthetics. They provide an important nesting and feeding place for many species of songbirds and birds of prey. Among the vineyards, loess meadows and loess pastures preserve extremely important zoological and botanical values. In some places, you can find steep loess valleys and precipitous walls, on which you can see traces of the former terrace area of the Danube we can study.
Old-hill - Dunaszentmiklós
Dunaszentmiklós is the village with the smallest population in the Gerecse mountain range. The present settlement structure of the village recalls the building traditions of the Roman Catholic Germans settled here in 1733 by József Esterházy. The surrounding mountains are popular destinations for excursions, while the neighboring vineyards belonging to the Neszmély wine region strengthen their winemaking significance. Its special features worth seeing are the hole cellars carved into the loess wall, lined up 10-15 meters apart, as well as the landscaped house showing the living conditions of Swabian families. Above the cellars carved into the loess wall, on the side of Öreg-hegy, there is a 16-meter high lookout made of metal. According to the primary role of the building, it is a telecommunications relay tower, and the wide staircase leading up to the five levels was built around it. From its terrace, you can look down on the village and admire the Gerecse peaks (Nagy-Somlyó, Lábas-hegy, Látó-hegy, Kőpite). In clear weather, even the silver ribbon of the Danube glistens in the sunlight.
Mining Museum mine tower - Oroszlány
The Oroszlány Mining Museum opened its doors to visitors in 2001. It is located in the area of the former Majki XX shaft, a few hundred meters from the Kamaldul hermitage. The exhibition shows Hungarian coal mining in the second half of the 20th century to those interested. Some of the buildings and facilities of the mine serving the access to the mineral raw material extracted from the depths of the earth (conveyance shaft with mine machine house, ropeway with screed sending station, screed tracks, etc.) were kept in their original condition. In addition to these, the mining workplaces and mining machines of the reservoir built to present the "underground mine", the machines of the open-air exhibition space and the mining history exhibition section built in the former reading room provide an insight into the coal mining of the era. The working, underground mine train, the mine rescue car, an escape game and the viewing tower of the mine tower provide a lasting experience for all ages.
Somló mountain lookout - Vértessomló
Near Vértessomló, on Nagy-Somló hill, which rises 315 meters above sea level, the Somló-hegy lookout tower rises. It originally functioned as a military observation point during the decades of Soviet occupation. The easiest way to approach it is from the village by following the red triangle sign. From its top level, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Vértes and Gerecs landscape. Looking around, we can see to the edge of the Little Plain through the peaks of the Vértes and Gerecse mountains. The mountains of Tatabánya with the Turul monument and the Szelim cave appear in the east. Most of the view is filled by the rim of Vértes, but you can also spot the Gesztes castle. In the west, Oroszlány and the tower of the Majki Kamaldul hermitage and the buildings of the mining museum emerge from the trees. To the north lies the plain of the Little Plain following the Danube, and in extremely clear weather we can even see the Little Carpathians stretching all the way to Bratislava. Next to the observation deck there is a covered rest area and a fire pit.
Körtvélyes lookout - Tatabánya - Körtvélyespuszta
The special, triangular lookout stands on the summit of the 424-meter-high Kis-Kopasz Hill, which rises near the Csákányospuszta belonging to Tatabánya. It can be approached via the blue cross sign that branches off from the National Blue Tour route. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the Vértes and Gerecse mountain ranges, as well as Tatabánya itself. Those with sharp eyes can make out in the distance the extended bird-like wings of the Turul monument, which has become the symbol of the industrial city. Scanning the ridge around the statue, our gaze may be caught on the metal structure of the Ranzinger Vince Lookout. The location of the lookout point was once chosen so that from above you could look down on the plane where, according to legend, the Battle of Bánhida took place in 907 between the armies of the leader Árpád and the Moravian prince Szvatopluk. The exact location of the battle is difficult to identify from the perspective of more than 1,000 years, but its significance is beyond dispute. The area is very rich in attractions. In the valley below the lookout point lies the beautiful Mária ravine, where the Béla spring emerges, as well as the old cemetery of the nearby Körtvélyespuszta.
Ranzinger Vince Lookout - Tatabánya
On Kő-hegy, known as a defining element of the Tatabánya landscape, the former XII. the 30-meter-high observation deck was created from the supporting structure of the shaft lift. His name was the Tatabánya mine manager of the Hungarian General Coal Mining Co., Ltd. The building was renovated and relocated by the city government in memory of the decades-long dominant quarrying in the coal basin located here. From the tower, in clear weather, you can see far in the direction of the settlements of Óbarok, Oroszlány, Tata and Komárom. Other attractions in the area include the Turul monument, which has become a symbol of the industrial city, the Gerecse Gate Visitor Center, the Szelim Cave and the János Spring. Those interested in an active pastime can try their hand at the iron roads (via ferrata) built on the rocks of Kő-hegy.
Sánc-hill Nyergesújfalu
Sánc-hill is a defining landscape element of Nyergesújfalu. A tree steep towards the Danube
II. Ferenc Rákóczi also mentioned it in his memoirs. The archaeological site located here preserves the memories of several historical periods from prehistoric times to the Second World War. Once upon a time, the Roman-era settlement and military camp known as Crumerum stood on this site, and later there was also a Kuruc-era earthen rampart. The ruins of the former Holy Trinity Chapel, dating from a later date, enjoy historical protection. In the 18th century, a small residence hid next to it, where a hermit would occasionally retreat from the noise of the world. Today, a stone cross dated 1861 stands in place of the old cross of Calvary from the same century, but it was destroyed. From the top of the mountain, we can enjoy a unique view, the central element of which is the Danube itself. It is also worth visiting the building of the city's Roman Catholic parish, in the wall of which a stone tablet from the Roman era was placed.
Old stone - Bajot
Due to its characteristic shape, the Öreg-kő in Bayót is one of the easily recognizable peaks of Gerecse. It is no coincidence that it is also the defining visual element of the Gerecse Nature Park logo. Its rock formations with a variety of shapes are popular practice spots for rock climbers. From above, you can see far in several directions. The easternmost height of the mountain range, Nagy-Gete, the winding blue ribbon of the Danube river and, in clear weather, the dome of the Esztergom Basilica serve as alignment points. On the side of the mountain opens the spectacular Jankovich Cave with its huge entrance hall. A real prehistoric cave, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Transdanubia. The large amount of guano accumulated here and there in its passages and the continuous chirping heard from above indicate the presence of a large number of bat colonies. Nearby is the ancient pilgrimage site of Péliföldszentkereszt, the home of the Don Bosco Salesians in Hungary, and the Visitor Center of the Gerecse Nature Park is also located here.
Mogyorósi rock - Mogyorósbánya
The special feature of the Mogyorósi rock (also known as Kő-hegy) rising in the embrace of the three settlements is that its building stone is not the usual limestone formed in Gerecse, formed in seawater, but its freshwater version deposited in a spring lake. The 4-6 meter high rock towers stand like bastions on the edge of the 300 meter high mountain. From their flat roofs, nature lovers are welcomed by a spectacular view. In the distance, you can see the "gate" of the Danube Bend, above which the Börzsöny forest blocks tower, and directly on its shores, the rock formation of the Helembai Mountains provides a backdrop for the dome of the Esztergom Basilica. The Pilis and Buda mountains appear, opposite the Nagy-Gete dwarfs the Hegyes-kő. Below us, the rows of cellars of Tokod's Pincevölgy dot the breezy built-up hillside, and to the left the winding blue strip of the Danube river glitters.
Hegyes-stone- Tokod
Hegyes-kő, located near Tokod, stands out from its surroundings as a sharp-edged rock wall. Despite the fact that its height barely exceeds 300 meters, climbing to the top is no small task. However, the physical strain is more than compensated by the wonderful circular panorama that opens before us. Towards the west, the higher range of the Gerecse mountains can be seen: the peak with the transmitter tower is Nagy-Gerecse, next to it the cliff side of Pes-kő and the wooded top of Halyagos, while behind Somlyó we can already discover the contour of Vértes. The undulating hills in the south form a transition towards the Zsámbéki basin. To the east-northeast lies the Helembai Mountains, which are already in Slovakia, behind the corner of Nagy-Gete, Pilis, Börzsöny, and the Esztergom Basilica. Meanwhile, here and there the silvery ribbon of the Danube shines. Tokod lies directly below us, but Esztergom and Nyergesújfalu are also close by. Due to the former coal mining, serious industrial investments were made in the area during the decades of socialism, which is why many industrial buildings stand out from the houses.
Kőszikla – Epol
Standing alone on the border of Epol, the rock cliff, called Kőszikla with noble simplicity, involuntarily attracts the gaze of passers-by. With its location, shape and white color, it immediately tempts you to conquer it. The path leading there leads all the way to its highest point, the summit stone. It can also be recommended for less experienced hikers. In its panoramic view, we can see the cave-hiding cliffs of the nearby Őr-hegy, the other heights of the Gerecse, the undulating hills of the Zsámbéki basin, as well as the distant Pilis range and the Buda mountains. Even though the rock surfaces look dead and barren from below, during our journey it is worth paying attention to the plants of the rock meadows, which change colors according to the seasons, and the surprisingly lively animal world in some places.
Mokus-hill – Csolnok
In the rock outcroppings of Mókus-hegy, which rises above Csolnok, you can find the Triassic limestone that makes up most of the Gerecse mountain range. Spectacular proof of this was once brought to light by the mining activity here as well. Although the traces of open-pit quarries are often evaluated as landscape scars, in many cases we can learn about special geological values through them. In addition, plant and animal species that later settled on the rock walls also mature
they add pleasant color spots to our diverse natural environment. We reach the top of the mountain by following the stations of a calvary from the small chapel built in honor of the Virgin Mary hidden at its base. A wonderful view opens before our eyes from the top of the mountain. From here, you can mainly enjoy the beauty of the undulating landscape towards the south, in the direction of the Zsámbéki basin. Meanwhile, we can also often run into paragliders, as this is one of their most popular take-off points in the area.
Strázsa-hill - Esztergom - Kertváros
Strázsa-hegy, located in Esztergom-Kertváros, rises on the western edge of Pilis. Incidentally, its eloquent local name may have arisen during the siege of the city against the Turkish occupation in 1595, when the German-Roman general Károly Mansfeld occupied it and placed a strong guard on it. Due to its strategic capabilities, it also played a similar role later on. In the recent past, it was used as a military shooting range for more than a hundred years, thanks to which it preserved its natural values almost intact. The lookout tower at the top, shaped like a lighthouse, can only be visited as part of guided tours starting from the Kökörcsin House of the Danube-Ipoly National Park Administration, it is closed at other times. Regardless, it is worth coming up here just for the view from the edge of the mountain: to the north you can see the city of Esztergom with the Basilica, behind it the range of the Helembai Mountains in Slovakia, and in front of it the wide and flat Vaskapu mountain. To the east, the Pilis and Visegrád mountains close the horizon, while to the west, the Gerecse.
Basilica - Dome Observatory - Esztergom
Várhegy in Esztergom has played an important role in Hungarian history since the foundation of our state. Its location above the Danube bend, its natural environment, and the buildings that have been used as secular and ecclesiastical centers play a part in this. Thanks to this, it first became the seat of the Hungarian rulers and then the main center of the Hungarian Catholic Church. We know of seven churches from the Middle Ages. In the modern era, only one church was built here by four prince-priests, but it far exceeded the previous ones in size. The construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady and Saint Adalbert (colloquially known as the Basilica) was the largest ecclesiastical construction of the 19th century. From the forecourt overlooking the Danube, from the Panorama Hall located in the building, and from the Dome Lookout from higher and higher terrain levels, we can look out over the landscape surrounding the Castle Hill from different perspectives, and take in the unique natural and built environment.
Szent Tamás-hill - Esztergom
Szent Tamás-hegy, like Várhegy, offers a wonderful panorama to those who want to see Esztergom and its surroundings from above. In clear weather, the sprawling city below, the surrounding mountains, the Danube, the Prímás Island, the Mária Valéria Bridge, and even the more distant mountain ranges can be clearly seen. The small hill is a place visited by many with its patina and winding streets, as well as countless historical and church history monuments. It is named after Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of England. The classicizing style chapel standing on it was built in 1823 and consecrated in honor of the martyred ecclesiastical dignitary. On the way to it, we can see a calvary consisting of 14 stations, which instead of paintings depicts the story of Christ's suffering with painted stone reliefs and colored wooden sculptures. The Calvary sculpture group, made in 1781, originally stood on the Castle Hill, and was moved to this place when the chapel was built.
Vaskapu-hill – Esztergom
Vaskapu is the mountain peak that basically defines the background of the old town of Esztergom, the smallest member of the Maróti Mountains. The mountain greatly influences the image of this part of the city, because in the small area shared by it and the Danube, this is how the narrow-street cityscape that can still be seen today was formed. The streets running up the western side of the mountain traditionally have rows of cellars, but nowadays more and more residential buildings have appeared in the area. The Iron Gate is a popular excursion destination, as it is easily accessible from the city. There is also an asylum built in 1914. It was named after Gyula Brilli, the former head of the Esztergom Tourist Association. From the terrace of the house you can see the entire city, the Danube, the Garam estuary coming into the great river, and in clear weather you can see all the way to the Moh nuclear power plant in Slovakia. A life-size statue of the Virgin Mary stands approximately 50 meters from the tourist house. It was claimed in 1921, but its creator is unknown.
Cold cross - Esztergom
Between Esztergom and Pilismarót, on top of Hosszú-hegy, which rises above the Danube and the main road, there is a cross. It was built in 1784 by Mihály Nagy, a farmer from Esztergom, because he and his family escaped the uncontrollable plague epidemic at that time. Archbishop János Simor of Esztergom had an iron cross made in Vienna to replace the original wooden cross, which was already in poor condition, which he personally consecrated in 1871. It got its name from the fact that by the time the participants in the procession leading to it in May of each year reached the top of the mountain, they sweated profusely and caught cold from the strong Danube wind, they received "cooling off". According to local folk tradition, whoever goes around the cross by sliding on his knees three times will be cured. From the rocks in front of the beautiful cross, the huge river of the Danube flows under our feet, with its sandbar-like islands, the largest of which is Helembai Island, and on the other side, the Helembai Mountains, which already belong to Slovakia, and to the right, the mountains of Börzsöny can be seen.
Kovácspataki rocks - Garamkövesd
One of the characteristic mountain ranges of the Danube Bend is the Helembai Mountains, which rise opposite Esztergom. This low, forest-covered mountain region descends with steep rock walls towards the Danube. The range of the Kovácspataki rocks has a specific, very dry climate compared to the surrounding areas. Thanks to this, especially in the spring, countless wild flowers cover the steppe, barren mountain side, creating a carpet of colorful flowers above the rocks. Walking along the designated hiking trails, including the educational trail starting from Garamkövesd, a wonderful panorama opens up to visitors in several places. In clear weather conditions, you can clearly see the Danube and the Danube bend, the Visegrád mountains, Esztergom with the basilica and the Mária Valéria bridge, the city of Párkány, the Gerecse mountain range in the distance with the characteristic cone of the Nagy-Gete and the Nagy-Gerecse TV- with its peak crowned with a tower.
Kovácspataki Mountains - Kusztus – Helemba
The village of Helemba is located on the eastern side of the protected area of the Kovácspataki Mountains, at the confluence of the Danube and Ipoly rivers. Its characteristics are the ancient wine cellars cut into the sandstone hillside, one of which houses a cellar museum. Taking advantage of the natural hilly area of the region, the lookout point is located in a clearing above the village, which has long been popular with tourists. It can be approached on foot, as part of a walk that is easy for all ages. From the height, you can enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the Esztergom basilica, the city of Szob, the Danube and the Danube Bend, as well as Helemba Island, which is administratively part of Esztergom. One of the special features of the island is that it is not completely submerged even at very high water levels. Perhaps this is precisely why it is also extremely rich in archaeological sites.
Boldog Özséb Lookout - Pilisszent Cross
The Boldog Özséb Lookout is located on Pilis-tetö, the highest point of the Transdanubian Central Mountains. It is named after the Esztergom canon who founded the Pauline order around 1250. The Pálos is the only order of male monks and hermits founded in Hungary that still operates today. Their first center was Klastrompustán, not far from here, where the ruins of their former monastery can still be seen. The observation tower itself was made by rebuilding a (geodetic) tower that was already standing here, serving land surveying purposes. Around the original building, a series of wooden stairs leads to the top, and the lookout wall is made up of vertical wooden supports. Thanks to this, the panorama of the mountaintop gradually "opens up" to those trying to climb up. From its circular, covered terrace, you can really see half of Pilis and the entire Dunazug Mountains at a 360-degree angle, but you can also see Börzsöny and Vértes. The building is surrounded by the ruins of an abandoned missile base, where 40 soldiers once served in total secrecy.