A sudden idea got me up very early today to visit one of the most beautiful parts of the Bakony mountains. I chose Csesznek as my starting point and from there I followed the red sign all the way to Dudar, in the Ördög-árok (Devil's Ditch). It's not the first time I've been to this place, but so far I've only seen its early spring and late autumn side.
And on these occasions, I was with a larger group and they were moving at a very fast pace, so I didn't get much time to take photos. Now I was alone and I didn't have to adapt to anybody.
How is a red trail different from a blue trail? The National Blue Trail crosses the whole country without interruption. The red trails pass through a specific landscape (bigger area) and are not linked to each other.
Getting off the bus, I was greeted by a cold wind, with 18 degrees. It was a huge contrast to the heat of yesterday in Budapest (38 degrees). Fortunately, the walking warmed me up quickly.
Surroundings of Csesznek is not something you can get to know in a day. There is so much to see that it is worth spending several days here, or returning for a day every now and then.
Excursion destinations. I went towards the castle, through the Jewish cemetery.
Forest bridge.
Still some walk to the castle
Cichoria flowers among lush green. There is no sign of drought here. There is always more rain in the Bakony mountains, then in the lowlands.
Kőmosó-szurdok (Stone wash gorge), a paradise for via ferratasers.
The via ferrata is nothing more than a steel cable anchored in the rock to make climbing easier. It is not yet considered a real rock climb, but it is only for people who are prepared and have sufficiently strong muscles. And you should not be afraid of the depths.
I have never tried via ferrata and I don't think I ever will. Otherwise, equipment is available for hire in the village.
The old Jewish cemetery
I had intended to go in the castle and have a look around. But unfortunately it was still closed and I had to wait an hour and a half until it opened. So I photographed it from the outside. Of course, like all castles, it was built on the highest rock.
Learn more about its history:
http://www.undiscoveredhungary.com/places/305-castle-of-csesznek-bakony-hills-north-of-lake-balaton
The castle walls emerge from the trees
Very nice view from the road to the castle
A large pasture
The castle itself, from different views
The last poppies of the summer on the side of the castle.
Roadside snack bar, unfortunately this was also closed. I would have loved a coffee!
I say goodbye to Csesznek.
It rained yesterday too and I found some really big puddles.
I still had 10 kilometers to go, and this puddle was just a minor obstacle. What came next was a test for me.