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TRAVEL TIPS: Zirc and Surroundings

2019. szeptember 22.

Zirc, this easily accessible small town, is situated in the picturesque High Bakony region surrounded by beautiful forests which once served as a hiding place and shelter for the legendary outlaws of the Bakony Hills. The valley of the Cuha Brook, with its ravines and cliffs, provides a splendid view that you can enjoy if you take the train crossing the valley. You can also tour the area on foot or by bicycle on the designated tourist pathways.

One of Zirc's main attractions is the Cistercian Abbey founded by King Béla III in the 12th century. By 1526 the ravages of the Ottoman invasion of Hungary had depopulated the monastery, Religious life returned from the middle of the 18th century only when a new Basilica was built and consecrated in 1745. You can make yourself familiar with the life of the Cistercians at an interactive exhibition at the Visitor Centre. You should also visit Abbey's Library and the stroll around the Arboretum, home to about 600 species of trees and shrubs, including several types of pine; the most famous being a 170-year-old white pine and a 400-year-old sessile oak. 

 

Zirc also offers several other attractions including the Reguly Antal Museum in a House of Craft offers insight into the crafts of Bakony Mountains. At various courses held throughout the year, you can try the various crafts, such as pottery, weaving, gingerbread-making, chandlery, leather-work, coach-making, blacksmith and basketwork. On the outskirt of the town a nice collection of old farm machinery demonstrates to the young generation how tiresome and challenging activity farming used to be.

Golf lovers can enjoy the services of the Forest Hills Golf & Country Club  located in the heart of the Bakony-mountains, in a romantic environment of forests on nearly 500 hectars. 

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