Zalaegerszeg is a typical river-side settlement which was created at the junction of several smaller rivers and brooks. Whichever direction you come from you suddenly arrive in the town along the roads winding among the rolling country skirting Zalaegerszeg and the view of the settlement opens up at the very last moment only. The town is bordered by huge coherent woods on the south and east, where excellent beauty spots are hidden.

On the southern side lies Alsóerdô, which is the most popular hiking destination in the neighbourhood. At the end of the wooden area we arrive at the Aranyoslapi Spring, which can be reached from the town centre by road or by cycle track. This spring is a noted relic in the history of the town as well, since it was already mentioned in a charter as early as 1381.

Also in the area of Alsóerdô, Azalea Valley offers a marvellous sight to hikers in the spring. In the valley, which has a unique microclimate, rose-bays were planted some decades ago. The group of plants consisting of five varieties covers the landscape with blooms from the middle of May when the mostly yellow-flowered azaleas and rose-bays, the name-givers of thev alley, burst into bloom. Next to Azalea Valley, Snake and Fox Valleys, covering an area of 24 hectares, make the region a kind of arboretum with species of tree planted here that have been gathered from various countries.

Another popular beauty spot in the north-eastern limits of Zalaegerszeg is Csácsi Arboretum. At the eastern entry of the town, built up along Road 76 on the area of 84 hectares, all the domestic species of tree can be found. The valley and the clearing stretching from north to south offer a special sight. A clean water spring rises in the valley and the nearby hills are distinctly visible, too. Apart from the various tree species, bushes and rose-bays a playground and a look-out tower guarantees a pleasant stay.

Csácsi Arboretum
Zalaegerszeg-Csács
Phone: +36 92/ 510-250, 30/ 474-2095

Opening hours
1 April - 30 September: Saturday - Sunday: 9 am - 7pm