By taking a closer look, we might as well find unique places among the “hills” of Zalaegerszeg: trees with eloquent names, churches, a castle and a well are also listed among the sights to visit. In addition, the view is unparalleled: in clear weather, the peaks of the Alps make themselves appear in the distance.
The network of 3 hiking trails was established by the Municipality of Zalaegerszeg in 2020 with two starting points: one on Várberki Street in Zalaegerszeg-Botfa district and the other on Szabadság Street in Bozsok district.
Green trail: with 6.6 kilometres, this is the shortest leg that takes us through the highest point of Zalaegerszeg, the 305-meter-high Christmas Hill, as well as the resting stop of the area, the Cold Well. With 180 meters altitude range, this route is recommended for beginner hikers.
Blue trail: 12.5-kilometer-long hiking trail that touches the highest point of Christmas Hill, as well as the Erdődy-Hüvös Castle and the Church of the Holy Name of Mary. Several roadside crosses can be found along the leg spanning Avas (Oaș) Hill and Öreg Hill. Hikers with average level of fitness can confidently embark on this trail, where altitude range is 240 meters.
Red trail: the longest hiking trail with altitude range of 400 meters runs through Nemeshetés, the neighbouring settlement where the recommended sightseeing stops are the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Well of Angels. The flora of the area is also worthy of remark: the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) groves and the “bitter oak” of Old Hill are reminiscing the history of ancient times. This 16.5 kilometre-long trail is recommended for experienced hikers, as it takes at least 4.5 hours to complete.
Route signs along the trail help you find your way around and several large signs provide information on points of interest. By studying these, one can learn about the history of Erdődy-Hüvös Castle, the English garden (“Ánglis”) that surrounds it, ferns, red deer, the Christmas Hilltop, sweet chestnuts and the already mentioned “bitter oak”.
Just like in the case of Fern Road, the Csács district of Zalaegerszeg also offers three hiking trails for nature lovers. The Gully Road leads through beautiful surroundings, hillsides, along vineyards, through forested gullies.
