Queen Elizabeth Lookout Tower | Veszpem

The Queen Elizabeth Lookout Tower (Erzsébet-kilátó) in the Veszprém region is a historical observation point located on the 408-meter summit of Papod Hill, approximately 10km north of Veszprém city center near the village of Hárskút. It is part of the Bakony Mountains.

Visual Characteristics

The current structure is a modern, 20-meter tall timber frame tower with multiple observation platforms. It is constructed from pressure-treated pine and features a sheltered, peaked roof. The tower stands in a cleared forest glade at the highest point of the Papod-hegy ridge.

Location & Access Logistics

Coordinates: 47.1685° N, 17.8543° E.

Access: The most common approach is via the village of Eplény or Hárskút. From Eplény, hikers can follow the Red Stripe trail; from Hárskút, follow the Blue Stripe trail.

Distance: Approximately a 4–5 km hike from the nearest road access points, with a moderate elevation gain of roughly 150 meters.

Parking: Small unpaved areas are available at the trailheads in Hárskút or near the Eplény ski resort.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The hill and tower are named after Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi") of Austria-Hungary. The current wooden tower was inaugurated in 2013, replacing previous structures that had succumbed to decay or lightning. The surrounding ecosystem is a dense deciduous forest dominated by beech and hornbeam, typical of the Central Bakony region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Panoramic View: The summit provides a clear line of sight to Lake Balaton to the south, the Bakony hills (including Kőris-hegy) to the north, and the Veszprém Castle district.

Hiking: The tower is a key waypoint on several regional hiking routes, including the National Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra) which passes nearby.

Wildlife Observation: The area is known for sightings of red deer and wild boar.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The tower is a primitive hiking destination with no on-site services. There are no restrooms, water sources, or food vendors at the summit. Benches and a picnic table are located at the base of the tower. 4G/5G cellular signal is generally available but can be affected by the topography of the Bakony valleys.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn offers the highest visibility and vibrant forest colors. Clear mornings provide the best chance to see the reflection of Lake Balaton on the southern horizon. During winter, the trail can be icy and the tower exposed to high winds.

Facts & Legends

Local tradition holds that Empress Elisabeth was particularly fond of the Bakony region for its remote hiking trails. While she is most famously associated with the Elizabeth Lookout in Budapest, several towers across Hungary were named in her honor to commemorate her frequent visits to the countryside.

Nearby Landmarks

Eplény Ski Arena – 3.5km East

Bakonybél Abbey – 15km Northwest

Veszprém Zoo – 11km South

Csesznek Castle – 18km North