Szent György Hill | Veszpem

Szent György Hill (Szent György-hegy) is a volcanic monadnock located approximately 45km southwest of Veszprém, near the northern shore of Lake Balaton and the town of Tapolca. It is part of the Balaton Uplands National Park and is considered one of Hungary's most significant geological and viticultural landmarks.

Visual Characteristics

The hill is defined by its "basalt organs" (bazaltorgonák)-massive, vertical columns of basalt formed by cooling lava that reach heights of up to 30 meters. These columns resemble a giant pipe organ carved into the cliffside. The slopes are covered in a patchwork of emerald-green vineyards, whitewashed traditional wine cellars, and dense beech and oak forests at the higher elevations.

Location & Access Logistics

Coordinates: 46.8425° N, 17.4475° E.

Access: From Veszprém, take Road 77 toward Tapolca. The hill is accessible via the village of Hegymagas or Kisapáti.

Transit: Regional buses run from Veszprém to Tapolca; from there, local buses or a 4km walk lead to the trailheads.

Parking: Small gravel parking lots are available at the base of the hill near the Lengyel Chapel and the trailhead in Kisapáti.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The hill was formed approximately 3 to 4 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity in the Pannonian Basin. The basalt columns were created as thick lava flows cooled slowly and contracted into hexagonal prisms. Ecologically, the hill is a refuge for rare flora such as the Cheilanthes marantae (a Mediterranean fern) and various lizard species that bask on the sun-warmed volcanic rock.

Key Highlights & Activities

Basalt Organs Trail: A marked educational trail leads visitors directly to the base of the stone columns and up to the summit plateau.

Lengyel Chapel: A bright yellow Baroque chapel built in 1775 on the southern slope, offering one of the most famous viewpoints over Lake Balaton and Szigliget Castle.

Emmaus (Tarányi) Press House: A historic 18th-century Baroque manor house located near the chapel, showcasing the region's aristocratic winemaking heritage.

Summit Lookout: The 415-meter peak provides an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the Tapolca Basin and the other extinct volcanoes (Badacsony, Csobánc).

Infrastructure & Amenities

The hill is primarily a hiking destination with limited modern infrastructure. There are no public restrooms on the trails; facilities are found in the local wineries at the base. Most wineries offer tastings of local varietals like Olaszrizling and Szürkebarát. 5G cellular coverage is available on the slopes but can be intermittent on the northern side of the cliffs.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (September–October) is the peak season for photography due to the harvest activities and the changing colors of the vineyards. The trail to the basalt organs can be slippery in winter or during heavy rain; late spring offers the best hiking temperatures and clearest visibility.

Facts & Legends

According to local folklore, a dragon once lived in a cave among the basalt organs and demanded a local girl every year until it was defeated by Saint George (Szent György), for whom the hill is named. A scientific curiosity is the "Ice Cave" (Sárkány-lik), a deep rock crevice where cold air is trapped, allowing ice to persist late into the spring even when the exterior temperature is warm.

Nearby Landmarks

Lake Cave of Tapolca – 5km North

Szigliget Castle – 6km South

Badacsony Hill – 8km Southeast

Csobánc Castle Ruins – 7km East

Káptalantóti Market – 9km Northeast