Csesznek Castle

Csesznek was built in the middle of the thirteenth century on a dolomite crag in the Bakony, on the road between the Danube and the Balaton, and it grew into a substantial hill castle with a keep, palace wing and outer wards before an earthquake in 1810 and a fire finished what neglect had begun. It has stood as a ruin since, consolidated in recent decades with walkways, viewing platforms and a small exhibition. The rock it sits on drops away sharply on two sides and the view runs across forest in every direction, with the Bakony ridges beyond. Marked trails climb from the village and continue into the hills toward the Cuha valley and its gorge.

What you actually see

• Walls on a dolomite crag - the castle built onto bare rock.
• Consolidated ruin walkways - the routes added through the remains.
• Forest in every direction - the Bakony from the platforms.
• Trails to the Cuha gorge - the walking that continues from the village.

When to go

April to October; the approach is slippery in ice and the site closes in bad weather. Two hours, with a climb of a quarter of an hour from the village. Weekends are busier.

Honest expectations

The climb is short but steep and rough underfoot. The ruin is small and the exhibition minimal. The village has almost no services. Train connections are sparse.

Nearby

Zirc abbey is south-east; the Cuha valley lies north.