Folly Arboretum
Veszprém
Folly Arboretum, located in Badacsonyörs near Lake Balaton's northern shore, is a distinguished evergreen botanical garden established in the early 1900s by Dr. Gyula Folly. It is famed for its extensive collection of conifers, including all 25 species of cypresses and three of their varieties, as well as numerous cedars, junipers, and pines. The arboretum spans approximately 5 hectares, with 3.6 hectares planted and 1.6 hectares of adjoining forest, offering visitors not only botanical diversity but also stunning panoramic views of the Badacsony wine region and surrounding hills. The oldest trees date back over a century, and the arboretum serves as an important center for dendrological research, education, and conservation, particularly in the acclimatization and propagation of cypress and cedar species. Beyond its botanical significance, the site includes a nursery, vineyard, winery, and restaurant, creating a comprehensive visitor experience that blends nature, culture, and gastronomy. Its Mediterranean ambiance and carefully curated plant collections make it a living jewel of the Balaton Uplands National Park, recognized internationally for its dendrological value.
Planifiez votre voyage en Hongrie avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit during spring to autumn for optimal weather and full bloom. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during weekends and holidays. Take advantage of guided tours offered for deeper insight into the diverse plant species. The arboretum offers discounts for groups and educational visits. Don't miss tasting local wines produced on-site, which reflect the historic Badacsony wine region. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to varied terrain.
Faits intéressants
- •The arboretum houses all 25 species of cypress and three varieties, making it a unique global collection.
- •It contains approximately 600 tree taxa, including 324 broadleaf and 281 conifer species.
- •The oldest planted trees are over 110 years old, dating back to the arboretum's founding.
- •The site includes a vineyard producing about 80,000 bottles of wine annually, focusing on traditional Badacsony varietals.
- •In 2017, Folly Arboretum received an award for being one of the best ecotourism sites in Hungary.
- •The arboretum serves as an educational base for dendrology and ecological studies.
Histoire
The Folly Arboretum was founded in 1905 by Dr.
Gyula Folly, a physician and factory doctor for the Zsolnay family, who began planting evergreen species on the southern slopes of Kisörsi Hill.
Over the 20th century, the collection expanded significantly, with trees now ranging from 50 to over 110 years old.
After nationalization, the Folly family repurchased the land in 1995 and further developed the arboretum, integrating a nursery, vineyard, and winery.
The site has since become a protected area within the Balaton Uplands National Park and was recognized in 2017 as one of Hungary's best ecotourism destinations for its educational and environmental contributions.
Guide du lieu
Evergreen Collection
This area features a diverse assemblage of conifers including pines, cedars, junipers, and all known cypress species, showcasing remarkable botanical variety and offering insight into conifer taxonomy and ecology.
Vineyard and WineryEstablished in 19th century, cellar rebuilt in 1878
Adjacent to the arboretum, the vineyard spans 12 hectares cultivating traditional Badacsony grape varieties such as olaszrizling, kéknyelű, and muscat ottonel, producing white wines that visitors can taste and purchase.
Dendrobotanical Information Trail2022
A recently updated trail with informative signage that educates visitors about the various species in the arboretum, their origins, and botanical characteristics.
Restaurant and ConfectioneryConfectionery opened in 2021
The on-site restaurant offers a la carte dining with special seasonal menus, complemented by a confectionery opened in 2021, serving locally inspired desserts and refreshments.
Contact
Téléphone: 06 70 333 2569