Csobánc is one of the highlights of the region. Similar to the other hills in the area, it is of volcanic origin. These hills are called “Witness Hills”. The expression originates from the fact that these hills “witnessed” the decrease of the land surface level during volcanic activity millions of years ago. They preserve the original surface since the Pliocene period.
Protected natural assets
Csobánc is one of the unique and peculiar monadnocks of Tapolca Basin. It is a result of basalt volcanism 3.5 million years ago. Numerous rare habitats in need of protection have been preserved due to the relatively secluded and undisturbed area. The natural assets of Csobánc granted the hill increased protection from the Balaton Uplands National Park and the Bakony-Balaton Geopark.
Rock grasses
Relatively sheltered habitat due to its inaccessible location along the edges of the plateau. Sensitive to being disturbed and trodded on. Paragliding can be a great danger to the habitat and its characteristic species such as the northern rock-cress and the unique livelong saxifrage, both growing on the northern rock walls.
Steppe meadows and rocky outcrops
For their survival, these habitats are to be left undisturbed. On the south and the east sides of the hills stands of steep surfaces broken up by rocky outcrops are the most sensitive Pasque flower, Golden alyssum, Prunus mahaleb, and the pubescent oak bring more color into the landscape.
Bird species feeding, nesting, or potentially nesting on the hill are the common raven, the common kestrel and the peregrine falcon. They will only settle if their habitat is completely undisturbed in spring. Using the hill as a launch site can cause great damage to the hill's biodiversity.
Notable Sights
Castle ruins
The castle has been attacked by the Turks between 1554 and 1567. Construction works began in 1255 for the first time. The Italian Rátóti Gyulaffy family ownedthe castle for more than 40 years. Csobánc fell under numerous unsuccessful Turkish sieges in the 16th century. In 1669 the Esterházy family took control over the castle. During the Rákóczi's War for Independence, the heroic Hungarian kuruc defenders were triumphantly able to manage resistance against immense Austrian-Danish united attacks in February 1707. The castle was first destroyed in the 18th century. The Foundation for the Castle of Csobánc from the neighbouring villageGyulakeszi makes efforts to reconstruct the ruins of the castle. Cultural and historical programs such as riding shows, mediaeval knights in period dresses, Turkish belly dance etc. are offered to raise fund. The most significant festival, Gyulaffy Days, is held annually. in the background.
The “Bad Church”
The Rossz-templom is a 13th-century church that was left to decline after the population fled from the Ottomans.
Two tourist paths lead from Tapolca-Diszel to the castle ruins that join together before the real climb. The track has green waymarks. The hill can be approached from two other villages as well, Gyulakeszi and Káptalantóti, however, they are much further.
Popular activities
Due to its thermodynamic features it is an ideal spot for paragliding and ultralight trikes, however, these activities are currently contentious since the hill is a natural preserve. Hiking and geocaching are also popular activities around the area.
