If you are also a nature lover, make sure you visit the forests, caves and lakes around Pécs.
The Mecsek Hills, located north of Pécs, must have been created for the very purpose of hiking. The highest point of the hills is the Zengő peak at 682 metres, but several others exceed 500 metres. This land of ancient and primeval beech and oak forests can be divided into two parts both from a geological and tourism point of view: the West Mecsek Hills of a thousand faces, and the East Mecsek Hills, famous for rural tourism.
The lands of the West Mecsek Landscape Protection Region offer plenty of adventure for those who want to explore them in detail. The 2,000 metre-long Abaliget Cave is the longest cave in the Mecsek Hills with a stream. Its main branch of 466 metres, which is open to visitors, was declared to be a healing cave in 2000, and is thus a popular destination for those suffering from respiratory conditions. If caves are your passion, you should definitely visit the limetuff cave in Tettye, where you can travel into the past of natural history. Make sure you visit the most interesting of the Mecsek Hills, the 592 metre-high Jakab Hill, which is known for its magical rock formations, the ruins of the Pauline Monastery and its amazing lookout points. But if you would rather explore small streams and waterfalls, the Valley of Melegmány is the place to go. Lovers of water sports should visit the lakes around Pécs: those of Orfű and Pécs are even suitable for swimming. The town of Orfű also has a waterpark that’s worth a visit, not least for the wonderful landscape that surrounds it.
Pécsvárad is a little town at the foot of the Zengő Hill, where in addition to a Benedictine monastery founded by King Stephen – founder of the Hungarian state – you should also make your way to the castle. The East Mecsek Hills have been known as a rural tourism attraction since the 1990s, and offer visitors a wide range of experiences from traditional events to museums. The gastronomy of the region also has some surprises in store. After visiting the Ferde waterfall in Óbánya Valley, head to the trout restaurant where you can eat locally caught fried trout.