Here are the viewpoint of the year and the tourist house of the year

Hungarian hikers cast a total of more than 10,000 votes for the candidates.

For the fifth time this year, the Center for Active and Ecotourism Development announced the Lookout of the Year and Tourist House of the Year tenders. Hungarian hikers cast a total of more than 10,000 votes on Aktív Kalandor's Facebook page, and with these votes it was decided which candidate received the titles of Lookout of the Year and Tourist House of the Year in 2024.

Among the ten lookout points, the Boldog Mór lookout point in Pannonhalma collected the most likes, 1,346 in number. Turistapark Szentlélek was the winner in the tourist house category with 1,822 valid votes.

The Boldog Mór Lookout stands on the same hill as the Bencés Archabbey of Pannonhalm. Named after one of the first Pannonhalm monks, the building fits the spirit of the abbey not only in its name, but also in its appearance, simplicity and form. Kisaföldi Erdőgazdaság built the lookout from the trees of the Sokorói hill, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the hills to the south and west, and the plains to the north and east. Looking around above the trees, you can see Pannonhalma and the pool named after it, and in the distance you can see the northern range of the Bakony, and to the east you can see all the way to Vértes.

A spiritual panorama from the heart of Pannonhalma

The Boldog Mór Lookout stands on the same hill as the Bencés Archabbey of Pannonhalm. Named after one of the first Pannonhalm monks, the building fits the spirit of the abbey not only in its name, but also in its appearance, simplicity and form. Kisaföldi Erdőgazdaság built the lookout from the trees of the Sokorói hill, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the hills to the south and west, and the plains to the north and east. Looking around above the trees, you can see Pannonhalma and the pool named after it, and in the distance you can see the northern range of the Bakony, and to the east you can see all the way to Vértes.

A canopy path was built at the foot of the lookout, which offers an 80-meter walk through the foliage of the trees. From the end of the fish-shaped building, modeled after the most ancient Christian symbol, the stone walls of the Czesznek castle can be seen in one direction, the highest range of the Sokorói hills blocks the view to the west, and the tall buildings of Győr can be seen to the north. Several hiking trails pass near the lookout point, the most popular of which is St. Jakab's Road starting from Budapest or commonly known as El Camino, following the signs of which you can make a pilgrimage all the way to Santiago in Spain.

A camping site for hikers on duck legs in the Bükk

2024's favorite tourist house is located 750 meters above sea level, which is also the highest campsite in the country. Turistapark Szentlélek, located in one of the most beautiful spots of Bükk, 13 kilometers from Lillafüred, on the Kis-fennsík, is a real complex. In addition to the three independent cottages, yurt accommodation for 36 people awaits hikers and cyclists, and another 50 people can spend the night here in tents. In addition to the already almost essential outdoor kitchen, the accommodation also offers extra options such as a playground, an adventure course or a sauna. The accommodation can be booked in winter and summer.

You don't have to go far to see sights, the view of the Látó-kövek or the ruins of the Bükkszentlélek Pauline monastery are within reach, but one of the most romantic trees in the country, two huge beech trees hugging each other, which is called the Tree of Lovers, is also just a stone's throw away from the buildings. Those who would like to embark on a bigger adventure can choose from Bükk's inexhaustible possibilities, as this year's winning forest accommodation is located at the intersection of tourist routes, along the Blue Trail.

Top destinations

For a long time, the Írottkő Lookout topped the list, but in the end, the 111-year-old stone building known as the starting point of the Blue Tour came in second place. The third place invites you to the other end of the country. The János-vára viewpoint shows the heights of Zemplén and the Füzér Castle.

The silver medal for the tourist houses went to the Roth Tourist House in the Soproni Mountains, which awaits hikers on the Austrian-Hungarian border at the foot of the Alps. The Réka hut from Mecsek also made it to the podium, which was renewed inside and out just this spring, and awaits those who want to hide from the world at one of the most beautiful spots in Eastern Mecsek, at the junction of three springs, in the heart of the forest.

On the renewed aktivkalandor.hu website, you can get to know the locations participating in the vote in detail - in addition to all the exciting sights of Hungary. You can easily find a tour to the viewpoints and add other attractions to your adventure. All information for booking is available on the website of the tourist houses, and of course there is no lack of tour recommendations.

The result of the Lookout of the Year voting

• Boldog Mór Lookout (Pannonhalma): 1346

• Írottkő lookout (Kőszegi Mountains): 1154

• János-vára lookout (Zemplén): 785

• Pulpit lookout (Visegrád Mountains): 547

• Kövestetői lookout (Mecsek): 465

• Raven's Nest Lookout (Zselic): 452

• Palm of God lookout (Cserhát): 443

• Prónay Lookout (Cserhát): 352

• Fülöp-hegyi Millennium Lookout (Balaton Highlands): 298

• Károlyi Lookout (Bakony): 153

The final result of the Tourist House of the Year voting

• Tourist park Szentlélek (Bükk): 1822

• Roth Tourist House (Soproni Mountains): 997

• Réka hut (Mecsek): 346

• Haracsi Guesthouse (Zselic): 243

• Som-hegyi Tourist House (Pilis): 170

• Kútberek Tourist House, Matracszállás and Nomad Camp (Börzsöny): 161

• Keserüszer Guest House (Guard): 151

• Kisbetyar Guesthouse (Bakony): 150

• Zzigárdi Erdei Lak (Murafölde): 114

• Mátrai5 Guesthouse (Mátra): 103

The campaigns, which have been running for four years, have sent many tourists to various parts of the country.

In 2020, the winner was the Xantus János Gömbkilátó in Balatonboglár, and the following year the Bölömbika observatory on Lake Tisza. In 2022, the Zsófia lookout in Bükk received the most votes, and last year the award was won by the Szent László lookout chapel in Mogyoród.

In 2020, voters chose the Annafürdő Vendégház in Tolna and the legendary Szelcepuszta Tourist House in 2021. After that, the Fehérkőlápa Turistaház in Bükk won, and in 2023, the Rostalló Eco-Awareness Education Center (RÖNK) in Zemplén became the favorite tourist accommodation.

Source and featured image: SokštátVídek