Forest Mystery, or Play in Green programme series / Guided Geobotanical Tour

As part of the "Forest Mystery" programme series, the first guided geobotanical walk showcasing the unique wildlife of the Hévíz Protective Forest took place in 2022. The tours are led by geo-tour guide Zoltán Samu, and are available for different age groups. The goal of the programme is to familiarise local residents, students and tourists with the unique flora and fauna of the Hévíz Lake Nature Reserve, highlighting native and introduced species, organisms unique to Hévíz, the history and role of the Protective Forest and Hévíz Lake, as well as the threats facing the nature reserve. The qualified guide leads groups of typically 10-25 people along the Water Lily Nature Trail, which encircles Hévíz Lake, covering the boardwalk and canopy lookout within the forest. 

Many student groups have already participated in the programme, visiting Hévíz as part of their geography or biology lessons, thanks specifically to this opportunity. The approximately two-hour-long geobotanical walks led by Zoltán Samu are of such a professional standard that the Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate has uniquely included them among its supported and promoted programs. Thanks to the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) programme and the Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate, visitors occasionally have the chance to participate in free tours. Since 2023, the geobotanical walk has also been available for German-speaking guests, and due to its great success and high demand, additional tours with similar themes have been introduced, focussing specifically on the exotic and unique plant and animal life.