Lavanders of Tihany

The southern side retains the last of the once famous lavender plantations of the peninsula. In 1924 lavenders were planted here and by the ’40s the plantation took on a size of almost 100 acres. Lavender oil produced in the region was renowned across the continent and its quality surpassed even that of the oils coming from French plantations. The area was put under dual utilization with the introduction of almond cultivation.
Regrettably, growing was discontinued in the ’60s and vine plants replaced most of the lavender plantation. The remaining 20 acres fell to natural succession and the forest started to take over.
In the mid-’90s the National Park took the initiative to press back the brushwood on areas deemed suitable (i.e. where stems of lavender survived in greater numbers).
The old lavender fields are mainained by regularly cleaning the area from brushwood and through grazing, so at the turn of June and July visitors may feast their eyes on a lavender sea rolling over 10 acres.
Some of the original vegetation has returned since cultivation was abandoned. A plant-life characteristic for sloping steppes thrives among lavender socks, forming together a unique habitat not found anywhere else. Which is home to a number of precious plants and animals.

The Golden House and the Windswept Cliffs

Tihany hemiisland has an interesting geological history, the presence of ancient Pannonic Sea and the vulcanical activity has formed the landscape. The most prominent geyseric cone's name is The Golden House. The name comes from the colour of the rocks, which caused by thousands of tiny golden lichens, living on the stones. Windswept cliffs give also a remarkable presentation of ancient geological memories and the landforming power of the wind.

Abbey in Tihany

There is a Benedictine Abbey in Tihany, which was founded in 1055 AD by András (Andrew) I., who is buried in the crypt. The founding charter of this abbey is the first extant record of Hungarian language, preserved in Pannonhalma Benedictine Archabbey. The church itself was rebuilt in baroque style in 1754. The still functioning abbey is a popular tourist attraction due to its historical and artistic significance. It also has the best view of Lake Balaton.

Tihany

Tihany hemiisland, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places in Hungary. It is at Lake Balaton. The lake surrounds the hemiisland (of course), and on the island itself there are two small lakes. That is why (unless you are well acquainted with Tihany) you never know, which water you see, and at which point of the hemiisland you are. It has very interesting geology, flora and fauna. And an abbey as well.

Meggyes pite

Meggyes pite (sour cherry pie) is a delicious hungarian pie. Since it is sour cherry season at us, all the housewives run to markets, buy sour cherries, and prepare sour cherry pies. I did the same, it was my first sour cherry pie to bake in my life. It tastes ok., or at least, couple of friends politely have told that to me. :)

Welcome to Hungary!

I made this photo today morning, and I think, it's a perfect welcome photo for you. Imagine: this time you arrive by air to Hungary, Budapest. And look, what you can see for the first sight, during landing with the aeroplane? A layer of nice clouds, what are certainly not similar to clouds above Britain, but maybe they can make you to feel at home.
So welcome to Hungary, Richard!
You can see one of the Buda hills, called János hegy (John's hill) on the photo . On the top of János hegy there is a look-out tower, called Erzsébet kilátó.