ZSELIC NATURE CONSERVATION AREA

Forest areas covering broad and flat hill ridges characterise the Zselic landscape. The majority of the settlements were established along the brooks and streams at the feet of the on average 200-250 metre above sea level high hills. The highest point of 358 metre is located in the East part of the Zselic region and is named Hollófészek (Raven Nest). Though the Zselic region is not considered to be a striking hill range, the development of its flora and fauna is largely contributed to and mostly defined by the mixing of atmospheric elements. In summer, its climate is influenced by cooler, rainier western and north-western air-masses, while in winter, southern and south-western air-masses bring Mediterranean influences. Thanks to the spring and autumn rainfall maximums, unique forest wildlife has come into existence. In the Middle Ages, some smaller villages came into existence on the ground where forests once stood. The people who lived here occupied themselves with apiary and pig-farming in the forest and the fattening of the pigs on acorns. Because of the significant size and quality of the forests, the area is considered a natural treasure. It has been a nature conservation area since 1976. The 10,500 ha area harbours very varied wild-life.

There are less and less places to be found in the country where the clear starlit skies can be observed without any interference. The Zselic Nature Conservation area is not only well-known for its woodlands and extraordinary wild-life but also for being one of Europe’s least light-polluted regions, i.e. the view of the starlit skies are barely disturbed by artificial light. Taken into account that the rate of light pollution has dramatically increased over the past decades and the view of the sky from larger cities and their surroundings fall far behind from the natural view, it became desirable to create a „reserve” where the natural view of the starlit sky could be preserved. The plans are that in the near future, the Zselic region will be the first Starry Sky Park of the continent.

The DDNPI organises a number of professional guided tours, during which visitors can become acquainted with the flora and fauna of the Nature Conservation Area and also study the starlit skies.

Learning tracks
- Sas-rét learning track, Ezüsthárs learning track, Nagymáté learning track

Professional guides for all areas or for the learning tracks can be requested.
Price: groups up to 20 people HUF 8500/1-4 hours, HUF 17000/5-8 hours,
Above 20 people HUF 425/person/1-4 hours, HUF 850/person/5-8 hours

Upon request, our colleagues can visit kindergartens, schools and other educational facilities for presentations, work-shops and projections in order to aid people in forming a nature protection approach and active attitudes.  Price: HUF 8000/occasion.