Csöde: Nature, Trails and Historical Traces

• The Dél-Dunántúli Kéktúra and the Via Sancti Martini pass through Csöde.
• The modest remains of the medieval Szent-Márton Church lie west of Alsócsöde, on a small hill in the forest.
• The forest of Csöde is part of Őrségi Nemzeti Park; Kakasmandikó grows there.
• Every spring, snowdrops bloom for a while in front of the village sign and on the properties behind it.
• A 2018 report describes a park by the bell tower equipped with benches, tables, rubbish bins and a water tap.

The historic village of Szentmárton lay west of Alsócsöde, within the area of today’s municipality of Csöde. Until the recent past, folk architecture was particularly characteristic of Alsócsöde. This historical context complements the remains of the medieval Szent-Márton Church, which lie in the forest west of Alsócsöde.

The associated monastery is also part of this historical context. In 1366, the church and monastery belonged to the Salomvári family, descended from ispán Salamon. If you consider history as well as nature when choosing a destination, you will find a specific connection here to a named place and a recorded family.

The Dél-Dunántúli Kéktúra, established by Rockenbauer Pál, passes through Csöde. The Via Sancti Martini, also called Szent Márton Gyalogos Vándorút, also runs through the village. These are two named hiking routes that make Csöde an interesting destination for travellers who want to include trails in their selection. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a specific hike.

The nature-related highlights also vary by season and location. Every spring, numerous snowdrops bloom for a while on the land in front of the Csöde village sign and on the properties behind it. The forest, which is part of Őrségi Nemzeti Park, is also where Kakasmandikó grows. The snowdrop bloom is therefore a seasonal spring feature; the other nature-related points mentioned are found in the forest.

The yellow-marked L (rom) trail, which starts at Jánosfa railway stop, leads to the site of the Szent-Márton Church and monastery. Check trail conditions before your visit.

For the route into Csöde described here, after the Zala Bridge, turn right at the village entrance; the route leaves the asphalt road and continues onto a gravel road suitable for cars. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check the situation before setting out.

A 2018 report describes a pine-shaded park by the bell tower with benches, tables, rubbish bins and a water tap. The report also notes that visitors often used the park for a meal break. If you plan to stop here, check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

For a broader selection, you can also consider the wider destination of Zala. The Zalai Borvidék wine region developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység, and comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. Kis-Balaton offers a different connection with nature and culture: it is Zala’s largest body of water, is strictly protected and covers 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek.

Discover more destinations: Pusztaederics, Nagypáli, Dobronhegy, Vaspör, Bagod, Zalalövő, Egervár and Petrikeresztúr.

Which hiking trails pass through Csöde?

The Dél-Dunántúli Kéktúra, established by Rockenbauer Pál, and the Via Sancti Martini, also called Szent Márton Gyalogos Vándorút, pass through Csöde.

Where are the remains of the Szent-Márton Church?

They lie in the forest on a small hill west of Alsócsöde. The yellow-marked L (rom) trail to the site starts at Jánosfa railway stop; check trail conditions before your visit.

When do the snowdrops bloom in Csöde?

They bloom every spring for a while on the land in front of the village sign and on the properties behind it.

What facilities are mentioned for the park by the bell tower?

A 2018 report mentions benches, tables, rubbish bins and a water tap, as well as the park’s frequent use for meal breaks. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

For the wider travel overview: Zalaegerszegi.