Csöde: Forest, Trails and Historical Traces

For a trip to Csöde, history, routes and nature offer different points of interest. You can consider the historical traces at Alsócsöde, the trails that pass through the village and the seasonal natural attractions separately, then tailor your stay to your interests.

Historical traces in Csöde

The historic village of Szentmárton lay west of Alsócsöde, in the area of today’s municipality of Csöde. Until the recent past, folk architecture was particularly characteristic of Alsócsöde. These two details point to different historical aspects: one to a former settlement, the other to a building tradition that shaped Alsócsöde.

In 1966–1967, three buildings were transferred to the Zalaegerszeg Village Museum: a log house with a smoke kitchen, a seven-sided wooden pálinka distillery and a bell tower. The list covers different types of buildings, from the log house to the bell tower.

The modest remains of the medieval Szent Márton Church lie in the forest on a small rise west of Alsócsöde. Records show that in 1366 the church and its associated monastery belonged to the Salomvári family, descended from ispán Salamon. The location of the remains and the year provide both a specific point of reference and a historical connection to the church.

Routes and navigation

The Dél-Dunántúli Kéktúra, established by Rockenbauer Pál, passes through Csöde. The Via Sancti Martini, also called the Szent Márton Gyalogos Vándorút, also passes through the village. If you are looking for route information, the full name is useful: the Hungarian name is also used for the Via Sancti Martini.

The site of the Szent Márton Church and monastery can be reached via the yellow-marked L (rom) trail, which starts at Jánosfa railway halt. Check trail conditions before setting out.

After the Zala Bridge, the described approach turns right at the entrance to Csöde and leads off the asphalt road onto a gravel road passable by car. Road conditions can change; check the route before driving.

Forest and seasonal natural attractions

The forest of Csöde is part of Őrségi Nemzeti Park; Kakasmandikó grows there. Another natural attraction is seasonal: every year, for a limited time, many snowdrops bloom in the areas in front of the Csöde sign and on the properties behind it. Blooming times vary, so this is a seasonal rather than a fixed calendar reference.

A report from 2018 described a pine-shaded park by the bell tower, with benches, tables and waste bins. There was also a water tap, and visitors often used the park for a meal break. Check the condition of the listed facilities before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Dobronhegy, Petrikeresztúr, Vasboldogasszony, Pusztaederics, Kiskutas, Szentkozmadombja, Bagod, Zalaháshágy.

For the broader travel overview: Zalaegerszegi.