Perched high above Lake Balaton, Echo Hill offers a breathtaking panorama, stunning views of Tihany Abbey and, of course, the village’s famous echo. Together, they create the special atmosphere that has made the hill one of Tihany’s best-loved attractions. The area has recently been given a new lease of life with EU funding, creating a more welcoming setting for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty.
The renovation focused on making the area greener, tidier and more in keeping with the unique landscape of the Tihany Peninsula. The most noticeable change took place at Echo Meadow, where the old asphalt surface was removed and replaced with an oval walking path paved with natural stone. The surrounding green spaces were also restored and improved.
On the section of Calvary Hill adjoining Echo Hill, overgrown vegetation was cleared, new plants were added and natural habitats were restored. The grounds around the Echo restaurant and lookout point were also landscaped, with refreshed green spaces and a new rock garden. Throughout the project, special care was taken to ensure that the materials and design of the new features complemented Tihany’s historic character and natural surroundings, while preserving the beautiful views across Lake Balaton. The improvements to the green spaces also help create a more pleasant microclimate on the hill, making the area more comfortable for visitors while supporting the local environment.
The project also introduced several practical improvements for visitors. New outdoor lighting, partly powered by solar energy, was installed alongside a security camera system. Access to the public toilets was upgraded, and outdoor Wi-Fi is now available throughout the area.
But what exactly is the famous Tihany echo? People have been enjoying this natural phenomenon for centuries, although fewer are familiar with the legend behind it.
| According to the legend, a mute princess was tending her golden-fleeced goats on the nearby hills when the King of the Waves of Lake Balaton asked her for some milk to help his sick son. The princess gave him milk from her goats, and the young prince soon recovered. In gratitude, the king restored the princess’s voice. The prince fell in love with her, but she did not return his feelings, and he eventually died of a broken heart. Furious with grief over the loss of his son, the King of the Waves trapped the princess inside a rock. The legend says that her voice has echoed back to anyone who calls out ever since. |
Of course, there is a scientific explanation too. When someone shouts from the echo stone on Echo Hill, the sound travels to the walls of Tihany Abbey, more than 300 metres away, before bouncing back. The sound makes a round trip of almost 700 metres in roughly two seconds. Under the right conditions, as many as seven syllables can be heard clearly in the returning echo.
Today, Echo Hill is once again a welcoming place for anyone wanting to experience one of Tihany’s most famous attractions. So next time you visit, stop by the echo stone, turn towards the abbey and give a good, loud shout. Tihany will answer back.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project TOP_PLUSZ-1.2.1-21-VE1-2022-00034 under the Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder: Details
