This year brought a record-breaking turnout for the “Lookout Tower of the Year” contest, with 50,229 votes cast—more than ever before. The public vote was won by the János-vára Lookout Tower, rising above Kovácsvágás, which edged out Sopron’s Várhely Lookout Tower in a tight finish to claim 20,067 votes. As the 2026 winner, it rewards persistent hikers who climb the 1,050 steps leading up to the tower with sweeping panoramas of the Zemplén and Hegyköz regions; on a clear day, Füzér Castle is even visible on the horizon.

This year marked the seventh time that the Active Hungary Development Center sought to identify the nation’s favorite lookout tower. The field of ten finalists was compiled from lookout towers submitted by the general public and recommended by a panel of experts.

An important criterion was that the finalists be destinations in good condition with well-maintained surroundings, located along exciting cycling or hiking trails.

The campaign’s stated goal is to encourage as many people as possible to discover Hungary’s natural treasures and set out on foot or by bike to explore the country’s landscapes.

Final results of the “Lookout Tower of the Year 2026” contest:

1. János-vára Lookout Tower (Zemplén): 20,067 votes
2. Várhely Lookout Tower (Sopron Mountains): 17,026 votes
3. Vince Ranzinger Lookout Tower (Gerecse): 5,714 votes
4. Fülöp Hill Millennium Lookout Tower (Balaton Uplands): 2,305 votes
5. Holy Crown Lookout Tower (Bükk): 1,895 votes
6. Kardosfai Lookout Tower (Zselic): 1,141 votes
7. Csóványos Lookout Tower (Börzsöny): 703 votes
8. Millennium Lookout Tower (Bükk): 678 votes
9. Blessed Özséb Lookout Tower (Pilis): 431 votes
10. Viktor Maderspach Lookout Tower (Bakony): 269 votes

A lookout tower in and of itself is a good reason to set out on a journey. It can provide a destination for a hike and lead you to trails, towns, and landscapes you might not otherwise visit.

The János-vára Lookout offers an excellent opportunity to discover one of Hungary’s lesser-known but even more picturesque regions, writes Aktív Kalandor. If you are drawn solely by the panorama, you can park on the southern outskirts of Kővágás and set out from there to climb the more than 1,000 steps. For the full experience, however, it is worth planning a 15-km hike that starts in Pálháza and offers a glimpse into the northern landscapes of Zemplén: passing by the watermill, the trail leads through the forests of Som Hill and through Kovácsvágás to the lookout tower.

The area has been in the spotlight this year. Cyclists can now enjoy a new 10-km bike trail, which opened just two weeks ago and perfectly complements the region’s already popular routes. In addition to the lookout tower, it is worth visiting the nearby Füzér Castle and the Károlyi Mansion in Füzérradvány.

Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take the Pálházi State Forest Railway into the heart of Zemplén: from spring through fall, they can ride the trains for 9 km through the dense forest, passing through a short tunnel along the way.

Via aktivkalandor.hu; Featured image: Wikimedia Commons/Tothh417