Bakony-Balaton Global Geopark, Hungary

This geopark is located in western Hungary in the Carpathian Basin of Balaton. It covers an area of 3,200 km², and it became a global geopark in 2012. The area is surrounded by young folded mountains. The geopark covers the adjacent areas of the Bakony Scenic Reserve, the Somlo Scenic Reserve and the town of Fonyod. Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe and is also known as the ‘Hungary Sea’. The geopark features a variety of geological and geomorphological relics, such as steep cliffs, hot springs, volcanoes, and basalt columns, and it is rich in fossils. The most important mission of the geopark is to protect and interpret the rich land and geomorphological heritage. The geopark encourages local residents and communities to actively participate in geotourism and educational activities, thereby raising public awareness.