Car Roof Tent Rental – A November Getaway in the Bakony
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
We were heading into a chilly November weekend, and since we didn’t really have anything else to do (well… we should have, but never mind), my brother‑in‑law, my nephew and I quickly decided to pop the rooftop tent onto the car and set off to the nearby Bakony for a calm, nature‑filled weekend escape.
Preparations – Mapping Things Out with Avenza
The night before, I packed everything that might come in handy for a quick weekend getaway, then opened my favourite hiking app, Avenza. If you spend a lot of time out on the trails, this app can really feel like a reliable companion: offline maps, accurate trail markings, well‑drawn terrain details, marked rest spots, springs — basically everything you need. And it doesn’t drain the battery too badly either, which makes a big difference on longer hikes.
I opened my Bakony map and started browsing the area, looking for places I hadn’t visited recently. Whenever terrain‑scouting like this, I always pay attention to marked “rest areas”, because those usually indicate spots where spending a night is convenient. That’s how Csőszpuszta caught my eye, and the surroundings quickly revealed several other interesting points worth exploring.
Departure – A Bit Late, but All the More Excited
Our morning tasks dragged on longer than expected, so we only managed to leave in the afternoon. We knew this didn’t leave us much time for exploring, so the plan was simply to find a suitable spot for the night while it was still light outside.
As we entered the forest, the Bakony immediately showed its November character: red and yellow leaves everywhere, with patches of drifting fog between them, creating a quiet, fully immersive atmosphere. It was the perfect kind of weather for stepping out of the everyday routine.
Dr. Imre Hegyi Memorial Park – a quiet, tucked‑away resting spot
Our first stop was the Dr. Imre Hegyi Memorial Park, where a tidy little rest area welcomed us. Imre Hegyi was a defining forester of the region, deeply dedicated to caring for the local forests and wildlife. The park wasn’t created as a tourist attraction; it serves more as a peaceful memorial site gently embraced by nature.
It’s a lovely spot, but for us it felt a bit too close to the road this time, so we decided to move on.
The “Hamuház” (ash house) – where the past quite literally turned to ash
We turned off the main road and headed toward the Hamuház, which was marked on the map. The name sounds unusual at first, but there’s a reason for it: years ago, soap was made here from the ash left behind by charcoal burners. Later it served as a hunting lodge, then as a forester’s house.
Today, however, only its ruins remain — collapsed walls, scattered debris. It most likely burned down at some point. Not the most cheerful sight, so we didn’t linger and continued on our way.
Forest Sanctuary – a short stop
Our next stop was the Forest Sanctuary, a small, intimate woodland rest area with a bit of a “star‑roofed chapel” vibe. We only paused here for a moment before moving on, as dusk was approaching quickly.
Kisgyón – traces of the old mining village
Eventually we arrived in Kisgyón, which used to be a significant mining settlement. After the mines were shut down in the 1960s–70s, most of the residents moved away, and many of the buildings were left abandoned.In the years that followed, nature enthusiasts slowly brought new life to the area: today, several rustic cabins, a well‑maintained rest area, a large clearing, fire pits, and even a forest football field await visitors.
This place is perfectly suited for rooftop tent camping:
– the area is spacious and open
– you can park the car practically anywhere
– tent camping is freely allowed
– the surroundings are clean and well maintained
It’s also worth mentioning that several marked hiking trails start right from the Kisgyón rest area, each with a completely different atmosphere. Thanks to the old miners’ buildings, wide clearings, springs and nearby ravines, this spot is an ideal starting point for both a short walk and a longer Bakony exploration.
47°18'08.5"N 18°07'02.5"E
Setting Up Camp and the Warmth of the Night
While there was still daylight, we quickly set up our camp, prepared the firepit, and opened up the rooftop tent. The spot has a nicely built fire ring, and even if someone forgets to bring firewood, there are plenty of dry branches around.
We brought the inner insulation layer for the rooftop tent again, since the forecast showed –1 to –2°C for the night. This extra layer really helps in cold weather: it keeps the temperature more stable inside, and based on our experience, it can make the tent 10–15°C warmer than outside. With three of us inside, this time it worked a little too well — we woke up in the middle of the night absolutely overheated and drenched in sweat. A bit of ventilation and throwing off the extra two layers of blankets solved it quickly.
Once everything quieted down again around us, we suddenly heard an owl hooting from the nearby forest. That deep, echoing sound — the kind that instantly calms you down. The tent slowly cooled back to a comfortable temperature, the whole area fell silent, and with this peaceful “nighttime background noise” we drifted back to sleep. It was a truly authentic Bakony moment — nothing else was needed, just the nature around us and the comfort of the rooftop tent.
Morning Sheep Herd – you couldn’t ask for a calmer wake‑up
In the morning, as we crawled out of the tent, a several‑hundred‑strong sheep herd was grazing right next to us. It gave the whole Sunday morning a beautifully peaceful atmosphere; you don’t often get a view like that with your first coffee.
After breakfast, we balanced things out with a bit of football — though with all the molehills, it felt more like a workout than an actual game, but it made it all the more fun.
Two more stops on the way home: Vadalmás Spring and the Roman Bath
On our way home, we made a short stop at the Vadalmás Spring, then continued to the Roman Bath, where the Gaja Stream winds its way through a scenic rocky channel. It’s one of the classic sights of the Bakony, and once again, it didn’t disappoint.
Summary
The Bakony in November has a unique, quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect choice when someone wants to step away from everyday life for a while. And a rooftop tent becomes an even bigger advantage this time of year: it’s comfortable, practical, warm, and flexible — a solution that lets you create a small “temporary home” almost anywhere.
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