Rustling leaves whisper tales of a bygone era right here. We stand amidst the ruins of the Zs\u00edros-hegyi Turistah\u00e1z. It once stood proudly on the Zs\u00edros-hegy. The air is thick with history. Let’s delve into its story.
The Zs\u00edros-hegyi Turistah\u00e1z was built in 1928. The Magyar Turista Egyes\u00fclet P\u00e9ntekiek Asztala group erected it. They opened it in December of that year. The house stood at 420 meters above sea level. It offered stunning views.
Kauz\u00e1l Istv\u00e1n played a key role in its construction. He led the association. They met every Friday. That is how they came up with the idea to build a tourist house.
Initially, it was unofficially known as P\u00e9ntekiek mened\u00e9kh\u00e1za. Later, it was officially named after Fritsch Vencel. He played a crucial role in the construction. Fritsch Vencel also provided much of the funding. He was a hairdresser in Dorottya Street.
The location was chosen for two reasons. Firstly, Zs\u00edros-hegy was excellent for skiing. Secondly, it was near the Solym\u00e1ri \u00d6rd\u00f6glyuk cave. Cave exploration was becoming popular.
The Zs\u00edros-hegyi Turistah\u00e1z offered about 40 beds. It also had two restaurants. It quickly became a beloved spot. From here, you could see the Pilis mountains. The Nagysz\u00e9n\u00e1s and H\u00e1rmashat\u00e1rhegy were also visible.
After its completion, the MTE provided a room. It was for the Hungarian Cave Research Society. They explored the nearby Solym\u00e1ri \u00d6rd\u00f6glyuk cave. This gave them a place to change. They could store their clothes and equipment there. After the cave entrance was closed in 1929, the key could be borrowed from here.
In 1935, the Zs\u00edros-hegyi Turistah\u00e1z was renovated. A scout home was added in 1936.
After World War II the house was nationalized. It operated until 1986. Sadly, it fell into disrepair. People took away building materials. Only ruins remain today.
In 1979, Rockenbauer P\u00e1l featured it. It was in his series “One and a Half Million Steps in Hungary”.
In the early 1990s, there were plans for a wellness hotel. However, the economic collapse prevented this. The roof collapsed in 1994. The destruction accelerated.
Over the past 30 years, nature has reclaimed the area. Bushes now surround the ruins. They are mostly visible in winter.
Today, as you wander through these ruins, imagine the laughter. Picture the skiers and hikers. Think of the community that once thrived here at Zs\u00edros-hegyi Turistah\u00e1z. Though only fragments remain the stories linger. They remind us of a vibrant past.