Csobánc is a hill in the Tapolca Basin, Hungary. Geography and environment Csobánc is one of the highlights of the region. Similar to the other hills in the area, it is of volcanic origin. These hills are witness hills. The expression originates from the fact that these hills “witnessed” the decrease of the land surface level during volcanic activity millions of years ago. They preserve the original surface since the Pliocene period. Protected natural assets Csobánc is one of the unique and peculiar monadnocks of Tapolca Basin. It is a result of basalt volcanism 3.5 million years ago. Numerous rare habitats in need of protection have been preserved due to the relatively secluded and undisturbed area. The natural assets of Csobánc granted the hill increased protection from the Balaton Uplands National Park and the Bakony-Balaton Geopark. Rock grasses Relatively sheltered habitat due to its inaccessible location along the edges of the plateau. Sensitive to being disturbed and trodded on. Paragliding can be a great danger to the habitat and its characteristic species such as the northern rock-cress (Cardaminopsis petraea) and the unique livelong saxifrage (Saxifaga), both growing on the northern rock walls. Steppe meadows and rocky outcrops For their survival, these habitats are to be left undisturbed. On the south and the east sides of the hills stands of steep surfaces broken up by rocky outcrops are the most sensitive Pasque flower (Pulsatilla Grandis), Golden alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis), Prunus mahaleb, and the pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) bring more color into the landscape. Detrital slope forests The protective forests on the north side of the hill are highly sensitive, the associations living here need to remain intact. The stands consists of small-leaved lime (Tilla cordata), broad-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior). On the grass level a small population of Turk's cap lily (Lilium martagon) is present. Birds Bird species feeding, nesting, or potentially nesting on the hill are the common raven (Corvus corax), the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). They will only settle if their habitat is completely undisturbed in spring. Using the hill as a launch site can cause great damage to the hill's biodiversity. Notable Sights Castle ruins The castle has been attacked by the Turks between 1554 and 1567. Construction works began in 1255 for the first time. The Italian Rátóti Gyulaffy family