Rezi Castle
Rezi is located northwest of Lake Balaton, on a 427-meter-high rocky outcrop on the Keszthely Plateau, where the stone walls of Rezi Castle rise. The castle can be visited freely and free of charge. The renovated ruins offer a beautiful sight, although the wild romantic atmosphere has disappeared due to the reconstruction. The panorama opening up to the surrounding area is breathtaking, making it an unmissable destination for lovers of castle ruins.
Fotó: Dömsödi Áron (https://www.termeszetjaro.hu/)
Sümeg Castle
Sümeg Castle welcomes visitors with numerous exhibitions and programs. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, new exhibitions have also been opened, such as the bishop’s living room and council chamber in the Old Tower, as well as the period kitchen and pantry. The pottery room, the bakery, and the wheelwright’s and blacksmith’s workshops have also been renovated with period tools and utensils. The admission ticket is valid for all exhibitions in the castle. Visitors can choose from the following programs:
- Historical horse games and medieval feast
- Horse-drawn carriage rides and sleigh rides
- Breed show and petting zoo
- Trying out medieval throwing weapons
- Exhibitions such as “Coats of Arms of Historical Hungary,” International Sabre Collection, and Bishop’s Palace
- Wine tasting and excursions in the surrounding area
Szigliget Castle
Szigliget Castle is one of the most beautiful sights in the Balaton Uplands, located on a 239-meter volcanic hill. Renovation of the castle began in 1991 and has been ongoing ever since. The bastion offers a beautiful view of Lake Balaton. The locals are doing a lot to preserve and renovate the castle.
Készítette: Civertan – A feltöltő saját munkája, CC BY-SA 4.0,
Tátika Castle
Tátika Castle is a medieval castle ruin located near Zalaszántó, on one of the basalt peaks of the Keszthely Plateau. It is believed to be one of the earliest private castles built in Hungary. Since 1997, it has been part of the Balaton Uplands National Park.
Forrás: https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A1tika-v%C3%A1r
Water Lily Nature Trail
The 2.2-kilometer-long nature trail is located in the protective forest of Lake Hévíz. The excursion site offers a pleasant walk that is also enjoyable for children. Its main attractions are the 15-meter-high lookout tower and the canopy walkway.
The Water Lily nature trail presents two different areas: the drier western protective forest and the wetter northern swamp forest, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the life of the forest and understand its importance.
Jeli Arboretum
The Jeli Arboretum is one of Europe’s most beautiful botanical gardens, founded by Count István Ambrózy-Migazzi. The garden covers 118 hectares and is famous for its rhododendrons, evergreens, and various forest sections. Visitors can also explore an 800-meter barrier-free trail and admire the 20-meter-high lookout tower, which was opened in 2015. In the spring months, the garden is visited by thousands of visitors. The Jeli Arboretum is located in the village of Jeli, 10 km from the town of Szeged.
Little Balaton
Kis-Balaton is a protected wetland of international importance, known for its birdlife. The area can only be visited with a guide, but Kányavári Island, the Bivalyrezervátum in Kápolnapuszta, and the Vörsi Tájház are open to the public. The Kis-Balaton Research House also offers interesting programs for visitors, such as the “Matula Hut” and the István Fekete Memorial.
Mother Teresa Lookout Tower Zalaköveskút
Zalaköveskút is located in the eastern part of the Zala Hills, just a few kilometers from the Zala River, between Hévíz and Zalaszentgrót. The lookout tower was built on the edge of the village, at one of the highest points of the settlement.
The lookout tower is made almost entirely of wood, blending harmoniously with its surroundings. It was named in honor of Mother Teresa.
From its top level, there is a breathtaking view of the beautiful Zala Hills, and on a clear day, you can even see the distant mountains. The lookout tower offers views of all the towns in the area, such as Hévíz, Keszthely, and Zalaszentgrót, as well as the stupa in Zalaszántó, the hills of Sümeg, the Kovácsi mountain range, and the castles of Tátika and Rezi.
Hiking trail recommendations
Örvényeshegy circular tour
Length: 2.9 km round trip – 40-minute walk.
Starting from the Pálos Guesthouse (Zalacsány), turn east and follow the road leading up the hill next to the power line to the hilltop. It is worth looking back at the valley, where the Ekler family’s lookout tower in Ligetfalva stands out in the background. At the top of the hill, turn left and continue north on the road for about 1.5 km. On the right side of the road, you can see the Zala River valley, the Zalacsány golf course, the Kehida spa, the Keszthely mountains in the background, and the Zalaszántó stupa. Later, you will also be able to see the volcanic cone of Somló Hill in the distance. At the end of the road, it splits into two, with one part continuing down the hill to Kehida, while the other part turns left and leads back into the valley. Keeping to the left, we turn completely back towards the south as we gradually descend into the valley of the Örvényes stream. Keeping to the right and the top of the hill, it is possible to take a trip to Kallós, which is described in detail below. As we continue to the left, the first houses of Örvényeshegy appear again beside us. After a 1-1.5 km walk, we return to the Pálos Guest House.
Ligetfalva across the Örvényes stream
Length: 3 km round trip – 1 hour hike
This is a particularly difficult route, recommended for adventure seekers, as there are no markings in the forest and orientation is more difficult. The first section of the trail is made more difficult by the tall undergrowth, low trees, and steep stream banks. Rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots are recommended. The banks of the Örvényes stream are easily accessible from the meadow below the Pálos Guesthouse. As the opposite bank is particularly steep here, it is worth walking to the right across the meadow to the former monastery, then crossing the stream below the three springs and approaching the hilltop in the forest. As there are no markings on the path leading to the first hilltop, it is best to head straight for the hilltop, and if you are lucky, you will reach the Ligetfalva cemetery after a 20-minute walk. It is worth following the power line, as this is the easiest way to reach Ligetfalva, although the path through the forest is more beautiful and adventurous. You may also encounter wild animals, mainly deer and roe deer.
Kallósd round church
Length: 12.8 km round trip hike (also possible with a mountain bike).
This longer hiking trail through the beautiful forests and hills/valleys of Zala County is a breeze for advanced, experienced hikers. The destination is the St. Anne’s Church in Kallósd, a nationally significant monument and one of the most important examples of Árpád-era round churches. The round church is one of the most mystical building forms, with origins dating back thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, following the example of the world, the perfect church was also imagined to have a circular floor plan, especially after the Crusaders brought news that there was one in Jerusalem above the tomb of Christ. There are many round churches in the Carpathian Basin, one of the most beautiful being the church in Kallósd. The first part of the route is the same as the first half of the Övényeshegy circular tour, then you have to continue north from the Kehida junction. With a slight detour, you can also reach the Deák well in Kehida.
