Somogy: Moorland and cultural heritage

At Lake Baláta, a birdwatching tower offers views across the marsh basin. Lake Baláta is Somogy’s oldest nature reserve and has been protected since 1942. A remnant of an Ice Age marsh, it provides a habitat for several plant and animal species that are rare nationwide. Nature lovers can experience both the marshland and a distinctive habitat here. Lake Baláta can be reached by forest railway from Kaszó; a marked footpath leads from the Kaszó Forest Railway station to the area. Check whether the railway is running before travelling.

Somogy’s Landscapes and Nature

Somogy comprises four landscape regions: Külső-Somogy, Belső-Somogy, Zselic and Dráva mente. More than 50 fish species have been recorded in the Dráva and its oxbow lakes—two-thirds of Hungary’s fish fauna. The Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet is one of Somogy’s nationally significant protected natural areas. The Zselici Csillagpark runs guided programmes in its observatory building and the surrounding forest. The observatory is accessible only as part of tours announced in advance.

A nature trail in the Barcsi Borókás passes through typical habitats of Inner Somogy: sand steppe, Turkey oak forest and marsh woodland. Grazing by Racka sheep also attracts many visitors. The Szennai Örökség Tanösvény offers a different way to explore nature, showcasing the natural beauty, wildlife, plant life and architectural sights around Szenna.

Monasteries, Memorial Sites and Folk Culture

The history of Somogyvár dates back to 1091, when King Ladislaus founded the Benedictine monastery of Szent Egyed there. Somogyvár was declared a national memorial site in 2011. The annual Szent László Napok event series has been held there since 1989; check the programme for the relevant year. The medieval castle ruins of Kereki are also known as Kupavár, Katonavár and Fehérkővár.

The Szennai Szabadtéri Néprajzi Gyűjtemény received a Europa Nostra Award in 1982. Several bus stops are located about 80 metres from the main entrance of the Szennai Skanzen, with services to and from Kaposvár. Check current connections before travelling. Szántódpuszta also tells the story of the region’s past: this architectural ensemble, which has received a Europa Nostra Award, includes numerous buildings reflecting Somogy’s agricultural history. Somogy’s wine-growing and wine culture are also part of the region’s cultural heritage.

Routes, Water and Excursions

The 8.8-kilometre main line of the Mesztegnyői Erdei Vasút runs through forests and alongside lakes in the Boronka-melléki Tájvédelmi Körzet. More than 50 protected plant species grow around the route. The railway is currently temporarily out of service for modernisation. The route description still offers an impression of the forest and lake landscape it passes through.

The Brézai Forest Park has a car park, a shelter and a fire pit; hiking trails make it easy to find your way around. A cycle path leads from the forest park to the historic memorial site in Somogyvár. At Lake Ropolyi, a thatched house with a verandah façade inspired by Somogy folk architecture, a swimming lake and a nature warden’s house providing tourist information have been built. The nature warden’s house provides information about the flora and fauna of Zselic, suitable routes for cycling, horse riding and walking, as well as ecotourism services and regional programmes. Check current services before visiting.

Excursion boat trips and water tours from Barcs are recommended for exploring the Dráva; check current operators and timetables in advance. An approximately 50-kilometre excursion route connects Csurgó, Csurgónagymarton, Ágneslak, Iharosberény, Kanizsaberek, Kaszó, Lake Baláta and Szenta, before returning to Csurgó. As the route is described as an excursion route, check the signage and local conditions before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tab, Balatonföldvár, Csurgó, Kadarkút, Kaposvár, Fonyód, Tab, Marcali, Lengyeltóti, Siófok, Nagyatád, Barcs.

For the main travel overview: Hungary.