Discover Bázakerettye: Thermal Baths, Narrow-Gauge Railway and MAORT Heritage

Discover Bázakerettye through its thermal baths, narrow-gauge railway and local history. If you are looking for a hotel here, consider which of these aspects of the town matters most to you during your stay. The details below offer specific points to consider—from the pools at the baths to traces of the oil industry and railway.

Thermal baths: pools and practical planning

The history of the Bázakerettye baths dates back to 1938, when the first pool was built and immediately used by locals as a beach. Following renovations and expansions in the mid-1990s, the baths took on their present form. The swimming pool measures 33 × 15 metres and gradually deepens from 1.1 to 2.05 metres; its water level is flush with the edge.

The thermal pools also differ in temperature and shape: one is round and 36°C, while the other is heart-shaped and 30°C. There is also a 36°C whirlpool. For small children, there is a shallow paddling pool built specifically for them. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between swimming, warm pools and a specific facility for small children, without treating their features as interchangeable.

The baths also have a buffet serving refreshments and food, as well as a secure storage facility. Check opening hours and the availability of these facilities before your visit. The baths are located at Sport út 1, 8887 Bázakerettye; the nearest bus stop is 180 metres away. If travelling by bus, check the current timetable.

Narrow-gauge railway and hiking route

The longest forest narrow-gauge railway in Transdanubia runs through the entire municipality. The railway is operated by Zalaerdő Rt.; it runs according to a timetable, and a special train can be booked on request. Check current services and departure times before travelling. The railway also has a historical connection to a nostalgic train: from 2004, the small steam locomotive “Ábel” hauled one along the fully renovated line.

The designated Rockenbauer Pál Memorial Tour is a separate attraction: its route passes by Bázakerettye. The two descriptions therefore indicate different connections to the town—the narrow-gauge railway runs through the municipality, while the hiking route passes alongside it. If you would like to combine your trip with a train ride or hike, check the current options in advance.

MAORT heritage and architecture

The MAORT housing estate comprises several streets. In the early 1940s, the Magyar Amerikai Olajipari Részvénytársaság built it in the style of American small towns. The houses for engineers and administrative staff are in the Göcsej style and were designed by Dezső Antal. Both the architecture and the estate’s history shape the townscape.

The Magyar Amerikai Olajipari Részvénytársaság built the Munkásotthon on a high hill at the edge of the forest, above the oil workers’ settlement that began developing in 1938. Another memorial to architect Dezső Antal was added in 2024: the Bázakerettye Jövőjéért Közhasznú Alapítvány had it erected on Sport út, in the street of the former engineers’ houses, using funds from civic and business sources.

Chapel, church and oil history

After his parents died, Tüttösy Ferenc had the chapel in Kerettye built. In the Szűz Mária neve templom church, a Latin inscription records the life dates of László Töttösi: he was a táblabíró of Zala County, born in 1746 and died on 7 March 1824. The chapel and inscription offer distinct historical points of interest—a foundation made for family reasons and a biographical note.

The history of oil production is also represented in Bázakerettye. From 25 May 2001, the Magyar Olajipari Múzeum presented a permanent exhibition on oil production in Transdanubia at the BT-2 metering station. Groups are asked to book in advance; check current visiting arrangements ahead of time.

Discover more destinations: Kerkaszentkirály, Letenye, Lispeszentadorján, Tótszerdahely, Petrivente.

Go to the regional travel overview: Letenye.