An observation tower at Lake Baláta offers views across a moorland basin. Lake Baláta is Somogy’s oldest nature reserve and has been protected since 1942. As a remnant of an Ice Age moor, it preserves habitats for several plant and animal species that are rare nationwide. Nature, a history of conservation, and sweeping views across the moorland come together here.
Moor, Forest, and Water
Lake Baláta can be reached from Kaszó by forest railway; a marked walking trail also leads there from the Kaszó Forest Railway station. Check train operations before your trip. Another route is the 8.8-kilometre main line of the Mesztegnyő Forest Railway. It runs through the Boronka-melléki Landscape Protection Area, through forests and alongside lakes. More than 50 protected plant species occur along the route. The railway is currently temporarily out of service for modernisation.
Somogy comprises four landscape regions: Külső-Somogy, Belső-Somogy, Zselic, and Dráva mente. The Dráva also shapes the region’s natural attractions: more than 50 fish species have been recorded in its river channel and oxbow lakes, representing two-thirds of Hungary’s fish fauna. Boat trips or water tours from Barcs are recommended for exploring the Dráva. Check current providers and schedules when planning your visit.
Protected Areas, Nature Trails, and Starry Skies
The Zselic Landscape Protection Area is one of Somogy’s nationally significant protected natural areas. At the Zselic Star Park, guided programmes take place in the observatory building and the surrounding forest. The observatory is accessible only as part of pre-announced guided tours. The programmes and views of the night sky are the main attractions; visiting the building requires joining a guided tour.
In the Barcs Juniper Woodland, a nature trail passes through typical habitats of Inner Somogy: sandy steppe, sessile oak forest, and moorland forest. Grazing by Hungarian Racka sheep also attracts many visitors. 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 park to the historic memorial site in Somogyvár.
Monastic History and Architecture
In 1091, King Ladislaus founded the Benedictine Monastery of Szent Egyed in Somogyvár. Somogyvár was declared a national memorial site in 2011. The Szent László Days event series has been held there annually since 1989. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check that year’s programme. Another historical landmark is in Kereki: the medieval castle ruins are also known as Kupavár, Katonavár, and Fehérkővár.
The Szennai Open-Air Ethnographic Collection received a Europa Nostra award in 1982. The Szennai Heritage Trail explores nature, wildlife and plant life, and architectural landmarks around Szenna. Several bus stops are near the main entrance, about 80 metres away, with connections to and from Kaposvár. As transport arrangements can change, it is worth checking the latest timetables.
Szántódpuszta also tells the story of Somogy’s past: this architectural complex, which received a Europa Nostra award, includes numerous buildings reflecting Somogy’s agricultural history. Together with the monastery ruins, nature trails, and protected areas, it shows how varied the experiences in Somogy can be.
Discover more destinations: Tab, Balatonföldvár, Csurgó, Kadarkút, Kaposvár, Fonyód, Tab, Marcali, Lengyeltóti, Siófok, Nagyatád, Barcs.
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