Hajmás brings together the forested landscape of Zselic and a local history that can be traced through its buildings, monuments and traditional names. The village lies in the valley of the Surján stream; a woodland area on the edge of Zselic borders Hajmás. Nature is considered the main attraction here. A stay can therefore be planned with an eye both to the landscape and to the village’s history.
Nature in Zselic, in its regional context
Its location in the forested Zselic landscape is a defining part of getting to know Hajmás. When choosing a stay, you can therefore consider whether to focus on nature and scenery or on local cultural history. Both can be found in the village, without needing to combine them into a fixed itinerary.
In the wider destination of Balaton – South, the Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet (Zselic Landscape Protection Area) was awarded the title of International Dark Sky Park in 2009 because of its low light pollution. The Zselici Csillagpark (Zselic Star Park) was established in the heart of the protected area. This regional context adds to the picture of the Zselic landscape; the award and the star park are features of the wider destination of Balaton – South.
Church, memorial and former village names
The Roman Catholic church in Hajmás was built in 1927 and is a central adornment of the village centre. A memorial plaque at the church lists the names of 19 fallen soldiers of the First World War and nine victims of the Second World War. The building’s history and remembrance come together here: the church is both a defining feature of the centre and the focal point of the local memorial.
The former names of the village’s districts also tell the story of its settlement. The district once settled by Germans was formerly called Németfalu. The more densely built-up part of Hajmás, inhabited by Hungarians and now known as Kossuth utca, was called Magyarfalu. The fire brigade is another link to local history: in the first decades of the 20th century, it was among the municipality’s earliest associations. An old, fully restored fire engine is preserved and displayed as a keepsake in the village centre.
Church fairs and their history
A church fair in honour of Nagyboldogasszony (the Assumption of Mary) is held in Hajmás on 15 August or the nearby weekend. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the exact date in advance. A second church-fair tradition is specifically part of the village’s history: in the district inhabited by Swabians, another church fair was formerly held in November on St Elizabeth’s Day. The two customs therefore differ both in timing and in their historical context.
Cycling loop and the leisure farm’s facilities
For a longer bike ride, the 55.9-kilometre circular route “Körtúra a Zselic kiemelt látnivalóihoz” (Circular Tour of Zselic’s Main Attractions) provides a specific point of reference: the route passes through Hajmás after 37.4 kilometres. Check route access and road conditions before setting off. This lets you identify the village as a way point without confusing the stated total length of the loop with the section through Hajmás.
The Zselicvölgy Szabadidőfarm, also known as Hajmási szabadidőfarm, is another of the nature, cultural and other attractions near Hajmás. The farm promotes family leisure activities and events throughout the year. Visitor facilities include wellness options, a restaurant and sports activities. The restaurant promotes traditional Hungarian flavours as well as special dishes made with local ingredients in a picturesque setting. Individual programmes and the availability of facilities may change; check what is on offer for your dates before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Mosdós, Szentgáloskér, Mernye, Felsőmocsolád, Kercseliget, Somogyaszaló, Igal, Alsóbogát.
For the wider travel overview: Kaposvári.
