Culture, bathing options and nature offer different ways to shape your trip. In Kaposvár, museums, theatre and contemporary art take centre stage; at Lake Deseda, there is also a cycling route and a focus on local flora and fauna. Virágfürdő offers a range of bathing areas. You can tailor your choices to whether you would prefer to focus on exhibitions, theatre, water or landscapes.
Museum, theatre and fine art
The main building of the Rippl-Rónai Vármegyei Hatókörű Városi Múzeum on Fő utca has nine permanent exhibitions as well as temporary exhibitions. The number of permanent exhibitions may change if the museum is reorganised, so it is worth checking the current overview if you want to visit a particular display. The museum preserves and presents the historical, scientific, cultural and artistic heritage of Kaposvár and Somogy County.
The Csiky Gergely Színház also brings a historic venue together with an ongoing stage programme. Its listed building on Rákóczi tér is designed in the Art Nouveau style. The theatre opened on 2 September 1911 with the operetta “The Gypsy Baron” by Johann Strauss II. Each year, the programme features classics of Hungarian and world literature as well as contemporary works; it also includes several premieres. Since programmes change, check the current schedule for a specific date.
The Vaszary Képtár is the most significant venue for contemporary fine art in Kaposvár and the region. Its modern, climate-controlled exhibition space covers nearly 500 m². Formats presented there include regional and national thematic exhibitions, as well as group and retrospective exhibitions. This gives the gallery a different focus from the museum: contemporary art and changing exhibition themes, rather than a broad overview of the heritage of the city and county.
The ruin garden of the Szentjakabi Bencés Apátság offers an older historical perspective. It is considered Kaposvár’s oldest architectural heritage site. The range therefore extends from the history of the abbey to the theatre building and the exhibitions at the museum and gallery, with each place exploring a different subject.
Bathing options at Virágfürdő
Virágfürdő comprises an indoor adventure pool, an outdoor lido, a thermal bath, a swimming pool and a wellness area. Options for different swimming and bathing interests include a learner pool, a 25-metre pool, a 50-metre competition pool and a seasonal 50-metre outdoor pool. The facilities cater for everything from swimming lessons to professional sport. The outdoor pool’s seasonal operation is important for planning; the availability of individual pools may also vary.
The indoor adventure pool’s 28–31°C adventure pool is equipped with a current channel, neck showers, underwater bubble plates, side massage and jets. The whirlpool reaches 36–38°C and offers the family a chance to relax, even in bad weather. The pools therefore differ in both temperature and facilities, as well as in their intended use.
Lake Deseda and the Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet
Lake Deseda and its surroundings in the north of Kaposvár form a locally protected natural area with diverse flora and fauna. A cycling route about 14.5 km long runs around the lake; in 2022, it received the title “Cycle Route of the Year”. The circular route is a practical option for anyone who wants to explore the lakeside by bicycle. Since trail conditions may change, factor them into your plans.
Another way to experience nature is the Fekete harkály tanösvény in the Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet, where guided tours are offered. The organisation of these tours may change, so check the current options if you plan to join one. At the Fekete-István Visitor Centre, the exhibition “Békalencse, vízipásztor, fakopács – a Deseda élővilága” focuses on the flora and fauna of Lake Deseda. Since exhibition content may change, it is worth checking what is currently on offer if you are particularly interested in this subject.
Within the wider Lake Balaton - South destination, the Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet was awarded International Dark Sky Park status in 2009 because of its low light pollution. The Zselici Csillagpark was built in the heart of the protected area.
Discover more destinations: Hajmás, Alsóbogát, Kaposkeresztúr, Mernye, Somogygeszti, Kercseliget, Gadács, Taszár.
Back to the wider travel overview: Kaposvári.
