Fekete-hegy rises above Köveskál; small lakes with valuable relict plant communities lie at its summit. The village’s history can also be read in specific places: the Városkút karst spring emerges inside the historic washhouse, and a restored manor house preserves its original stylistic features. Here, nature and cultural heritage can be explored through different landscapes and architectural landmarks.

Nature on Fekete-hegy and at Sásdi-Rét

Köveskál lies within the protected area of Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park. Small lakes with valuable relict plant communities are found on Fekete-hegy, which rises above the village. Sásdi-Rét, around the ruins of the former Sásdikál church, is strictly protected and features numerous rare and picturesque wildflowers. The two natural attractions offer different highlights: at the summit, the focus is on lakes and relict plants; at Sásdi-Rét, on wildflowers and their setting around the ruins of the former church.

A specific hiking route is the 5 km Boros-Ádám nature trail. It starts at the Eötvös-Károly lookout point. The lookout point can be reached via hiking trails from Köveskál or Szentbékkálla.

Local history at churches, a spring and a manor house

The so-called Szégyenkő still stands in front of the Reformed Church. In the past, locals had to atone there for minor offences. Medieval red sandstone reliefs are preserved on the gate and façade of the Catholic Church; they probably came from Köveskál’s former church. These two historical references tell different stories: the Szégyenkő highlights former penance practices, while the reliefs point to a medieval ecclesiastical origin—though that attribution remains probable rather than certain.

The Városkút, the washhouse and their surroundings are protected as historic monuments. The Városkút karst spring emerges inside the historic washhouse. The spring and building thus form part of a shared local scene: the water surfaces inside the washhouse, while the protected area also includes the surroundings.

The Kelemen House is a restored, characteristic minor-noble manor house in Köveskál. Its original stylistic features and details have been preserved. At the same time, the cellar points to the building’s former use: it once served as the prison of the former market town. Architectural history and a specific function from the past come together in one building.

Art, local remembrance and wine

Bali Gallery is located in the barn of a 310-year-old house in Köveskál. At exhibition openings, which are often interactive, visitors can try out various artistic techniques. The venue thus combines a gallery in a historic barn with a hands-on activity offered in connection with exhibition openings.

Sebestyén is commemorated in Köveskál’s local history exhibition. For those interested in local remembrance as well as architectural and natural history, it offers another cultural point of interest.

For wine, Pálffy Pince welcomes guests on its wine terrace or in its tasting room. Tasting groups of at least eight people can book an appointment in advance. If a tasting is part of your stay, take this requirement into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Taliándörögd, Tapolca, Nemesgulacs, Balatonederics, Balatonhenye, Ábrahámhegy, Szentbékkálla, Lesencetomaj.

For the broader travel overview: Tapolcai.