An artificial lake, a lookout tower in a converted drilling rig, and a forest nature trail give Nagykanizsa a range of natural attractions. The city’s history is also reflected in a church dating from the early 18th century and a monument commemorating the former castle. These distinct features offer several ways to get to know the town, from its impounded waters to reminders of its castle era.

Lake, Forest and Urban Green Space

Lake Csónakázó was created by damming the Bakónak stream. Its water surface covers 41.16 hectares. On the eastern shore stands a 48-metre-high lookout tower housed in a converted, disused drilling rig. The lake thus brings together a precisely documented history of its creation and an unusual structure. If you plan to visit the tower, check the latest access information in advance.

The 1,400-metre-long Madárerdő nature trail runs through the forest. Information boards introduce the bird species typical of the area and their distinctive behaviours. For a different kind of activity, there is the XCO mountain bike course in Nagykanizsa. It is 4,200 metres long, with 160 metres of elevation gain, and is part of the recreational area around Lake Csónakázó. The XCO course is three times as long as the nature trail. It also has 160 metres of elevation gain. You can compare the two activities by type and by the stated route measurements.

Another green landmark is Sétakert. At four hectares, it is the city’s largest park by area. If you would like to focus on a park rather than water, forest or mountain biking when choosing what to explore in Nagykanizsa, this is another clearly identified place to visit.

Church and Remembrance of the Castle

The Alsóvárosi templom, also known as the Szent József Plébániatemplom, was built for the Franciscans between 1702 and 1714. Bricks and stones from the demolished castle were used in its construction. Its history therefore links a precisely dated church building with the reuse of materials from the castle.

The Várkapu monument commemorates the historical era of the former castle. The bust in front of it depicts Thury György, the castle’s best-known captain. The two references to the past are distinct: the church recalls the origin of its building materials, while the monument commemorates the castle era and a figure from its history.

The Wider Zala Travel Destination

Within the wider travel destination of Zala, the Zalai Borvidék is one of the region’s landscape and cultural features. It developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the north-western slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. The wine region comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. Zala can thus also be viewed as a wine region with distinct subdivisions, whose landscapes and settlement patterns extend beyond any one place.

The Kis-Balaton has a different landscape. It is Zala’s largest body of water, is strictly protected and covers 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. The comparison with Lake Csónakázó highlights two different features: while the lake in Nagykanizsa was created by damming, the Kis-Balaton is defined by its protected status, size and literary connections.

Discover more destinations: Nagyrécse, Sormás, Nagybakónak, Pölöskefő, Magyarszerdahely, Újudvar

Return to the wider travel overview: Nagykanizsai.