Discover Balatonfenyves: Nature, Beaches and Culture

Nagyberek and its waterbird life

The special character of Balatonfenyves is revealed in Nagyberek. The Fehérvízi-Láp area is located there; it was placed under protection in 1977 and is now also within the scope of the Ramsar Convention. The landscape is characterised by a diverse waterbird population. Great egrets, little egrets, night herons and bitterns are among them, as are numerous migratory birds resting here. From Balatonfenyves, the area can be reached as part of guided canoe tours organised by the local tourism association. In this way, the waterscape and wildlife observation are combined with a specifically named activity in Nagyberek.

Shore and water at Központi strand

Központi strand has a shore section approximately one kilometre long. The water is shallow and gradually becomes deeper, making the contour of the shore immediately noticeable while swimming. The beach also has wheelchair-accessible beach access, barrier-free paths and a toilet suitable for wheelchair users. The location therefore offers not only a named beach section but also clearly described facilities for getting around and using the site.

Travelling by train and narrow-gauge railway

Balatonfenyves railway station can be reached hourly by the Balaton and Tópart InterCity trains. In addition, scheduled train services operate on the Balatonfenyves–Központi Főmajor (Imremajor)–Somogyszentpál route. The Balatonfenyvesi kisvasút plays a special role and is used by tourists and local residents alike.

Local history and recurring events

The Mari-Etta Helytörténeti Gyűjtemény was established on the occasion of Balatonfenyves's 125th birthday. In summer, it is the weekly venue for the discussion series “Fenyvesi Esték – beszélgetések fenyvesiekkel, fenyvesiekről”. The focus is on people and life in the local area. The Kisvasúti Nap provides another permanent connection to the history of the narrow-gauge railway: Balatonfenyves has held it for more than two decades on the first Saturday in September.

Historical destinations in the surrounding area

Several named historical destinations are located in the immediate vicinity of Balatonfenyves. Szigliget vár is a ruin. Fekete-Kastély is described as a historical site. The ruins of Pálos kolostor romjai are also located in the surrounding area. Csillagvár is another historical site. These different types of destinations range from a castle ruin and historical sites to monastery ruins, providing several specific points of interest for excursions around Balatonfenyves.

Mountains and hills in the surrounding region

The landscape around the area is also associated with individual names. Badacsony is located near Balatonfenyves and is a mountain. Fonyódi-hegy, a hill, lies in the immediate vicinity. Edericsi-hegy and Köves-tető, both mountains, are located in the wider surrounding region.

Other places in the Lake Balaton network: Nikla, Felsőörs, Látrány, Kisapáti, Kéthely, Balatonújlak, Taliándörögd

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Balatonfenyves: Beach holiday with a narrow-gauge railway and Nagyberek.

Photo: Elekes Andor via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0