Kéthely on Lake Balaton between vineyards, forests and history

Kéthely between wooded hills and history

Historic buildings and wooded hills give Kéthely on Lake Balaton a varied character. The village combines local history with landscape, a market and viticulture. Those wishing to combine landscape and local history in Kéthely on the same day can include Kastély-domb, the vineyards and the historic buildings in their own daily itinerary. Walks and excursions are among the possibilities offered by the village with its vineyards and forests.

Landscape at Kastély-domb

Kastély-domb lies west of Kéthely. At 256 metres, it is the highest point of the wooded Marcali-hát. The vineyards reaching up to the houses and Kéthely's extensive forests offer opportunities for walks and excursions. The wooded ridge is clearly distinct from the vineyards that reach up to the houses.

Church, Parish House and Statue

The Roman Catholic Szentháromság Church was extended in the Baroque style in 1739; the work was completed in 1750. The Roman Catholic parish house was built around 1830 in the Empire style, using the parish house that had burned down in 1828. The Trinity statue on Hősök tér was created in the Copf style in 1790. A walk focused on local history can be arranged around Szentháromság Church, the parish house and the Trinity statue on Hősök tér.

Hunyady Castle and Fancsi Fortress

Hunyady Castle was built around 1760 in the Baroque style and extended between 1912 and 1920 in the Neo-Baroque style. The ruins of Fancsi Fortress stand on the hill at the end of Vár utca. Fancsi Fortress was part of the chain of fortresses between Lake Balaton and the Drava that emerged between 1541 and 1556. Its preserved ramparts are 3 to 5 metres deep and 8 to 12 metres wide. The castle and fortress thus represent different historical periods, which can be viewed separately as part of a day's programme.

Market and Viticulture

At Kéthelyi Termelői Piac, vegetables and fruit from local producers, processed foods and handicraft products are offered on Saturdays. Breakfast and lunch are also available. When planning a Saturday, the market combines regional produce with the option of breakfast and lunch. Harmath Pincészet winery has 24 hectares of vineyards on the gentle slopes of Baglashegy. The market and viticulture remain clearly distinct: one is tied to Saturday, the other to the gentle slopes of Baglashegy.

Chapel, Festival and Petting Zoo

The Mária-napi búcsú is still held today at the chapel on Szőlőhegy. Három Góbé Tanya in Kéthely offers a petting zoo. The chapel on Szőlőhegy and Három Góbé Tanya in Kéthely expand excursion planning with a festival date and a petting zoo.

Other Places on Lake Balaton

Other places on Lake Balaton: Ordacsehi, Marcali, Balatongyörök, Revfülöp, Balatonújlak, Alsöörs, Nemesvita and Gyenesdias.

Photo: Random photos 1989 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0