Somogygeszti: Castle Park, Culture and Hiking

• The Deseda stream flows through Somogygeszti.
• Jankovich-Bésán Castle Park lies within the built-up area and is a locally protected natural area.
• The Roman Catholic church dates from 1773; its tower was added in 1852.
• There is a checkpoint for the Dél-Dunántúli-Piros hiking trail in Somogygeszti.

Jankovich-Bésán Castle Park is known for its botanical value. The trees described include large plane trees and lime trees, as well as groups of spruces and Scots pines. Several different tree species are therefore central to the area’s nature and landscape; visitors who include Somogygeszti in their travel plans for its natural features will find specific names here rather than just a general description of the park.

The castle garden is a locally protected natural area and is privately owned. These two details describe its protection status and ownership. The park’s location within the built-up area is a separate point of reference: it is within the built-up part of the settlement, not outside it.

The manor house has a construction and renovation history with two clearly distinct dates: Botka János had it built in the early 1820s. Count Jankovich-Bésán József had the building renovated in 1926–1927. The later date therefore refers to the renovation, not the original construction.

The Church of St John the Baptist can also be placed in its historical context. The Roman Catholic church dates from 1773; the tower was added in 1852. The two dates refer to different phases of construction. Together with the history of the manor house, they offer a specific cultural focus for travellers who wish to consider the area’s architectural history as well as its nature during their stay.

The nearest railway station is in Mernye, 5 kilometres from Somogygeszti. A different route is described for road access: from main road 67, the access road to Somogygeszti runs for 5 kilometres from the junction near Mernye. The fact that both distances are the same does not mean that the station and the junction are the same starting point. If you are travelling by train, use Mernye as your station; if you are travelling by road, follow the access road from main road 67.

The checkpoint for the Dél-Dunántúli-Piros hiking trail is at Nemzeti Dohánybolt, Szabadság utca 25. The trail is marked as far as this checkpoint in Somogygeszti. The section between Somogygeszti and Mernyeszentmiklós was rerouted after part of the former route was ploughed over. The new route is shown on the ground and on online maps. If you use this section to plan your hike, follow the new route and its markings.

If you would like to compare Somogygeszti with other destinations, you can also find pages here for Hajmás, Szentgáloskér, Ruppertiberg, Mosdós, Polány, Gadács, Kercseliget and Bőszénfa.

Where is the nearest railway station?

The nearest railway station is in Mernye, 5 kilometres from Somogygeszti.

Where is the hiking trail checkpoint?

It is at Nemzeti Dohánybolt, Szabadság utca 25, in Somogygeszti.

Is the castle garden privately owned?

Yes. Jankovich-Bésán Castle Garden is privately owned and is a locally protected natural area.

For the broader travel overview: Kaposvári.