Felsőnyék – Nature and Cultural Heritage

• Kollárti-Rét is a 31-hectare nature reserve of local significance on the Sió Canal.
• The Roman Catholic church stands in the village center beside the cemetery and preserves Gothic masonry remains from the 15th century.
• Vineyards cover nearly 180 hectares on the slopes of Fölhegy, Középhegy and Alhegy.

Kollárti-Rét is a nature reserve of local significance within the administrative area of Felsőnyék, on the Sió Canal. Common redshanks and common snipes can be found there in spring. This gives you two distinct points of reference: the figure of 31 hectares describes the size of the protected area, while the presence of these two bird species provides a seasonal connection. Spring is therefore the specific season documented for this birdlife, while the protected status identifies the area regardless of the season.

The vineyards are also part of Felsőnyék’s landscape. They lie on the slopes of Fölhegy, Középhegy and Alhegy and cover nearly 180 hectares in total. The three named slopes and the area they cover give viticulture a prominent place in the village landscape. When planning your trip, you can consider this landscape alongside the seasonal birdlife at Kollárti-Rét: the two features offer different points of connection for interests in nature and landscapes.

The Roman Catholic church stands in the village center beside the cemetery. It preserves Gothic masonry remains from the 15th century and was renovated in 1836 with the support of Prince Fülöp Batthyány. These details refer to different building phases: the masonry remains date from the Gothic period, while the renovation took place in the 19th century. The history of the building can thus be traced through specific features from distinct periods.

The Roman Catholic rectory at 38 Kossuth Street is listed as a protected building. The late Baroque building was formerly an 18th-century manor house. The Reformed church offers a different architectural perspective: its tower is 33 meters high. It houses two bells cast by László Szlezák, weighing 420 and 100 kilograms, respectively. The rectory, church and bells each represent different aspects of the village’s architectural and cultural history.

On Felsőnyék’s Várhegy stands a castle complex dating from the 13th century, first mentioned in 1315. The two dates have different meanings: the 13th century indicates the complex’s origins, while 1315 is the year of its first mention. The fortification consists of four sections; the first and middle sections were already in use during the Bronze Age. Várhegy thus offers traces of early use alongside the medieval castle complex. Distinguishing between the dates helps put these traces in context without treating the construction date and first mention as the same thing.

Nearby, between Magyarkeszi and Felsőnyék, lies the one-hectare Tükrösi Lake, surrounded by woodland. It is considered the smallest fishing lake in the county and preserves memories of the Hungarian Conquest. Its location between the two villages is key to understanding its geography; the lake is a distinct natural and historical feature in the surrounding area.

The wider destination of Tolna offers more nature, bathing and cultural experiences. Tamási Thermal Bath has a sauna area, recreational pools and medicinal water. Facilities and opening arrangements may change, so check the current information provided by the operator before visiting.

In Szekszárd, the Babits Mihály Memorial House is located in the more than 200-year-old Kelemen House. It is a literary memorial site. The Wosinsky Mór Museum is also in Szekszárd. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Mondays; opening hours may differ on public holidays. Be sure to check the hours in advance, especially if your visit falls on a public holiday.

Pipo Castle and the Pacsmag Lakes are also among Tolna’s regional attractions. The castle was built by Filippo Scolari, who came from Florence. The Pacsmag Lakes are an important Hungarian habitat for the strictly protected ferruginous duck. Together, these attractions span themes from nature and thermal baths to literary and architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Simontornya, Hőgyész, Szakadát, Miszla, Kalaznó, Magyarkeszi, Tamasi and Nagykónyi.

When can you see common redshanks and common snipes at Kollárti-Rét?

These two bird species can be found there in spring. Kollárti-Rét is a 31-hectare nature reserve of local significance on the Sió Canal.

What does the year 1315 mean for the castle complex on Várhegy?

1315 is the year it was first mentioned. The castle complex itself dates from the 13th century.

Where is Tükrösi Lake?

The one-hectare lake, surrounded by woodland, lies nearby between Magyarkeszi and Felsőnyék. It is considered the smallest fishing lake in the county.

Go to the wider travel guide: Tamási.