Discover Felsőszenterzsébet

The Kakukkvirág nature trail shares information about the flora of the surrounding area and the history of meadow farming. On the roof of the bell tower now visible in Felsőszenterzsébet, a cross and a star stand side by side as symbols of the Catholic and Reformed churches. In the wider region, the predecessor of the bell tower was built in Ramocsa in 1929 through the joint efforts of the Catholic and Reformed communities.

The nature trail connects themes from nature with the history of meadow farming: in addition to the flora of the surrounding area, its content also includes the former use of the meadows. Those interested in the landscape and how people have shaped it will find two different perspectives on the same subject here—plant life and land management.

The cross and star standing side by side on the bell tower catch the eye. The symbols represent the Catholic and Reformed churches. Together with the account of the predecessor tower, they provide a cultural connection that reaches beyond the visible structure: in 1929, the two communities jointly built its predecessor in Ramocsa. This historical connection concerns the wider region, while the symbols are on the present tower visible in Felsőszenterzsébet.

The wider Zala destination offers a range of landscapes and cultural sites, as well as leisure and thermal attractions. The Zalai Borvidék wine region extends across the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság hills and the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység mountains. It includes two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. The extent of the Zalai Borvidék gives travelers an idea of the scale of the wine-growing landscape in the wider Zala destination.

Zala is also shaped by diverse waterscapes and cultural landscapes. Kis-Balaton is the destination’s largest body of water, strictly protected and covering 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. In spring, the Azáleás-völgy in Zalaegerszeg’s Alsóerdő forest is a special sight for day-trippers. The Kotsy-vízimalom in Zalaszántó shows a 390-centimeter overshot waterwheel mechanism in operation.

The Zala destination offers further examples for those interested in culture: the Festetics kastély in Keszthely is Hungary’s fourth-largest palace and has 101 rooms. The ruins of Rezi vár stand atop a 418-meter-high dolomite ridge on Meleg-hegy, overlooking the Zalaszántó Basin. These destinations offer a different focus from the nature trail and bell tower in Felsőszenterzsébet; when choosing, you can consider whether you would rather focus on landscapes, architectural history, or regional culture.

Some regional activities have specific conditions. The Water Buffalo Festival takes place every year in May or June at the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum; the exact dates may vary from year to year. Visitors to the reserve can pet tame animals every day during opening hours. A 1.5-kilometer walking trail with rest areas and viewpoints runs through the reserve. Check the festival dates and opening hours before making plans.

For relaxation and water-based activities, Gelse Termálvölgy offers seven pools, including sports, family, and thermal-water leisure pools, as well as a children’s pool; wellness services are also available. Lake Hévíz is the world’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake. Therapeutic treatments there are available only by prior appointment; appointments can be booked at the therapy reception of the Festetics Bath House.

The Zalavári Történelmi Emlékpark also has set opening hours: the Millenniumi Emléképület and the Szent István kápolna can be visited free of charge during these hours. Check the current opening days before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Szentgyörgyvölgy, Lenti, Tormafölde, Lovászi, Zalabaksa, Csesztreg, Kerkateskánd, Gosztola.

What can you learn on the Kakukkvirág nature trail?

The nature trail shares information about the flora of the surrounding area and the history of meadow farming.

Which symbols are on the bell tower in Felsőszenterzsébet?

A cross and a star stand side by side on the roof as symbols of the Catholic and Reformed churches.

When does the Water Buffalo Festival take place in Zala?

It takes place every year in May or June at the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum. Dates may vary; visitors can pet tame animals every day during opening hours.

Go to the main travel overview: Lenti.