Ortaháza: Village History and Cycling Route

The Czigány-kereszt stands at the corner of the community center and was erected in 1914. A chapel built in 1926 stands in the center of the village; a building originally constructed as a bell tower was later converted into a chapel. The Takács-kereszt is in the former schoolyard, and the Kovács-kereszt is in the village center. The “Zala két keréken” cycling tour also passes through Ortaháza and continues to Gutorfölde.

The crosses are located in distinct, clearly identified places: the Czigány-kereszt stands at the corner of the community center, the Takács-kereszt is in the former schoolyard, and the Kovács-kereszt is in the village center. This makes it possible to experience local history through specific places rather than viewing it only as an abstract topic. The location details help distinguish the three crosses from one another.

The chapel’s history also spans different periods: the chapel in the center was built in 1926, while a building initially constructed as a bell tower was later converted into a chapel. Mass is no longer celebrated in the chapel.

The “Zala két keréken” route passes through Ortaháza and continues from there to Gutorfölde. This makes Ortaháza part of a named cycling route connecting the two villages. If you would like to include the tour in your travel plans, check the current route status before setting off.

The Zalai Borvidék is part of the region’s wider context: it developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and along the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. The wine region comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. This describes a broader landscape and regional structure in Zala, not a feature specific to Ortaháza.

Another landscape highlight is Kis-Balaton. It is Zala’s largest body of water, is strictly protected, and covers 14,745 hectares. It also provides the setting for István Fekete’s novels “Tüskevár” and “Téli berek.” Nature and literature converge here; for travel planning, this is a different focus from Ortaháza’s local history and cycling route.

The wider Zala destination also offers seasonal activities and opportunities to get active. The Azáleás-völgy in Zalaegerszeg’s Alsóerdő is a spring attraction for day-trippers. At the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum, a 1.5-kilometer walking trail passes rest areas and viewpoints. Visitors to the reserve are allowed to pet the tame animals every day during opening hours. The Water Buffalo Festival is also held there each year in May or June; the exact dates may vary from year to year.

In the wider Zala destination, Gelse Termálvölgy offers seven pools, including sports, family, and thermal-water adventure pools, as well as a children’s pool, along with wellness services. AquaCity in Zalaegerszeg is another water park in the wider Zala destination. These regional examples complement the information about Ortaháza but are not features of the village itself.

Discover more destinations: Szentgyörgyvölgy, Zalabaksa, Lenti, Alsószenterzsébet, Gutorfölde, Csesztreg, Nemesnép, Tormafölde.

Where are the three crosses in Ortaháza?

The Czigány-kereszt stands at the corner of the community center, the Takács-kereszt is in the former schoolyard, and the Kovács-kereszt is in the village center.

What historical information is available about the chapel?

The chapel in the center of Ortaháza was built in 1926. In addition, a building originally constructed as a bell tower was later converted into a chapel.

Does a cycling route pass through Ortaháza?

Yes. The “Zala két keréken” cycling tour passes through Ortaháza and continues to Gutorfölde. Check the current route status before setting off.

For the wider travel overview: Lenti.