Bázakerettye between the thermal bath, narrow-gauge railway and MAORT heritage
Accommodation in Bázakerettye
Bázakerettye combines a thermal bath with a narrow-gauge railway that crosses the entire settlement, and a distinctive history of oil production.
Bázakerettye facts at a glance
- The Bázakerettye bath began in 1938 with the construction of its first pool.
- The longest forest narrow-gauge railway in Transdanubia crosses the entire settlement.
- The MAORT residential estate was built in the early 1940s, modeled on American small towns.
- Nearby, the designated Rockenbauer Pál Memorial Tour passes Bázakerettye.
What bathing facilities define Bázakerettye?
The bath offers several pools, with their dimensions and water temperatures making it easy to choose: the swimming pool measures 33 × 15 meters and gradually deepens from 1.1 to 2.05 meters. There are also two thermal pools, one round at 36 °C and one heart-shaped at 30 °C, as well as a 36 °C whirlpool. A shallow paddling pool is available for small children.
The bath’s history began in 1938 with the first pool, which local residents immediately used as an open-air swimming area. It took on its present form through renovations and expansions in the mid-1990s. A buffet on the grounds serves refreshments and meals; secure storage is also available. Before your visit, check whether the bath and these facilities will be available on your travel dates.
How do the narrow-gauge railway and hiking tour fit into a visit?
The narrow-gauge railway crosses the entire settlement, while the designated Rockenbauer Pál Memorial Tour passes Bázakerettye in the surrounding area. These are two distinct points to consider when planning: the railway crosses the entire settlement, whereas the designated tour passes Bázakerettye nearby. Zalaerdő Rt. operates the railway; it runs according to a timetable, and special trains can be ordered on request. Before traveling, check current operations and whether it is possible to order a special train.
The railway’s history also includes a heritage train, which was among the services offered in 2004. On the completely renovated line, it was hauled by the small steam locomotive “Ábel.” The heritage train is part of the railway’s history. If the narrow-gauge railway is important to your trip, plan using current operating information rather than relying on its history alone.
What traces of oil production and local history can be found?
The MAORT residential estate is a small neighborhood with a few streets. The Magyar Amerikai Olajipari Részvénytársaság had it built in the early 1940s, modeled on American small towns. Dezső Antal designed the houses, which are in the Göcsej style and were intended for engineers and employees. Another building, the Munkásotthon, was built by the company on a high hill at the wooded edge above the oil workers’ settlement, which began to take shape in 1938.
Dezső Antal is also commemorated by a monument: in 2024, the Bázakerettye Jövőjéért Közhasznú Alapítvány had it erected on Sport út, the street of the former engineers’ homes, using funds from civic and business sources. Another historical trace is the kerettyei chapel, built by Tüttösy Ferenc after the death of his parents. The Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary contains a Latin inscription about Töttösi László, an assessor of Zala County: it records his birth in 1746 and his death on March 7, 1824.
What is useful to know when planning accommodation and a visit?
The bath is located at 8887 Bázakerettye, Sport út 1. The nearest bus stop is 180 meters away; check the distance locally and use current services to plan your journey. If the bath or narrow-gauge railway is a deciding factor in choosing where to stay, also check their respective operating and availability information before booking.
To compare other destinations, you can also consult the pages for Kerkaszentkirály, Lispeszentadorján, Letenye, Tótszerdahely and Petrivente.
FAQ
How far is the nearest bus stop from the bath?
The nearest bus stop is 180 meters away. Check the distance locally and look up current services separately.
What should I check before visiting the bath?
Check in advance whether the bath, buffet and secure storage will be available on your travel dates.
Is the “Ábel” heritage train currently available?
The heritage train hauled by the “Ábel” steam locomotive was offered in 2004. Check current railway services and operating hours before planning your trip around it.
For the broader travel overview: Letenye.