Nagyrada: Vineyard Hill, Kis-Balaton and Church

• Szelemi-hegy is Nagyrada’s vineyard hill, inviting you to stroll through the village and hike up the hill.
• A dusty, winding walking path leads from Nagyrada to the shore of Kis-Balaton; it starts opposite the church. The shore is accessible only on foot or by bicycle.
• Nagyrada borders Kis-Balaton and Balaton Uplands National Park almost directly.
• The Neo-Gothic church was completed in 1894. Its altarpiece is by János Vaszary.
• A cross dedicated to Saint Urban stands on Szelemi-hegy; a mass is held there every year on Saint Urban’s Day.

Szelemi-hegy is a natural focal point for anyone who wants to explore the landscape on foot: the hill is Nagyrada’s vineyard hill, and a stroll through the village can be combined with a hike up to the summit. Cezar Winery is also located on the hill.

Another destination is the shore of Kis-Balaton. The path starts opposite the church and leads from Nagyrada to the water as a dusty, winding walking path. Since the shore is accessible only on foot or by bicycle, bear this in mind when planning. This makes it easy to decide in advance whether an excursion to the water or a hike up Szelemi-hegy should take priority on your trip.

Nagyrada borders Kis-Balaton and Balaton Uplands National Park almost directly. Reeds along Kis-Balaton lie at the edges of Nagyrada’s gardens and are a popular nesting place for waterbirds. The interplay of shore, reeds and birdlife gives the local nature experience a tangible connection to the landscape.

Two details are especially useful for planning: the shore can be reached only on foot or by bicycle, and the walking path described here starts opposite the church.

Nagyrada’s Neo-Gothic church was completed in 1894. Its altarpiece in the main nave is by János Vaszary: it depicts King Stephen handing the crown to Mary and entrusting her with the care of Hungary. The windows are also part of the iconographic program. Seven round windows above the altar represent the seven sacraments; the church also has painted windows.

A cross on Szelemi-hegy commemorates Saint Urban. Every year on Saint Urban’s Day, the parish priest celebrates mass in front of it, where winemakers ask for a blessing for the coming year.

First, consider which experiences you want to prioritize: a stroll through the village and a hike up the vineyard hill, the path to Kis-Balaton, or the church’s architecture and art. If you plan to visit the shore, remember that it is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. These priorities can help you tailor your search for hotels in Nagyrada to your preferences without assuming a particular location or amenities for any individual accommodation.

If you would like to look beyond the village, Zala offers a distinctive regional setting: the Zalai Borvidék wine region developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. It comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements.

Discover more destinations: Miháld, Zalasárszeg, Gelse, Garabonc, Kisrécse, Zalakaros, Balatonmagyaród, Zalamerenye.

How can you reach the shore of Kis-Balaton from Nagyrada?

A dusty, winding walking path leads from Nagyrada to the shore and starts opposite the church. The shore is accessible only on foot or by bicycle.

What does the church’s altarpiece depict?

The altarpiece in the main nave, by János Vaszary, depicts King Stephen handing the crown to Mary and entrusting her with the care of Hungary.

What happens on Saint Urban’s Day on Szelemi-hegy?

The parish priest celebrates mass each year in front of the cross dedicated to Saint Urban. The winemakers ask for a blessing for the coming year.

Go to the main travel overview: Zalakarosi.