Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 09:57
In the heart of the “capital of Lake Balaton,” a small artisan workshop in Keszthely crafts handmade chocolates from premium Belgian ingredients. One of their most unique creations features sea buckthorn.
Last modification: 2022. March. 01. 12:51
Choose an outdoor spot for sports activities whenever it is possible. While you are on holiday, a lake-shore area, the edge of a forest or a park could be the most ideal spot for active recreation.
Hévíz and its surroundings provide you with good cycling facilities; there are a number of built cycle tracks and marked cycle routes. While cycling, you can get to know the towns and superb landscapes of the Balaton Highlands, the volcanic hills and the valleys hiding between the shore hills as well as the wildlife of the Kis-Balaton. You can hire a bike in various places, including tourist offices, hotels and even guest houses.
From January 2021, we await our guests with a whole new set of bicycles, e-bikes!
| 3 hours |
24 hours |
3 or more days |
|
| Classic bicycle |
4 900 Ft | 6 900 Ft | 6 500 Ft/day |
| e-bike - NEUZER |
6 000 Ft | 9 000 Ft | 8 000 Ft/day |
| e-Trekking BIANCHI | 9 000 Ft | 14 000 Ft | 12 500 Ft/day |
| e-MTB fully BIANCHI | 14 000 Ft | 22 000 Ft | 20 000 Ft/day |
/We reserve the right to change./
Pick-up and Return:
Bikes can be collected at the Tourinform Hévíz office and must be returned to the same place no later than 30 minutes before closing time, or stored overnight in a locked place. Rental extension is possible with an extra fee (grace period max. 30 minutes).
Payment:
The rental fee must be paid in advance. Accepted payment methods: cash, bank card, SZÉP card. Payment is made in HUF.
Equipment and Accessories:
Bikes are handed over in proper technical condition. Helmets, child seats, phone holders, baskets, panniers, and bottle holders are available on request. E-bikes are provided fully charged.
Use:
The renter must comply with traffic regulations and use the bike properly. It is forbidden to leave the bike unattended or unlocked. Overnight, it should be stored in a locked or guarded place whenever possible.
Liability:
After collection, all risks are borne by the renter. The renter is financially responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of the bike, as well as for any damages or violations caused with the bike. Any damage must be reported and settled immediately upon return.
Data Protection:
Personal data required for the rental will be processed by Hévízi Turisztikai Nonprofit Kft. in accordance with its privacy policy.
This summary is for informational purposes only. The detailed terms and conditions are set out in the rental agreement signed on site.
On several beaches of Lake Balaton you can rent canoes, kayaks, SUP and of course paddle boats. If you want to experience something more challenging, you can also try the water adventure park on the Municipal Beach of Keszthely or the water skiing track on the beach of Vonyarcvashegy. Going on a pleasure cruise is less active but also can be great fun. There are not only scheduled boat services from the Keszthely pier but also themed excursion boats. And if you want to drive a boat yourself, you can hire a small motorboat in the bay.
The Balaton-Uplands National Park organises canoe trips to Diás Island on the Gyöngyös stream during the summer. The group can visit the István Fekete Memorial and Uncle Matula’s Hut, which evokes the atmosphere of the famous Hungarian novel Tüskevár. Advance booking is required for the tours. Guided tours around the Kányavár Island on Kis-Balaton are also available.
Paddling on the River Zala for 12 km from Zalaapáti to Zalavár, an easy all-day programme for everyone
Those who are attracted to extreme conditions can try paddling on the steaming Hévíz Stream from November to March. As protected plants bloom in the stream in the summer and several water birds breed in the reeds along the banks, paddling on the stream is only allowed in the winter with a tour guide. However, it's a fantastic experience, especially if it is snowing. You can have more details about tours at the Hévíz Tourinform Office during the winter season.
A limit is introduced on the accessible territories of the Lake Bath, which determines the simultaneous capacity of the facilities. For up‑to‑date information, please contact the information desk:
E‑mail: spaheviz@spaheviz.hu
Mobile: +36 30 959 1002
Due to technical preparation work, phased closures on the water surface and shoreline are expected.

Yearly opening hours |
|||
| Opening | End of bathing and wellness time | Closing | |
| 2025.10.06. - 2025.10.25. | 9:00 | 17:00 | 17:30 |
| 2025.10.26. - 2026.02.08. | 8:30 | 16:00 | 16:30 |
| 2026.02.09. - 2026.03.29. | 9:00 | 17:00 | 17:30 |
Closing time on 24.12.2025 is at 14:00; on 31.12.2025 at 16:00. Opening time is at 11:00 on 01.01.2026.
2-hour admission + WELLNESS ACCESS |
|
| Valid only on the day of purchase – entitles to a one-time entry. Includes the use of the wellness area. An additional charge will be levied if the allotted time limit is exceeded. Additional time extension cannot be purchased after the time limit has expired. Admission for children under the age of 6 is free of charge. | |
| 2-hour admission | 3 000 HUF |
| 2-hour admission seniors - Available for individuals over the age of 60. Can be purchased upon prior presentation of a valid photo ID. | 2 500 HUF |
| 2-hour admission students - Available for individuals over the age of 14. Can be purchased upon prior presentation of a valid student card. | 2 500 HUF |
| 2-hour admission children - Available for children aged 6 to 14. | 1 500 HUF |
| 2-hour admission groups - Discounted 2-hour admission - available for groups of 20 people or more, if payed in one sum. | 2500 HUF/Person |
Memberships + WELLNESS ACCESS |
|
| 10-hour membership - Valid for 20 days (can be used on the day of purchase + 19 calendar days) - the pass grants entry twice per day. Includes the use of the wellness area. The deposit is refundable within 5 calendar days after the expiration date. | 13 000 Ft + 2 000 Ft deposit |
| 20-hour membership - Valid for 30 days (can be used on the day of purchase + 29 calendar days) - the pass grants entry twice per day. Includes the use of the wellness area. The deposit is refundable within 5 calendar days after the expiration date. | 23 000 Ft + 2 000 Ft deposit |
Other rates |
|
| + 1 hour extension - Usable for extending the 2-hour admission. Valid once per admission. | 1 500 HUF |
| Additional charge - For exceeding the allotted time limit, payable for every 30 minutes. | 1 000 HUF |
| Cloakroom - Operates seasonally - the fee applies per coat/package. | 300 HUF |
| Safety deposit box - Usage is free of charge. |
2000 HUF deposit |
| Swimring rental - Daily fee. | 700 HUF + 2 000 HUF deposit |
| Sauna towel | 500 HUF |
Online purchased tickets and gift vouchers can be redeemed at the information desk located in the Festetics Day Spa.
Gift vouchers purchased from 1 October 2025, can be redeemed between 1 April 2026 and 31 October 2026.
Last modification: 2019. June. 12. 14:13
Last modification: 2021. April. 23. 13:01
Last modification: 2019. July. 22. 13:21
Last modification: 2020. April. 22. 11:47
Last modification: 2024. August. 16. 13:38
Learn about the most important wellness treatments
Last modification: 2024. August. 16. 13:40
Last modification: 2019. July. 22. 11:55
Last modification: 2024. July. 22. 09:32
Last modification: 2025. June. 30. 15:29
The project Be Ready (UrBan hEat islands REsilience, prepAreDness and mitigation strategy) addresses the climate change capacities in the Danube Region taking into account ecosystem-based approaches. The common challenge to be tackled is urban heat islands (UHI). The recent unprecedented heat waves demonstrate the acute need to strengthen the preparedness and adaptive capacity of the society to cope with impacts of climate change and foster resilience at city level.

Experts from public institutions, scientific institutions, civil organizations and businesses will come together to learn about the risks of urban heat islands and to actively participate in the further activities of the project, the elimination of heat islands.

The Be Ready (UrBan Heat Islands Resilience, PrepAreDness and mitigation Strategy) project deals with the climate change capabilities of the Danube region, taking ecosystem-based approaches into account. The common challenge is urban heat islands (UHIs). The recent unprecedented heat waves show the urgent need to strengthen the preparedness and adaptability of society. cope with the impacts of climate change and promote resilience at the urban level.
The Municipality of Hévíz City participates as a consortium partner in the project, where a total of 19 partners from 12 countries joined together to jointly develop solutions to mitigate the effects of heat islands in the urban environment. Partner cities, including Hévíz, develop action plans to tackle urban heat islands through data analysis, urban planning solutions, regulations, increased awareness and infrastructure measures. In connection with this, the local workshop will be held on November 6, 2024, where the work of the relevant professional and civil organizations will begin. During the program, they get to know the overall goals of the project, the research that has already been completed as part of it, the methodology of the risk assessment prepared by the partners, and its use. They create some sort of joint pact to reduce urban heat islands.

Elimination of urban heat islands in order to improve the quality of life of the population and guests.

The Be Ready (UrBan Heat Islands - UHI - Resilience, PrepAreDness and mitigation Strategy) project deals with the climate change capabilities of the Danube region. The Municipality of Hévíz City participates as a consortium partner in the project, where a total of 19 partners from 12 countries joined together to jointly develop solutions to mitigate the effects of heat islands in the urban environment.
Representatives of the following organizations participated in the workshop:
Hévíz City Municipality
Hévíz St. Andrew's Rheumatology Hospital and Spa
Balaton Uplands National Park
Hévíz Entrepreneurs' Association
Hévíz Room Publishers' Association
Liget Hévíz Ltd.
Hévíz Television Ltd.
Bonvital Gastro & Wellness Hotel
Noppa Ltd.
Kisalföldi Enterprise Development Foundation
Hévíz Palace Hotel
BOKU University, Vienna
The partner cities, including Hévíz, develop action plans to combat urban 'hotspots' using data analysis, urban planning solutions, regulations and infrastructure measures.
As the average summer temperature rises, urban heat islands (UHI) are increasingly forming, which pose a health risk to residents and visitors, especially among the oldest and youngest, as well as sick people. The unprecedented heat waves experienced recently show that there is an urgent need to strengthen the preparedness and adaptability of society and to consciously (re)shape our living spaces in defense against the heat.
The aim of the project in Hévíz is to assess the city's hottest spots and develop solutions for their effective cooling or elimination. Efforts must be made to ensure that, within the framework of the 2-year program, there are immediate solutions, unique model projects and long-term strategic proposals at the local level as well.
The BeReady project consists of 5 phases, of which the III. stage preparation is underway in Hévíz. In Phase I, the research institutes assessed the general characteristics of the heat islands and are working on methods to map them. The II. the partners got to know the methods. The current III. with the involvement of the localities, locally affected partners, professional organizations, experts and the population, they will assess their own heat islands based on the methodology and their risk in order to be able to formulate proposals to prevent the formation of heat islands or eliminate existing ones. This will be followed by IV. phase, in which specific tasks and pilot projects must be implemented to reduce heat islands, the results of which will have to be reported and the results published in phase V.

Experts from public institutions, scientific institutions, civil organizations and businesses came together to learn about the risks of urban heat islands and to actively participate in the further activities of the project, the elimination of heat islands on the 6th November 2024 for a local workshop. The crowd of 18 guests got familar with the whole project, and started to learn the about the metodology which will used to measure and collect the local datas to provide the UHI vulnerability of Hévíz.
https://www.heviz.hu/en/news/news/beready-project-in-heviz

As part of the BeReady project (Urban Heat Islands Resilience, Preparedness and Mitigation Strategy), the City of Hévíz has completed a vulnerability assessment related to urban heat islands (UHI).
The assessment was based on a methodology jointly developed by expert partners involved in the project (Urban Planning Institute of Slovenia, BOKU, STUBA, Science and Technology Park Niš), with the goal of reducing risks related to the heat island effect.
The aim of the report is to map the vulnerability and preparedness of the city of Hévíz in the face of increasingly frequent summer heatwaves and extreme temperature events. The city’s analysis was carried out using four key criteria: exposure, sensitivity, preparedness, and adaptive capacity.
The assessment highlighted the urban areas most exposed to the heat island effect—particularly densely built commercial zones and areas with low green space coverage. In the next phase of the project, concrete adaptation and UHI mitigation measures will be developed with the involvement of the local community, paying special attention to the needs of vulnerable population groups.
Within the framework of the BeReady project, an online platform offering Urban Heat Island (UHI) Vulnerability Assessment Tools has been made available. This platform supports municipalities and professional stakeholders in identifying and managing the risks and vulnerabilities related to the heat island effect.
Its purpose is to assist local authorities and relevant actors in assessing the level of their UHI vulnerability, raising awareness of at-risk groups, and identifying opportunities for development within relevant policies, practices, and in terms of adaptive capacity and preparedness.
The platform offers a simplified self-assessment tool that allows cities to evaluate their UHI exposure, sensitivity, preparedness, and adaptive capacity based on their own data. The methodology is built around four core elements: exposure, sensitivity, preparedness, and adaptive capacity.
In addition, the platform showcases good and promising practices for mitigating UHI impacts and encourages the exchange of experiences and solutions between cities.
Users of the platform also have access to a glossary that helps them understand the technical terms and abbreviations used. Where needed, BeReady partners provide direct support and mentoring through the platform.
The BeReady project aims to provide research-based, assessment, and operational tools to help local and regional authorities better understand the UHI phenomenon, identify its causes, and develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The platform is available at the following link: https://be-uhi-ready.net/vulnerability-assessment-tools/
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 09:41
Pickles, fermented vegetables, smoky zakuska, homemade jams, and roasted hazelnuts — all crafted from homegrown produce, free of additives, just like grandma used to make.
Imagine a vast body of water — over 1,000 meters deep and more than 400 times the size of Lake Balaton — once rippling across this land. The story of the Pannonian Lake is not just a fascinating chapter of geological history, but a legacy that continues to shape the region: it left behind mineral resources, fertile soils, and even inspired legends. Discover how an ancient lake transformed Transdanubia — and why its impact is still felt today.
An Inland Sea for Millions of Years
At its greatest extent, the Pannonian Lake covered an enormous area, far surpassing the size of today’s Balaton. For millions of years (approximately 12 to 8.5 million years ago), it dominated the region. As surrounding mountain ranges gradually rose, the lake became cut off from the world’s oceans. Its water slowly turned fresh, and its basin began to fill with sediments. Because of its isolation, the lake developed a unique ecosystem with many endemic species.
The Lake Didn’t Appear Overnight
The Pannonian Lake didn’t simply “appear” in the Carpathian Basin. Its formation was the result of millions of years of tectonic activity and shifting climate. It emerged as an independent, enclosed body of water — no longer connected to the open seas.
Deep Waters, Varied Shores
In some areas, the lake reached depths of over 1,000 meters. Elsewhere, shallower zones supported lagoons, river deltas, and small, isolated lakes. During high water periods, rocky shorelines formed along the mountain fringes — traces of which can still be found today in the Keszthely Hills and the Mecsek Mountains.
The Lake’s Retreat — and Sediment Legacy
Despite its size, the lake was eventually filled in by immense volumes of sediment, carried mainly by rivers flowing from the Alps and the Carpathians. Over the course of 6.5 million years, it gradually disappeared from the landscape.
What did it leave behind?
Its sediments — composed mostly of sand, clay, and fine silt — became the so-called “Pannonian formations,” which today hold key mineral resources (such as petroleum) and aquifers. These formations define much of the surface geology of Transdanubia, including the Zala Hills.
Fertile soils later formed on the laminated silty and clay-rich deposits of the Somló Formation. Even the legendary “Tihany goat’s hoof” fossils — actually worn shell fragments of the Congeria ungulacaprae mollusk — can still be found embedded in these ancient layers.
The Final Lakes and a Gradual Goodbye
Because most of the sediment entered from the northwest, north, and northeast, the lake slowly retreated toward the south and southeast — as if it were “withdrawing” from what is now Hungary.
Small remnant lakes persisted for much longer in areas of present-day Slavonia (Croatia) and northern Serbia, but due to their different scale, character, and fauna, they are not considered true successors of the ancient Pannonian Lake.
About 10,000 years ago, rapid climate warming triggered a cascade of natural responses: torrential floods, landslides, and intense rock weathering. The landscape we walk on today was not shaped over mere centuries, but by the dramatic forces of climate and water, working together. Did you know that the Zala Valley floor is made up of sediments deposited by a kind of "river of time"? Discover how the Earth’s surface became one of the most sensitive indicators of climate change.
We often associate climate change with contemporary issues, but Earth’s climate has shifted many times throughout its history — sometimes quite rapidly. Within large-scale climatic cycles, alternating periods of warming and cooling have long been part of the planet’s natural rhythm.
A change in climate sets off a chain reaction of environmental processes. It’s not just animals and plants that respond — so does the landscape itself.
Around 10,000 years ago, as the climate warmed significantly, rainfall became more intense.
More rain meant more erosion: stormwater began washing away sediment from hills and valleys into riverbeds. The rivers, now carrying more water and more sediment, flooded more often and spread these materials across the landscape.
This had a major impact on topography: the land surface became more fragmented and dynamic. Warming temperatures also sped up chemical and physical weathering, breaking down bedrock and helping fertile soil layers to develop.
In short, natural geological processes that had long been underway suddenly accelerated — and reshaped the surface of the land.
Today, in many areas of the region, the lower slopes and valley edges are coated with sediment — debris washed down from higher ground, largely within the last 10,000–20,000 years. In the Zala Valley, for instance, these deposits have spread so far that they now reach the center of the valley floor.
The original bedrock source of these sediments varies: in Zala, it’s typically Pannonian sand (Somló Formation), while in the Keszthely Hills, marine-origin carbonates dominate — mostly dolomite, with some limestone. These sediments now appear as fine gravel, pebbles, or coarse sand, quietly recording the environmental changes of the recent past.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 09:42
The unique highlight of Csizmás Syrup is their lightly herbal syrup made from homegrown hemp, but their raspberry, strawberry, and sour cherry syrups are also well worth a taste.
Imagine a vast body of water — over 1,000 meters deep and more than 400 times the size of Lake Balaton — once rippling across this land. The story of the Pannonian Lake is not just a fascinating chapter of geological history, but a legacy that continues to shape the region: it left behind mineral resources, fertile soils, and even inspired legends. Discover how an ancient lake transformed Transdanubia — and why its impact is still felt today.
An Inland Sea for Millions of Years
At its greatest extent, the Pannonian Lake covered an enormous area, far surpassing the size of today’s Balaton. For millions of years (approximately 12 to 8.5 million years ago), it dominated the region. As surrounding mountain ranges gradually rose, the lake became cut off from the world’s oceans. Its water slowly turned fresh, and its basin began to fill with sediments. Because of its isolation, the lake developed a unique ecosystem with many endemic species.
The Lake Didn’t Appear Overnight
The Pannonian Lake didn’t simply “appear” in the Carpathian Basin. Its formation was the result of millions of years of tectonic activity and shifting climate. It emerged as an independent, enclosed body of water — no longer connected to the open seas.
Deep Waters, Varied Shores
In some areas, the lake reached depths of over 1,000 meters. Elsewhere, shallower zones supported lagoons, river deltas, and small, isolated lakes. During high water periods, rocky shorelines formed along the mountain fringes — traces of which can still be found today in the Keszthely Hills and the Mecsek Mountains.
The Lake’s Retreat — and Sediment Legacy
Despite its size, the lake was eventually filled in by immense volumes of sediment, carried mainly by rivers flowing from the Alps and the Carpathians. Over the course of 6.5 million years, it gradually disappeared from the landscape.
What did it leave behind?
Its sediments — composed mostly of sand, clay, and fine silt — became the so-called “Pannonian formations,” which today hold key mineral resources (such as petroleum) and aquifers. These formations define much of the surface geology of Transdanubia, including the Zala Hills.
Fertile soils later formed on the laminated silty and clay-rich deposits of the Somló Formation. Even the legendary “Tihany goat’s hoof” fossils — actually worn shell fragments of the Congeria ungulacaprae mollusk — can still be found embedded in these ancient layers.
The Final Lakes and a Gradual Goodbye
Because most of the sediment entered from the northwest, north, and northeast, the lake slowly retreated toward the south and southeast — as if it were “withdrawing” from what is now Hungary.
Small remnant lakes persisted for much longer in areas of present-day Slavonia (Croatia) and northern Serbia, but due to their different scale, character, and fauna, they are not considered true successors of the ancient Pannonian Lake.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 11:15
Smoked parenyica, spiced gomolya, sweet whey cream — if you love authentic flavors, you simply must try CseroSajt!
Imagine a tropical sea where the dolomitic peaks of the Keszthely Hills now rise. The landscapes we consider timeless are, in fact, fleeting guests on Earth’s ever-changing stage. How does a shallow tropical sea become Hungarian highlands? Why does dolomite crack? And how does this still influence local farming today? Travel back millions of years into a story written in stone.
Mountains, plains, islands, seas, rivers, and lakes may appear permanent within a human lifetime — but from Earth’s perspective, they are only temporary scenes. The rocks that form our planet’s surface are constantly in motion. Like the shattered shell of a boiled egg, tectonic plates drift endlessly atop the semi-fluid mantle beneath them.
Some crash together or sink beneath one another to create towering mountain ranges, while others subside, forming deep trenches or basins that may fill with water. That’s how the dolomite and limestone now forming the Keszthely Hills were once deposited — in the shallow waters of an ancient tropical sea, thousands of kilometers from their present location and long since gone.
The scene would have resembled the crystal-clear shallows of today’s Bahamian paradise.
While the northern block of the Keszthely Hills is made of relatively young (a few million years old) volcanic rock, the southern section — including Rezi and Cserszegtomaj — is dominated by much older dolomite, formed in those ancient tropical seas. Alongside widespread formations of so-called Main Dolomite, small patches of Rezi Dolomite can also be found — dating back over 200 million years.
The Keszthely Plateau is dissected by a north–south valley system and crisscrossed by micro-tectonic fault lines. Due to the shallow topsoil and varied terrain, more than 70% of the area is forested. Its karst surface experiences year-round water scarcity and has unique ecological features.
The plateau is divided by intermontane basins and bordered by deep tectonic fractures (such as the Hévíz and Ederics faults), making the area seismically sensitive.
Soils formed on the debris of weathered dolomite provide the natural foundation for land use in the region. Several of our local producers cultivate land along the western edge of the Keszthely Plateau, where farming is defined by the proximity of a highland landscape — a plateau formed of horsts rising 350–440 meters, framed by tectonic fault lines.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 09:43
Homemade delicacies made from sun-ripened, chemical-free vegetables — straight from the pantry.
About 10,000 years ago, rapid climate warming triggered a cascade of natural responses: torrential floods, landslides, and intense rock weathering. The landscape we walk on today was not shaped over mere centuries, but by the dramatic forces of climate and water, working together. Did you know that the Zala Valley floor is made up of sediments deposited by a kind of "river of time"? Discover how the Earth’s surface became one of the most sensitive indicators of climate change.
We often associate climate change with contemporary issues, but Earth’s climate has shifted many times throughout its history — sometimes quite rapidly. Within large-scale climatic cycles, alternating periods of warming and cooling have long been part of the planet’s natural rhythm.
A change in climate sets off a chain reaction of environmental processes. It’s not just animals and plants that respond — so does the landscape itself.
Around 10,000 years ago, as the climate warmed significantly, rainfall became more intense.
More rain meant more erosion: stormwater began washing away sediment from hills and valleys into riverbeds. The rivers, now carrying more water and more sediment, flooded more often and spread these materials across the landscape.
This had a major impact on topography: the land surface became more fragmented and dynamic. Warming temperatures also sped up chemical and physical weathering, breaking down bedrock and helping fertile soil layers to develop.
In short, natural geological processes that had long been underway suddenly accelerated — and reshaped the surface of the land.
Today, in many areas of the region, the lower slopes and valley edges are coated with sediment — debris washed down from higher ground, largely within the last 10,000–20,000 years. In the Zala Valley, for instance, these deposits have spread so far that they now reach the center of the valley floor.
The original bedrock source of these sediments varies: in Zala, it’s typically Pannonian sand (Somló Formation), while in the Keszthely Hills, marine-origin carbonates dominate — mostly dolomite, with some limestone. These sediments now appear as fine gravel, pebbles, or coarse sand, quietly recording the environmental changes of the recent past.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 09:45
High-quality, artisanal goat milk products straight from sunny Cserszegtomaj — available in both savory and sweet varieties. Find your favorite!
The Life-Giving Winds of the Ice Age: How Loess Shaped the Land
Did you know that Transdanubia’s rich, golden soils are actually a gift from the winds of the Ice Age? Loess isn’t just a dry geological term — it’s an ancient natural recipe that gave rise to some of the most fertile soils in the Carpathian Basin. Where vineyards grow today and birds nest in loess cliffs, strong winds once carried yellow dust across the landscape — for thousands of years. Learn how this unique sediment shaped the land and why loess is still essential for sustainable farming today.
What Is Loess and How Did It Form?
The term loess comes from the German word lose, meaning "loose." Loess is a fine-grained, yellowish sediment that was deposited during the Pleistocene epoch (2.58–0.01 million years ago), particularly during glacial periods. It formed in periglacial environments south of the great Scandinavian ice sheet — cold, dry landscapes with little or no vegetation.
The dust was carried by strong Ice Age winds from floodplains and barren steppes, and slowly accumulated over tens of thousands of years. Eventually, calcium carbonate cemented these layers into loess, which developed characteristic vertical fissures.
It’s important to note that the Pleistocene wasn't a single “Ice Age,” but a period that included alternating cold and warm phases — some even warmer than today.
Loess and the Landscape
Loess gave the Carpathian Basin — especially Transdanubia — its distinct terrain.
Steep loess cliffs (sometimes up to 10 meters high), caves that provide nesting sites for bee-eaters and sand martins, centuries-old sunken roads carved into hillsides, and exposed root systems are all part of the landscape’s geological legacy.
Together, they define the unique character of this region — shaped by time, wind, and stone.
Fertility and Water Retention
Loess-rich areas have produced some of the most fertile soils in the region. Many local producers farm on land that sits atop loess. This creates an excellent foundation for agriculture — not just because of the high humus content, but also because loess has outstanding water-holding capacity. Its vertical pores allow moisture to penetrate deeply and remain in the soil, even during dry periods.
A Modern Echo — Dust from the Sahara
Interestingly, the fine Saharan dust that now reaches Central Europe more frequently can be seen as a modern counterpart to loess-forming material. It’s a reminder that the powerful natural forces that shaped the land long ago are still at work today — just on a different scale.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 09:58
Herbs become teas and infused oils, fruits turn into dried snacks and pure juices — all crafted from natural ingredients using modern methods. Step into their “witch’s kitchen” and discover how nature’s gifts are transformed.
The Life-Giving Winds of the Ice Age: How Loess Shaped the Land
Did you know that Transdanubia’s rich, golden soils are actually a gift from the winds of the Ice Age? Loess isn’t just a dry geological term — it’s an ancient natural recipe that gave rise to some of the most fertile soils in the Carpathian Basin. Where vineyards grow today and birds nest in loess cliffs, strong winds once carried yellow dust across the landscape — for thousands of years. Learn how this unique sediment shaped the land and why loess is still essential for sustainable farming today.
What Is Loess and How Did It Form?
The term loess comes from the German word lose, meaning "loose." Loess is a fine-grained, yellowish sediment that was deposited during the Pleistocene epoch (2.58–0.01 million years ago), particularly during glacial periods. It formed in periglacial environments south of the great Scandinavian ice sheet — cold, dry landscapes with little or no vegetation.
The dust was carried by strong Ice Age winds from floodplains and barren steppes, and slowly accumulated over tens of thousands of years. Eventually, calcium carbonate cemented these layers into loess, which developed characteristic vertical fissures.
It’s important to note that the Pleistocene wasn't a single “Ice Age,” but a period that included alternating cold and warm phases — some even warmer than today.
Loess and the Landscape
Loess gave the Carpathian Basin — especially Transdanubia — its distinct terrain.
Steep loess cliffs (sometimes up to 10 meters high), caves that provide nesting sites for bee-eaters and sand martins, centuries-old sunken roads carved into hillsides, and exposed root systems are all part of the landscape’s geological legacy.
Together, they define the unique character of this region — shaped by time, wind, and stone.
Fertility and Water Retention
Loess-rich areas have produced some of the most fertile soils in the region. Many local producers farm on land that sits atop loess. This creates an excellent foundation for agriculture — not just because of the high humus content, but also because loess has outstanding water-holding capacity. Its vertical pores allow moisture to penetrate deeply and remain in the soil, even during dry periods.
A Modern Echo — Dust from the Sahara
Interestingly, the fine Saharan dust that now reaches Central Europe more frequently can be seen as a modern counterpart to loess-forming material. It’s a reminder that the powerful natural forces that shaped the land long ago are still at work today — just on a different scale.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 10:01
If you’ve never loved chocolate before, KakasBonbon is the place that will change your mind. Just follow the weathercock.
Imagine a vast body of water — over 1,000 meters deep and more than 400 times the size of Lake Balaton — once rippling across this land. The story of the Pannonian Lake is not just a fascinating chapter of geological history, but a legacy that continues to shape the region: it left behind mineral resources, fertile soils, and even inspired legends. Discover how an ancient lake transformed Transdanubia — and why its impact is still felt today.
An Inland Sea for Millions of Years
At its greatest extent, the Pannonian Lake covered an enormous area, far surpassing the size of today’s Balaton. For millions of years (approximately 12 to 8.5 million years ago), it dominated the region. As surrounding mountain ranges gradually rose, the lake became cut off from the world’s oceans. Its water slowly turned fresh, and its basin began to fill with sediments. Because of its isolation, the lake developed a unique ecosystem with many endemic species.
The Lake Didn’t Appear Overnight
The Pannonian Lake didn’t simply “appear” in the Carpathian Basin. Its formation was the result of millions of years of tectonic activity and shifting climate. It emerged as an independent, enclosed body of water — no longer connected to the open seas.
Deep Waters, Varied Shores
In some areas, the lake reached depths of over 1,000 meters. Elsewhere, shallower zones supported lagoons, river deltas, and small, isolated lakes. During high water periods, rocky shorelines formed along the mountain fringes — traces of which can still be found today in the Keszthely Hills and the Mecsek Mountains.
The Lake’s Retreat — and Sediment Legacy
Despite its size, the lake was eventually filled in by immense volumes of sediment, carried mainly by rivers flowing from the Alps and the Carpathians. Over the course of 6.5 million years, it gradually disappeared from the landscape.
What did it leave behind?
Its sediments — composed mostly of sand, clay, and fine silt — became the so-called “Pannonian formations,” which today hold key mineral resources (such as petroleum) and aquifers. These formations define much of the surface geology of Transdanubia, including the Zala Hills.
Fertile soils later formed on the laminated silty and clay-rich deposits of the Somló Formation. Even the legendary “Tihany goat’s hoof” fossils — actually worn shell fragments of the Congeria ungulacaprae mollusk — can still be found embedded in these ancient layers.
The Final Lakes and a Gradual Goodbye
Because most of the sediment entered from the northwest, north, and northeast, the lake slowly retreated toward the south and southeast — as if it were “withdrawing” from what is now Hungary.
Small remnant lakes persisted for much longer in areas of present-day Slavonia (Croatia) and northern Serbia, but due to their different scale, character, and fauna, they are not considered true successors of the ancient Pannonian Lake.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 10:32
It’s not often you get to taste quail eggs — especially ones marinated in aromatic olive oil. Another must-try specialty is the wild garlic pesto, an irresistible highlight of the farm.
The Life-Giving Winds of the Ice Age: How Loess Shaped the Land
Did you know that Transdanubia’s rich, golden soils are actually a gift from the winds of the Ice Age? Loess isn’t just a dry geological term — it’s an ancient natural recipe that gave rise to some of the most fertile soils in the Carpathian Basin. Where vineyards grow today and birds nest in loess cliffs, strong winds once carried yellow dust across the landscape — for thousands of years. Learn how this unique sediment shaped the land and why loess is still essential for sustainable farming today.
What Is Loess and How Did It Form?
The term loess comes from the German word lose, meaning "loose." Loess is a fine-grained, yellowish sediment that was deposited during the Pleistocene epoch (2.58–0.01 million years ago), particularly during glacial periods. It formed in periglacial environments south of the great Scandinavian ice sheet — cold, dry landscapes with little or no vegetation.
The dust was carried by strong Ice Age winds from floodplains and barren steppes, and slowly accumulated over tens of thousands of years. Eventually, calcium carbonate cemented these layers into loess, which developed characteristic vertical fissures.
It’s important to note that the Pleistocene wasn't a single “Ice Age,” but a period that included alternating cold and warm phases — some even warmer than today.
Loess and the Landscape
Loess gave the Carpathian Basin — especially Transdanubia — its distinct terrain.
Steep loess cliffs (sometimes up to 10 meters high), caves that provide nesting sites for bee-eaters and sand martins, centuries-old sunken roads carved into hillsides, and exposed root systems are all part of the landscape’s geological legacy.
Together, they define the unique character of this region — shaped by time, wind, and stone.
Fertility and Water Retention
Loess-rich areas have produced some of the most fertile soils in the region. Many local producers farm on land that sits atop loess. This creates an excellent foundation for agriculture — not just because of the high humus content, but also because loess has outstanding water-holding capacity. Its vertical pores allow moisture to penetrate deeply and remain in the soil, even during dry periods.
A Modern Echo — Dust from the Sahara
Interestingly, the fine Saharan dust that now reaches Central Europe more frequently can be seen as a modern counterpart to loess-forming material. It’s a reminder that the powerful natural forces that shaped the land long ago are still at work today — just on a different scale.
Last modification: 2025. November. 26. 10:34
At Lídrind Porta, every bite comes from home-raised cattle, crafted naturally and by hand, without additives.
Did you know the Zala River once flowed into the Drava and only later “found” Lake Balaton?
The history of western Hungary’s water systems is not just a fascinating geological puzzle — it reads like an epic of Earth history: riverbeds shift, rivers “consume” one another, and even Lake Balaton doesn’t enter the scene until the final chapter. Discover how nature reshaped this landscape stroke by stroke — and how the Zala became Balaton’s most vital source of water.
What sets the Quaternary Period (2.58 million years ago to the present) apart from earlier geological epochs is that the surface-shaping processes of this time — and the landforms they produced — continue to define our geographic environment today.
One of the most pivotal surface processes during the Pleistocene (2.58 to 0.01 million years ago) was the migration of riverbeds and the formation of terraces and alluvial fans. These changes were closely tied to the slow retreat of the Pannonian Lake, which once filled much of the Carpathian Basin (see also: The Legacy of the Ancient Pannonian Lake).
The early Danube initially flowed westward across what is now western Hungary, draining into the retreating Pannonian Lake. This westward course likely remained until the early Pleistocene.
The most dramatic hydrological change in the Carpathian Basin occurred between the Pliocene and Pleistocene: the formation of the Danube’s Visegrád Gorge (today’s Danube Bend), which diverted the river toward the center of the country and what is now the Pest Plain.
This shift profoundly affected all its former western tributaries — including the Zala.
The river system of Central Transdanubia evolved in surprising ways, and the Zala’s journey is one of its most remarkable chapters. The Rába River already flowed northeastward toward the Little Hungarian Plain. The ancient Marcal, running northward, flowed into the Rába — and into it, in turn, flowed the ancient Zala.
But nature redrew the map — using the Zala as its brush. A now-vanished river flowing from north to south (its remnants visible today between Zalaszentgrót and Zalavár) cut into the landscape through a process called headward erosion — where rivers erode backward into the terrain, much like a hot knife slicing through butter. Eventually, it cut into the ancient Zala’s valley and “captured” the river, diverting it into its own course.
From then on, the Zala made a sharp turn south at Türje and — with no Lake Balaton yet in existence — initially emptied into the Drava. Later, as the depression that would one day become Lake Balaton deepened, the Zala was gradually drawn toward it.
Lake Balaton, as a continuous body of water, is only about 5,000 years old — but for millions of years before, the Zala had already been on a winding journey that ultimately made it Balaton’s primary source of water, and the most life-giving river in the region today.