Köveskál: Protected Nature and Local History

Köveskál combines protected landscapes, village history and specific cultural sites. The village lies within the protected area of the Balaton Uplands National Park. On the summit of Fekete-hegy, which rises above Köveskál, small lakes with valuable relict plant communities can be found. Numerous rare and picturesque wildflowers grow in the Sásdi Meadow around the former church ruins of Sásdikál. The Sásdi Meadow is strictly protected, preserving a landscape in which the former church ruins and rare vegetation lie close together.

Nature and trails around Köveskál

The 5 km-long Boros-Ádám Educational Trail begins at the Eötvös-Károly Lookout Point. The lookout point can be reached via hiking trails from Szentbékkálla or Köveskál. The educational trail and the lookout point therefore form two clearly named components of the landscape around Köveskál. The route is specified with a fixed length, while the lookout point marks the specific reference point at the beginning of the trail. The fixed distance provides clear guidance when planning an excursion in the area.

On Fekete-hegy, the small lakes and their valuable relict plant communities are the main attractions. The Sásdi Meadow provides a different focus with its strict protection status and rare wildflowers. The Sásdi Meadow lies around the former church ruins of Sásdikál. This keeps the small lakes, relict plants, wildflowers and ruins recognizable as distinct features of the area.

Historic Sites in the Village

The so-called Szégyenkő still stands in front of the Reformed Church of Köveskál. In the past, locals had to atone there for minor offenses. The stone is therefore a visible testimony to the area's past and now stands in a clearly identified place in front of the church.

The Városkút spring and the washhouse, together with their heritage-protected surroundings, are under monument protection. The karst spring Városkút rises inside the historic washhouse.

Kelemen House is a restored, characteristic manor house of the lesser nobility in Köveskál. Its cellar once served as the prison of the former market settlement. The house's original stylistic features and details have been preserved. Medieval red sandstone reliefs have survived on the gate and façade of the Catholic Church; they probably came from the former church of Köveskál. Kelemen House and the reliefs represent different aspects of the area's architectural heritage: a preserved manor house in one case, and medieval images on a church building in the other.

Art, Memory and Wine

The Bali Galéria is located in the barn of a 310-year-old house in Köveskál. At the openings of exhibitions at the Bali Galéria, which are often designed to be interactive, visitors can try out various artistic techniques.

Sebestyén is commemorated in the local history exhibition in Köveskál. Pálffy Pince welcomes guests on its wine terrace or in its tasting room. Tasting groups of at least eight people can book an appointment by prior arrangement.

Other places in the shared surroundings: Balatonfőkajár, Zánka, Balatonújlak, Zamárdi, Alsöörs, Csopak, Marcali, Balatonederics

Photo: Szeder László via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0