The Hungarian Mediterranean on the shores of Lake Balaton: jewels of the Káli Basin

The small Káli Basin is considered a genuine treasure chest on the shores of the “Hungarian sea”, offering many attractions and special geological values. Absorb the view of the Rock Sea of Salföld, the Hegyestű, gaze at the temple mount of Kővágóörs, possibly discover the vibrant aquatic world by Lake Kornyi, and you will immediately understand why this basin, with only eight villages, is characterized as Mediterranean!

Salföld

The Rock Sea covered with juniper is visible on the border of the village which is actually residue from the bottom of the Pannonian Sea. It contains remarkable fossilized creatures. The village also accommodates the Salföld Manor – one of the most popular exhibition venues in the Upper Balaton National Park – where you can see friendly, indigenous Hungarian domestic animal species. If you have the time, also visit ruins of the Romanesque-Gothic cloister of Saint Paul in the forest!

Kékkút

This tiny village has a several hundred-year-old, enchanting rural heritage building and offers a spectacular panorama at the vineyard cellars. Visit the border of the village and taste the fresh, flavorsome water from the sour water spring named after Empress Theodora!

Mindszentkálla

On the border of the village take a detour to the church ruins of Kerekikál and see the fortifications of the motte from the era of the Hungarian conquest.

Szentbékkálla

The special Rock Sea in this village offers one of the most interesting attractions in the Upper Balaton region. The rock surfaces eroded by water and wind, the giant, bizarre needles, rocking stones between the ledges, the rugged little trees and shrubs, and the tops of church towers will present a world that you are not likely to have encountered anywhere else.

Balatonhenye

If you want to top off your program with a spectacular view, go up to the Eötvös look-out station. From there you can descend to Balatonhenye, a settlement dating back to the era of the Kingdom of Hungary. Visit the stunning karst plateau, where the special geological formations are a popular tourist destination!

Monoszló

After passing through this village, you should definitely go up to the Hegyestű butte. The northern half of the mountain was extracted by the former quarry, but the remaining 50-meter-high half opens up the secret of the basalt volcano’s interior that was active 5-6 million years ago! This is a rare phenomenon even on a European scale.

Kővágóörs

The church ruins in the village are a special attraction, but the rural heritage building is also worth seeing! 

Köveskál

This village is the “culinary center” of the region, offering a number of emblematic restaurants if you care to spice up your day with an appetizing meal. Lake Kornyi – located between Köveskál and Kővágóörs – has very vibrant aquatic life. Take a rest at the lake and immerse yourself in the untouched wonders of nature!