Life on a medicinal herb farm: natural heritage and family farms

• The birth of the Valley of Medicinal Herbs and its ecological mission in Zalaszentlászló
• Family programs among the hills of Zala: from essential oil distillation to vineyard tours
• Practical information for visiting Zala: how to get there, opening hours, and accommodation tips
• The story of Teafarm 2020: a journey towards medicinal herbs and small-scale farming
• Community values and the role of short supply chains in the Baja region
• Visitor experiences and local delicacies on the banks of the Sugovica River

Sustainability and an ecological approach are no longer just theoretical concepts, but part of everyday practice. This process is particularly evident in the field of medicinal and aromatic plants, where traditional knowledge is combined with modern technology.

On the outskirts of Zalaszentlászló, nestled among the hills, we find this unique estate, which was launched in the spring of 2013. Its founders are dedicated professionals who have elevated their hobby and passion for nature to a professional level. Promoting products and knowledge related to healthy living has become a community mission here.

The driving force behind the Valley of Medicinal Herbs is a deep respect for nature. The family story began in Budapest, where the founders, Péter Bakos and Zsuzsanna Bakosné Szalai, decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind. A friend of theirs drew their attention to a dilapidated farmhouse that had been abandoned for nearly twenty years, where they finally created their own sustainable world.

In terms of farming, they follow the rules of organic farming, which means that all plants can grow in a chemical-free environment. This approach is the basis for the quality represented by the products manufactured by them.

When we enter the area, we immediately feel the silence and peace. Instead of cars and noise, goats, horses, and cows graze in the meadows. For example, we can meet Csengő (‘Bell’), the friendly goat who often greets visitors. Visitors to this farm can enjoy a range of experiences, all of which are tailored to the age and interests of the participants. During the programs, the hosts strive to bring guests closer to nature and preserve traditions. On guided herbal tours in the valley, we discover the healing power of wild plants together, and in workshops, we learn the secrets of making natural ointments, healing creams, and tinctures.

During traditional felting, we work together to create something lasting, while during essential oil distillation, we can gain insight into how a traditional distiller works. If you are visiting this place with children, don’t miss out on feeding the animals and, of course, petting them!  We can also take part in music classes for little ones.

If you want to spend more time here, you can stay at the Medicinal Herb House. This small eight-room guesthouse is located in the middle of an eco-farm, where the rooster’s crow is the morning wake-up call.  The guesthouse is suitable for holding courses, yoga or lifestyle camps for up to 26 people at almost any time of the year.

Before visiting, it is worth checking accessibility and opening hours to ensure that your visit goes smoothly.  By car, you can easily reach the location by searching for “Gyógynövények Völgye” (Valley of Medicinal Herbs) in your navigation system, where secure parking is also available. An average visit takes 1-3 hours, but you can easily spend several days here.  The farm is open to visitors all year round. During the special “Open Gate Days” (“Nyitott Porta Napok”), the gates are usually open between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. However, please note that as this is a family farm, it is essential to book in advance by phone or e-mail before visiting.

The town of Baja is not only famous for its fish soup, but also for hidden treasures such as Teafarm 2020.  The farm was founded by Lídia Baranyai, who, after recovering from an illness, decided to fulfill her long-held dream and start working with medicinal herbs.  The headquarters of the company is located in Baja, where a romantic, open gate awaits visitors.

After completing her horticultural studies, Lídia Baranyai started production in 2020. She began growing medicinal and aromatic herbs, first in a small garden and then on a larger farm.

One of the most important features of Teafarm 2020 is its personal touch: Lídia does almost everything by herself, from caring for the plants to processing and selling them. This kind of attention to detail ensures that every single tea blend, syrup, or cream is prepared with the utmost care. The farm is an active participant in the short supply chain, so its products can also be found at regional community markets.

The atmosphere of the farmhouse is romantic, where nature and gardening coexist in harmony. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from medicinal herb identification tours and creating their own tea blends to sampling delicious local produce. Don’t miss out on tasting the roasted tea and unique spice blends when you visit!

The farm is located near the center of Baja and is accessible by car and public transport. We can park in the surrounding streets. A garden tour or tasting usually takes 1-1.5 hours. There are no fixed opening hours, so it is essential to make an appointment in advance before visiting in person.

Respect for the work of producers and chemical-free farming are values that we encounter at every turn in these places. If you are interested in the world of herbal cultivation, it is worth visiting the herbal estate of “everyone’s Uncle Gyuri”, a famous herbal expert in Bükkszentkereszt. Here, in the heart-shaped demonstration garden, we can admire around 150 different types of medicinal herbs.

Both locations offer an opportunity to escape from everyday life and get closer to nature.  When visiting the hills of Zala, it is worth combining your trip with a relaxing bath in Kehidakustány, then after a walk along the Sugovica in Baja, you can round off your excursion with a gourmet coffee at the Borbisztró (Wine Bistro).