Hidden Little Lakes Where You Can Also Go Swimming: Lake Gyékényesi, Lake Vadása, Lake Szelidi

· A former gravel pit turned swimming spot: Lake Gyékényesi

· A treasure hidden deep in the forest: Lake Vadása

· Healing waters in Kunság: Lake Szelidi

Lake Gyékényesi, located on the southwestern border and often referred to simply as “Kotró,” was formed on the site of a former gravel pit. Thanks to its gravelly bed and excellent water quality, you can see surprisingly deep below the water’s surface here. This is precisely why it’s an attractive destination for both divers and anglers.

The lake is easily accessible both by car and train. During the summer season, you can choose between the public beach and the “small beach,” but be prepared for the water to get deeper more quickly here than on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, and it’s also cooler – which can be especially refreshing during a heat wave.

If you’d like to explore the region’s attractions, it’s worth heading toward nearby Nagykanizsa. The Madárerdő (‘Bird Forest’) Nature Trail next to Csónakázó-tó (Boating Lake) is an enjoyable activity even for elementary school-aged children, where you can observe the inhabitants of the treetops; for lodging, the nature-friendly Grafit Kabin offers a peaceful retreat.

For a culinary experience, stop by the Lokalista restaurant in Nagykanizsa. Here, sustainability and locally sourced ingredients take center stage. It’s a treat to sample the reimagined Zala-style dödölle (potato dumplings), which you can pair with craft beers or organic wines.

In the heart of the Őrség region, on the outskirts of Hegyhátszentjakab, lies Lake Vadása, surrounded by dense pine forests and fed by twelve cold-water springs. The lakeshore features a campground and a beach, and the gently sloping areas are safe even for families with small children. At the beach – often referred to as the “beach of Őrség” – snack bars, a playground, restrooms, and showers await visitors in a lush, green, wooded setting.

Before and after a day at the beach, you can easily explore the enchanting world of Őrség by bike or by car. For those interested in culture, we recommend the Pityerszeri Skanzen in Szalafő, where you can gain insight into traditional peasant life.

If you’re travelling with children, a visit to the Őrségi Patakparti Alpaca Farm in Szaknyér can also be a memorable experience. Just next door, hidden behind ivy-covered walls, is the Vadregényes Café, where you can enjoy locally sourced fruit syrups, homemade pastries, and unique coffee blends in a quiet garden setting filled with animals.

Lake Szelidi, a natural lake in the Kiskunság region located near Dunapataj, offers a completely different kind of lakeside getaway. With its shallow, sandy shores and water that warms up quickly, it’s a great choice for people of all ages, including the youngest visitors. You can choose between a paid beach and a free beach, depending on what kind of sports and entertainment experiences you’re looking for.

What makes it unique is its water, rich in sodium-magnesium-carbonate, which was used for wound healing in the Middle Ages and is now recommended for relieving rheumatic ailments. Unlike thermal baths, however, the water of Lake Szelidi is completely odourless and not classified as medicinal water, therefore you can safely use it for swimming.

You can round out your time relaxing around the lake with a visit to the Kiskunság National Park or a trip to Kiskőrös. While in Kiskőrös, don’t miss the marvels of the interactive Road History Museum and the János Vitéz Visitor Center, which is connected to Petőfi’s birthplace!

For culinary adventures, stop by the Szentpéteri Wine Cellar. There, you can discover the light, fruity flavours of the region’s vineyards. Tasting the unique Néró rosé or the Kadarka – a Hungarian specialty – is a memorable experience.