Hungary awaits: Adventures in the Zala Hills

What exactly will we be talking about?

• Discovering the special sights of the Zala Valley and Göcsej
• Exploring five magical places in Zala
• Local dishes and special flavours of Zala
• Göcsej traditions and cultural experiences

There are no long distances between towns and attractions, so you can even combine your chosen destinations into one adventure. You can explore the round church in Kallósd, the Kemence chapel in Sénye, and the ruined church in Kustány on two wheels. You can climb Bezerédihegy hill for a fabulous panoramic view, or visit Bazaltutca street.

The Zala-völgyi Nyitott Porták (“Open Farms of the Zala Valley”) offer exciting rural experiences where you can get a taste of the joys of farm life.

Göcsej is one of the most mystical regions in Hungary. In the region of “szegek”, you will encounter a characteristic small-village settlement structure: houses built on hilltops and hillsides, cellars, and orchards line your path. During your excursions, you can visit Kandikó, the highest point in Göcsej, peek through the windows of the Kávási Boronaút country houses, or admire one of the area’s ancient fruit trees, the centuries-old salt pear tree in Gombosszeg.

1. Göcsej Village Museum

Walking through the museum in Zalaegerszeg, you suddenly find yourself in a 19th-century village in Göcsej. Next to the backwaters of the Zala River, you will find typical Göcsej farmhouses, but there is also a bell tower, a small wooden church, and a watermill.

2. TV Tower Observation Deck in Bazita

A must-see on any trip to Göcsej is the 95-meter-high TV tower in Zalaegerszeg, which offers excellent views not only of the surrounding area, but also of Ság Hill, Somló Hill, and even the Alps. At a height of 53 meters, you can enjoy the view while sipping a cup of coffee.

3. St. Anne’s Round Church

On the hill of Kallósd, the whitewashed walls and bell-shaped dome of the church have been guarding the landscape for 800 years. Before you walk up to the church hill, don’t forget to take the key with you, which you will find in the box in front of the house opposite the old liquor store.

4. Bazaltutca (Basalt Street)

Walking along the enchanting Basalt Street between Vindornyaszőlős and Nagygörbő, among sky-high basalt columns and mystical caves, you can encounter the power of nature and the world of legends. The mysterious rock corridor is a hidden treasure of the Keszthely Mountains.

5. Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

You will encounter something unique in Hungary when you visit Türje, as the village is home to a brick church from the Árpád era, which was built for the Premonstratensian order.

Zalai tejfeles dödölle – the Zala-style potato dumpling flapjack, served with sour cream is the most characteristic local dish, flavored with sour cream, sautéed onions, and sometimes fried bacon. It can be served as a separate dish or as a side dish with stews.

Göcseji krumpliprósza – the Göcsej-style potato pie is an extremely versatile dish. The savory and best-known version consists of grated potatoes, flour, sour milk or kefir, fried and served with sour cream and cheese.

Roasted cake – a generous helping of chopped walnuts is added to hot, melted sugar, which then turns into a crunchy sweet treat. They are decorated with white icing and beautiful patterns.

Pumpkin seed oil – Göcsej’s green gold is used as an exciting addition to salads, cream soups, and pickles.

Zalai cukorperec – the Zala-style sugar pretzel is a cake containing at least 50% brandy, with light and airy dough covered with white icing, reminiscent of a bride’s dress.

The article was originally published in the Hungarian Tourism Association Foundation’s magazine titled Magyarország vár (“Hungary awaits’’).

Source: turizmus.com