Baktüttös: Local History at the Harangláb

For a historical perspective on Baktüttös, the Harangláb is a tangible point of reference. The structure was built towards the end of the 19th century and has stood at its current location since 1918. In 1922, devoted believers from the Baktüttös community commissioned the casting of the bell. The Harangláb was fully renovated in 2014.

These dates mark different milestones: the construction tells of its origins, the date 1918 records its current location, and the casting of the bell connects the structure with devoted believers from the community. The complete renovation in 2014 adds another chapter to its long history. This makes it possible to view the Harangláb both in terms of its construction history and in connection with the community.

Zala as the broader regional setting

The wider travel destination of Zala offers further cultural, landscape and nature-related attractions. In Zalaszántó, a 390 cm overshot waterwheel mechanism can be seen in operation at the Kotsy-vízimalom. The Zalai Borvidék developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. It comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. The waterwheel mechanism and the wine region show different facets of the area: a specific technical feature and a landscape spanning numerous settlements.

Zala’s natural landscapes also offer a range of perspectives. Kis-Balaton is Zala’s largest body of water, is strictly protected and covers 14,745 hectares. At the same time, it is the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. In the Alsóerdő forest in Zalaegerszeg, the Azáleás-völgy is a special spring attraction for day-trippers. Another striking landscape feature is the ruins of Rezi vár: they stand atop a 418-metre-high dolomite ridge of Meleg-hegy and offer a view of the Zalaszántó Basin.

Cultural attractions in Zala also include a castle and memorial sites. The Festetics kastély in Keszthely is Hungary’s fourth-largest castle and has 101 rooms. At the Zalavári Történelmi Emlékpark, the Millenniumi Emléképület and the Szent István kápolna can be visited free of charge during opening hours. Check the current opening days before travelling there so you can plan your visit accordingly.

At the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum, a 1.5-kilometre walking trail passes rest areas and viewpoints. During opening hours, visitors to the reserve may pet the tame animals every day. The water buffalo festival is also held there each year in May or June; the date may vary from year to year. So if the festival is relevant to your travel plans, check the date for the year in question.

Other regional activities also have their own requirements: therapeutic treatments at Lake Hévíz are available only by prior appointment; appointments can be booked at the therapy reception of the Festetics Bath House. Zala thus offers a varied picture of architectural and regional history, protected landscapes and activities for which seasonal dates or opening hours are important when planning.

Discover more destinations: Egersee, Vasboldogasszony, Vaspör, Gősfa, Nagykutas, Bagod, Lakhegy, Zalalövő.

For the broader travel overview: Zalaegerszegi.