Zalalövő: Borostyán Lake, Vineyards and Culture

Zalalövő brings together nature watching by the water with vineyard and cultural themes. At Borostyán Lake, a walk around the lake and fishing take center stage; statues on three vineyards, a Way of the Cross, a local heritage house and Zalamindszent Church add to the local highlights. If you are looking for a hotel in Zalalövő, these differences can help you plan a trip around your interests: nature watching and fishing, or the town’s cultural history.

Nature at Borostyán Lake

On a walk around Borostyán Lake, hikers can observe a marsh, marsh plants, and the local flora and fauna along the northeastern shore. The lake is also suitable for fishing. Fish that can be caught there include carp, grass carp, zander, pike and catfish; which species are available may vary. This gives you two different ways to experience the same place when planning your trip: nature watching on a walk around the lake, or fishing by the water.

Vineyards and religious culture

Statues of the patron saints of winegrowers—Saints Urban, Donatus and Vincent—stand on the Pacsa-hegy, Patakai-hegy and Dedes-hegy vineyards. This gives the subject of wine in Zalalövő a concrete cultural connection. Another religious highlight is the fourteen-station Way of the Cross around Borosán-völgyi Szent-kút. It was completed in 1947. While the statues are associated with the three vineyards, the Way of the Cross is defined by its sequence of stations and its connection to Szent-kút.

Historic places in the townscape

Zalalövő’s local heritage house is located in a farmhouse on Petőfi utca, built at the beginning of the 19th century. Zalamindszent Church is dedicated to All Saints and lies on Petőfi-Sándor Street, about 1 km west of the parish church. Since the street names begin similarly, distinguishing between Petőfi utca and Petőfi-Sándor Street is useful for finding your way.

A spring as a place to visit

The Csáfordai kút no longer serves its original purpose and is now used as a tourist destination and excursion spot. There is a rest area beside the spring, consecrated in 2022. Before visiting, it is advisable to check the current conditions at Csáfordai kút.

Zala in a broader context

In the broader region of Zala, the Zalai Borvidék wine region developed on the slopes and uplands of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. It comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements. This places the local vineyard theme in a regional landscape context that extends beyond Zalalövő’s three specifically named vineyards.

In the Zala region, you can also explore the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum along a 1.5-kilometer walking trail with rest areas and viewpoints. During opening hours, visitors may pet the tame animals every day. The Water Buffalo Festival is held there annually in May or June; the exact dates may vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Egersee, Petrikeresztúr, Gősfa, Lakhegy, Dobronhegy, Vasboldogasszony, Kustánszeg, Pusztaederics

For the broader travel overview: Zalaegerszegi.