Balatonföldvár

Balatonföldvár

Balatonföldvár is located on Lake Balaton's Southern shore. The town of 2300 inhabitants is one of the most well-kept resort of Balaton shore decorated with parks and gardens.

Important memorial of the history of Balatonföldvár is the soil-castle (= földvár) built in the Iron Age. According to the archeological findings Celts lived in this area in the 4th century B.C., their fortress had been protected by an outwork from the South and by the abyss of High-Shore and the Lake Balaton itself from the North. In the 18th and 19th centuries the area of the city was displayed on maps under the name Földvár-puszta and it was part of the domain of Széchenyi family. It was decided by the family Széchenyi in the 2nd half of 19th century to establish a bathing resort on this beautiful, depopulated territory. The attractivity of the most beautiful valley of North-Somogy and the favourable natural properties gave the idea. The first hotel was constructed in 1895, the official opening ceremony of the resort place was held in 1896. By that time the construction of more than 40 wonderful villas was completed in Balatonföldvár. Nice environment of the town is due to the work of István Spúr domanial engineer and József Schilhán domanial gardener. The port and the lake-shore promenade of 1200 metres were constructed in the earliest years of 1900s. The promenade is lined with plane-trees and has the name of Kvassay Promenade. Villas of Balatonföldvár built around 1900 show an atmosphere mellowed by age, 47 from among them are under local protection. The eldest buildings lie in Petőfi street. The first building of the street, one-time villa of Jenő Rákosi, is nowadays the town hall. Going along, you find the one-time summer house of Hungarian actress Gizi Bajor; the most beautiful building in Balatonföldvár, the Korányi-castle; and the "Kulipintyó" of Széchenyi family.

The port is a popular centre of yachting in Hungary, the material of Galamb Island in the middle of it had been collected from dredging of the Lake. From Kelta Promenade running on top of a 40 metres high loess wall there is a wonderful view to Tihany peninsula on the opposite side and this is the only one place to see the both hollows of the Lake Balaton. Remains of the Celtic outworks can also be studied from here.

Balatonföldvár is really proud of its new building, the Community Centre "Gizi Bajor", the centre of local programmes. Földvár Festival, the season-opening programme is held in the middle week-end of June, connected to the foundation of the resort place. Series of classical music conferences and concerts (Földvár Days) in the second half of June. Folkloristic Appointment at Lake Balaton organized since 1962 is held at the end of July (performances of 10-12 contesting national and foreign folk dance groups in the morning, marching dances in the afternoon and gala programme in the evening). Feast of king Stephan I. (Hungarian-Bavarian Appointment) is held during two days in August, furthering the Hungarian-Bavarian connections of one thousand years, established by way of the marriage of King St. Stephen and Bavarian Gisella. Performances of Hungarian and Bavarian groups and fireworks among the various programmes. At the 2nd weekend of September recall the local societies the atmosphere of celebrated church-ales and vintage turn of the century.

During the '90s Földvár developed to the centre of a minor region and in 1992 it was pronounced town. Europe Prize was given to the city in 1994 for its cleanness, orderliness and its floral ornament. In 1995 Balatonföldvár won the first prize at the competition "For a flowery Hungary", and since then the town is every year between the prize-winners.

Kőröshegy has been almost completely built together with Balatonföldvár. Summer concerts are organised in the Gothic church of the village built around 1640. Kőröshegy is famous as a riding centre, and more wine-grower from Kőöshegy wine-growing community are members of South-Balaton Wine Road, too.

Taking the red route sign from the railway station of Földvár we can get to Lucs top. There is wonderful panorama to the entire Lake and the hills of Somogy country. Following the red route sign (10 km) we get to the ruins of White Stone (=Fejérkő) castle of Kereki, the name of which is originated from its white plaster. Ruins of the castle can be accessed from the village of Kereki, too. There is nice view to Tihany peninsula from the castle.



Balatonföldvári szállások:
Müller Jánosné Vendégháza, Balatonföldvár