Balatonújlak: Vineyard and Local History

Balatonújlak combines a vineyard landscape with a multifaceted local history. In Szőlőhegy, viticulture and press houses are a defining theme; archaeological finds and the Rózsafüzér királynéja Church add further historical chapters to this picture. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can decide whether rural architecture, local history or the town’s present-day location relative to the Balaton should shape your stay.

Vineyard and press houses

Balatonújlak has a large wine-growing area, also known as Zártkert. The vineyard belonging to the town is part of the South Balaton wine region. In Szőlőhegy, numerous press houses and press-house buildings are among the locally protected structures. Most of the press houses there are log houses; their roofs are covered with reeds or natural-coloured tiles.

The connection between viticulture and architectural styles gives Szőlőhegy its own character within the local landscape. Log construction and different roofing materials also make the press houses an architectural point of interest. Anyone interested in rural architecture will find a distinct focus here, linking the vineyard landscape with the town’s architectural history.

History between the lake and Roman traces

The relationship with the Balaton can only be understood in its historical context. Balatonújlak was once a settlement by the water; its municipal boundary extended as far as the Balaton. Today, the town is just over three kilometres from the lake. Its historic lakeside location and present-day position therefore describe different points in time. If proximity to the lake is important when choosing your holiday apartment, take the current distance into account when deciding where to stay.

Roman graves built from stone slabs have been excavated in the eastern part of Balatonújlak. On the basis of these finds and further excavations, a researcher has suggested that a larger Roman settlement may have stood here. The graves are concrete finds; the larger settlement is a possible interpretation. Traditional architecture is also part of the town’s history: only a few traditional houses known as Kontyoshäuser remain in Balatonújlak today.

The Rózsafüzér királynéja Church

The Roman Catholic Rózsafüzér királynéja Church was built in 1980 with public donations. It has a single nave, a simple chancel and a simple altar. Its design preserves the architectural language of traditional churches while also incorporating some modern elements. The church’s more recent construction history thus sits alongside the older traces that also characterise the town. These different testimonies offer varied perspectives on Balatonújlak’s history: from excavated graves and traditional houses to a church combining traditional and modern architectural styles.

Regional orientation

The construction of the M7 motorway improved access to Balatonújlak and the Marcali region. This adds a regional perspective on transport development to the town’s history.

Nature-related attractions in the wider Lake Balaton - South destination also offer a broader regional perspective. Somogy County includes Kis-Balaton, the Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet, Barcsi Ősborókás and Babócsai Basakert, among other places. In 2009, the Zselici Tájvédelmi Körzet received the International Dark Sky Park title because of its low levels of light pollution; the Zselici Csillagpark was built in the heart of the protected area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Táska, Balatonszentgyörgy, Nagyszakácsi, Somogysimonyi, Somogyszentpál, Marcali, Böhönye, Nikla.

Back to the main travel overview: Marcali.