Kővágóörs – Churches, Stone Sea and Open Landscapes

Stone Landscapes and Trails

The protected Kővágóörs Stone Sea is a remnant of once extensive ridges of stone. Flat pastures stretch towards the basin and the 20-hectare Kornyi Lake. The area around the lake is home to a population of several hundred ground squirrels. Rock formations and open pastures create different features in the landscape.

There is a clearly defined route for a hike: it covers five kilometres and takes two hours. The trail runs from Kővágóörs via the Stone Sea and Kis-Hegyestű to the ruins of Pusztapalota and back to Kővágóörs; the elevation difference is 20 metres. Another nature trail passes the flat stone slabs of Kő-hát, east of Kővágóörs. In spring, Black Pasqueflowers and Bee Orchids are among the flowers that bloom there. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Churches and Architectural History

The whitewashed, protected Evangelical church stands on a hill with an exceptional panoramic view. Built in 1264, it features particularly rich Baroque woodwork. The Catholic church was built in 1773 during the Counter-Reformation, with the support of Károly Eszterházy, Bishop of Eger. The construction dates and designs of the two churches reflect different periods in the town’s history.

The church ruins also tell of several building phases. The ruin of the church at Ecsérpuszta is a protected historic monument and an archaeological site. The church dates from the 12th century, was modified in the 13th and 14th centuries and extended after 1430; it was first mentioned in 1334. The Sóstókál church ruin preserves a church from the 13th century that was remodelled in the Gothic style in the 14th century. Those interested in historic architectural styles will find markers from different periods here, from the medieval churches to the later churches of Kővágóörs.

Visits with Different Requirements

The municipality runs the Tájház (local history museum) and the Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Emlékház. Neither is open regularly; visits are possible by prior appointment or during events. If you plan to visit either house, arrange your visit around these options.

In Pálköve, a part of Kővágóörs, the municipality runs a beach. The beach requires ongoing development. Check seasonal conditions before visiting.

What to Consider When Planning Your Holiday

The excursions vary in character and planning requirements: alongside the hiking route with its stated distance and duration, there is a nature trail, historic buildings and visits that require an appointment or take place during events. When choosing a holiday apartment, consider whether you’d like your days to focus more on hiking and landscapes or on churches, ruins and the municipal houses. This will help you choose the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Szentbékkálla, Revfülöp, Gyulakeszi, Nemesgulács, Köveskál, Káptalantóti, Balatonhenye, Kékkút.

View the wider travel guide: Tapolcai.