Kerkakutas – Pine Forest and Kéktúra

Kerkakutas is distinguished by its old forest, shaped by Scots pines. Those considering the town as a destination will find a clear focus on nature and outdoor activities, with two Kéktúra routes described in different ways and a distinctive forest landscape.

Hiking: two different route references

The Országos Kéktúra passes through Kerkakutas and the surrounding landscape; this route was described in 2020. The Dél-Dunántúli Kéktúra is a separate route: one section covers 3.1 kilometres from Alsószenterzsébet to Kerkakutas. These details answer different orientation questions: the first describes the route through the town and landscape, while the second describes a leg with a named starting point, destination and distance. Check current route information before setting out. A 2020 description mentions trail markers as a way to find the pine forest in Kerkakutas.

A pine forest with its own character

The forest in Kerkakutas, described in 2020, covers 11 hectares and was then said to be over 120 years old. Scots pines define the forest; its woodland community consists mainly of hornbeams, beeches and oaks. The forest grows on gravelly, clayey and acidic soil and is described as calcifuge. For nature lovers, the combination of the dominant pines, other tree species and soil conditions brings the local landscape into focus.

Zala as the wider setting

The Zalai Borvidék was established in the wider destination of Zala. In Zala, it was established 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. One technical highlight in Zala is the Kotsy-vízimalom in Zalaszántó, where a 390 cm overshot waterwheel mechanism can be seen in operation.

The Kis-Balaton is also a distinct nature destination within the wider destination of Zala. It is Zala’s largest body of water, strictly protected, and covers 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. This brings together a large protected area and a literary connection.

The Buffalo Festival is held every year in May or June at the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum, in the wider destination of Zala; dates vary from year to year. The reserve can be explored via a 1.5-kilometre walking trail with rest areas and viewpoints. During opening hours, visitors are allowed to pet tame animals every day. If the festival is important to your plans, check the date for the relevant year.

When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to decide what you want to focus on: would you like to centre your stay on the forest and walking trails in Kerkakutas, or include other themes from the wider destination of Zala?

Discover more destinations: Lenti, Kerkafalva, Lovászi, Gutorfölde, Csesztreg, Szentgyörgyvölgy, Gosztola, Tormafölde.

Back to the wider travel overview: Lenti.