Discover Ortaháza: Crosses, Chapel and Cycling Route

Ortaháza: Crosses and Chapel History

Several precisely located crosses in Ortaháza offer insights into the village’s history. The Czigány-kereszt stands at the corner of the community centre and was erected in 1914. The Takács-kereszt is in the former schoolyard, while the Kovács-kereszt is in the centre of the village.

The history of the buildings has also seen a transformation: a building originally constructed as a bell tower was later converted into a chapel. A chapel in the centre of Ortaháza was built in 1926.

A Cycling Route Through the Village

The “Zala két keréken” cycling tour passes through Ortaháza and continues to Gutorfölde. If you would like to include this tour in your travel plans, check the current route before setting out.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ortaháza, your travel interests can help guide your choice: would you like to focus mainly on learning about the village’s history, include a cycling tour, or also explore other themes in the wider destination of Zala? Choose your accommodation based on your specific plans for your stay.

Zala as a Wider Destination

The wider destination of Zala offers a range of experiences, from extensive wine country to protected wetlands. The Zalai Borvidék wine region extends across the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and the north-western slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. It comprises two wine-growing districts and 38 settlements.

Kis-Balaton is Zala’s largest body of water. It is strictly protected and covers 14,745 hectares. It is also the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels “Tüskevár” and “Téli berek”. In the wider destination of Zala, the Azáleás-völgy in Zalaegerszeg’s Alsóerdő is a special springtime attraction for day-trippers. The ruins of Rezi vár stand atop a 418-metre-high dolomite ridge on Meleg-hegy, offering views of the Zalaszántó Basin.

At the Kápolnapuszta Bivalyrezervátum, visitors can explore the grounds along a 1.5-kilometre walking trail with rest areas and viewpoints. During opening hours, visitors are welcome to pet the tame animals every day. The Water Buffalo Festival is also held there each year in May or June; dates may vary from year to year. If you plan to attend the festival, check the dates for the relevant year. In the wider destination of Zala, a 390 cm overshot waterwheel mechanism can be seen in operation at the Kotsy-vízimalom in Zalaszántó. The Festetics kastély in Keszthely is Hungary’s fourth-largest castle and has 101 rooms.

Another natural attraction in Zala is Lake Hévíz, the world’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake. Therapeutic treatments at the lake are available by appointment only. Appointments can be booked at the therapy reception of the Festetics Bath House.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lovászi, Szentgyörgyvölgy, Bödeháza, Csesztreg, Gosztola, Kerkafalva, Kerkakutas, Nemesnép.

Back to the wider travel overview: Lenti.