In the middle of the scenic Balaton National Park lies a gem that, despite its popularity, is given far too little attention.
Only a few kilometers north of the largest and most popular Hungarian bathing lake, Lake Balaton, the small town offers the attentive visitor some interesting and charming aspects.
With around 80 inhabitants, Kékkút is the smallest municipality in the Káli Basin. The picturesque town, which practically consists of a single street, is located in the north-western part of this Mediterranean-looking region of the Balaton Uplands.
Picturesque volcanic cones and wild steppe areas
The tiny village is surrounded by picturesque volcanic cones and wild steppe areas. The name Kékkút was first mentioned in a document in the mid-14th century and is most likely due to the name Kőkút (English: stone fountain). However, there are also written records that describe the spring water as blue.
Archaeological finds also show that the village was already inhabited in Roman times. Furthermore, excavations indicate that the Roman road from Italy to Aquincum, in the area of present-day Budapest, passed here.
Healing mineral water
The place gained its fame through the healing spring, whose mineral water was bottled from the beginning of the 20th century, at that time still under the brand name “Anna-Quellwasser”. Numerous medical records tell of the healing effects of the so-called acid water with its particularly high calcium content.
The use of the medicinal water is recommended, among other things, for diabetes, anemia, kidney diseases and various types of digestive disorders. At an international exhibition in Paris in 1912, it was awarded the gold medal as the best mineral water. According to legend, the spring water was the favorite drink of the Byzantine Empress Theodora – today the mineral water is commercially available under the brand name “Theodora”.
The spring, located outside of the village, is accessible to everyone and offers a cozy resting place, which is well frequented, especially in summer temperatures. Hikers or cyclists can quench their thirst here and take the spring water with them in its natural form on the go.
Der Lavendelhof
The lavender farm (Levendula porta) of the Keszthelyi family is only a few minutes’ drive from the source, right at the entrance to the town. As qualified farmers, the couple first tried their luck in the food industry, then returned in 2011 from Budapest to Kékkút, the wife’s hometown, where they have lived with their two children ever since.
The lavender plantation with over 2,000 lavender bushes was initially planned as the main profile. The flowers of the French lavender from Tihany are processed into various products such as syrup and jelly.
In the meantime, the business has several pillars: on the one hand, the family keeps 13 cattle, five of which are dairy cows, which graze on the adjacent meadow. Outstanding cheese, both fresh and hard cheese, whey cheese and yoghurt is made from the milk. The livestock also includes 11 sheep, two pigs, all of which are kept in an appropriate manner, and of course happy chickens.
All of the products of the lavender farm can be purchased on site, but they are also available at the producer markets in the area and in regional retailers. During the summer season, the family invites you to a leisurely breakfast in their huge garden, where you can try all the delicious products from the lavender farm – that’s pure sustainability.
In the low season, events are offered for interested visitors, such as cheese workshops and of course the lavender harvest. The owners of the farm speak both German and English.
Idyllic guesthouses
If you drive along the main street – practically the only street in the village – you will see beautiful old farmhouses on the right and left, renovated with great attention to detail. Newly built houses are also built in the traditional folk style of the Balaton highlands and adapt perfectly to the image of the small town.
Travelers to Hungary who want to spend their vacation far away from the tourist crowds can choose between several idyllic guest houses, where they are guaranteed to have a relaxing vacation in charming surroundings.
On a small square in the center of the village stands the small Roman Catholic Church, which was built at the beginning of the 18th century and was beautifully restored a few years ago.
Oldest farmhouse in the region
From here, an inconspicuous side street leads away, where the oldest preserved farmhouse in the region from 1799 stands. The building, typical for Transdanubia, has a thatched roof. It is traditionally divided into three parts: a room, a kitchen with an open fireplace and a stable, which can be reached from the open veranda. Unfortunately, renovation work is currently being carried out on the house, so the interior is not accessible.
A few years ago you could ring the bell in the house next door and when the elderly couple was at home, you received an individual, really informative tour – unfortunately that is now only history.
It is worth taking a break in Kékkút on your next trip to the Balaton region, visiting the healing spring, stopping by the lavender farm, strolling along the main street, admiring the charming whitewashed houses or simply absorbing the wonderful rural atmosphere of the small town allow.
Photo: Dániel Solymár
–
