Sights of Fonyód

Fonyód has a long tradition of water transportation. The earliest resort, the famous Bélatelep, preserves the oldest historic and cultural traditions of the area. A section of the bicycle route around Lake Balaton runs along its stretch of the shore.

Fonyód has been in continuous contact with Szigliget since the 16th century. Scheduled boat traffic began at the turn of the 19th century. Badacsony, which lies on the opposite shore, is the prime destination for boat traffic between Easter and the middle of autumn. However, numerous routes ensure regular connections with the other ports around Lake Balaton.

The area has been inhabited for thousands of centuries by various peoples. The first written mention dates back to 1082. During the Árpád Age, Fonyód and the majority of the area belonged to the estates of Pannonhalma Abbey (Pannonhalmi Apátság).

In the 1840's work began in earnest in shaping the landscape and it was during this time that the harbour was established. Its 464-metre pier is the longest in the Balaton region.

The development of the resort at Fonyód is connected to the name of the county chief medical officer, Manó Szaplonczay, who convinced his friend, landowner Béla Zichy, that he should subdivide his estates for future holiday homes. The settlement thus received its name of Bélatelep. Created a few years later in a similar manner a second district, Sándortelep, was also named after its former landowner, chief medical officer Sándor Berzsenyi.

Among the interesting historical sites of Fonyód are the traces of the former palisades of Pheasant Fort (Fácános-erőd), as well as its ramparts and moats. Another famous site, a true curiosity, is the Crypt Villa built by Ödön Abrudbányai-Rédiger in memorial of his lost love. Here is the marble honeymoon suite complete with life-sized statues.

A natural asset is Sipos Hill (Sipos-hegy) formed by volcanic activity. On its northern side there is an amphitheatre-like segment in which a sports centre was created. The Postman's lookout (Postás-kilátó) at the peak is a wonderful place to rest.

The search for thermal springs around the city led to the discovery of a post-volcanic carbonated water spring. Its water has been bottled since 1960.

Fonyód was granted city status in 1989.

Sights:

Sipos Hill

Sipos Hill (207 m) and Castle Hill (233 m) are the 'little brothers' of the Tapolca Basin's volcanic remnant hills. The rocks of Sipos Hill, solidified basalt from volcanic activity, were used as the main element of local road construction.

The northern amphitheatre-shaped crater of Sipos Hill was developed as a sport centre. On the way up the hill, visitors pass a Reformed church the exterior of which is strongly reminiscent of the Transylvanian wooden churches. Next, there are wooden markers erected in memory of the civil victims of World War II. Beyond these and already in the woods, carefully established footpaths lead to the peak and the Postal lookout (Postás-kilátó). The postal microwave relay station built in 1987 provides a good spot for tourists to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Great Bog

Covering 31,240 acres, this is an area similar to Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton), a combination of marshy tracts (underground water rising and spreading over low grounds), reedy marsh, and boggy swamps. Inscrutable for strangers to the area the Great Bog (Nagy-Berek) is a labyrinth of small, sandy islands and ponds surrounded by reeds.

The current owner uses a 31,240-acre area for farming, animal husbandry, forestry, game keeping and tourism.

Palisade fort

The traces of a palisade fort designed by Italian-born imperial military engineer Gulio Turco, remains of its ramparts and moats, can be explored in Pheasant Fort (Fácános-erőd).

Kripta Mansion

Ödön Abrudbányai-Rédiger had the mansion built in 1939 and commissioned the marble honeymoon sculpture in memory of his lost love. Today's couples can look forward to eternal love standing in this marble nuptial room with its life-size sculptures.

With this fantastic 'altar of love' the man in love put this memorial to his bride he had lost so cruelly. He commissioned their 'bridal bed' as a marble sculpture including the marriage bed, stone bedside tables and the lovers; he and his beloved, lying next to one another and covered by a stucco blanket. Legend has it that if a girl and a boy hold hands across the bed their love will last forever.

Accommodation in Fonyód: http://www.hungaryrooms.com/hotels/Fonyód/

Map of Fonyód: http://www.hungaryrooms.com/map/Fonyód/