Ukk can be explored through two distinct themes: its architectural heritage and the countryside on the southern edge of town, whose character is to be preserved. If you are deciding whether the town suits your travel interests, its church, monuments and landscape conservation offer some specific points of interest.
Church and monument protection in Ukk
Buildings in Ukk protected at national level include the Gyömörei-kúria, the Szalay-kúria and the Gyömörei kastély. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk is also nationally protected as a monument. Together, these names provide an overview of the town’s listed architectural landmarks and a religious monument, without limiting its heritage to the church.
The Roman Catholic Trinity Church was built in the Baroque style in 1725. Its furnishings date from further back: the main altar, statues and pulpit are from 1674 and were brought to Ukk from the Pauline monastery in Tüskevár. Thus, two different dates come together in the church building: its construction in the 18th century and its older furnishings. The church also houses a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from the 18th century, which is likewise protected at national level as a monument.
The countryside on the southern edge of town offers a different perspective. There you will find a tree-studded pasture and other low-lying, grass-covered areas. Their present landscape character is to be preserved through extensive landscape management. Ukk therefore brings together distinct themes: the history of its buildings and the intended preservation of a local landscape.
More topics in the wider Lake Balaton - North destination
The wider Lake Balaton - North destination offers other distinct cultural and natural attractions. Boat trips are available in the Tapolcai-tavasbarlang, which also has a guided exhibition, “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”). The cave is part of a cave system beneath Tapolca that has so far been explored for 14.6 kilometres. Hegyestű offers a different perspective on geology: the 337-metre-high mountain lies between Zánka and Monoszló and exposes the interior of a basalt volcano that was active about 8 million years ago.
At Hegyestű, geological features are also linked to a specific way of orienting yourself on site. At a viewpoint on the western edge of the quarry grounds, visitors can use a panoramic board to identify the surrounding hills. A rock garden displays characteristic rock types from Transdanubia, the western half of Hungary. The cave system, exposed interior of a volcano and rock garden therefore offer different ways to explore the geology of the wider destination.
Culture enthusiasts will find other distinct attractions in Herend and Tihany. The Herend Porcelain Museum features a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions on the history of the manufactory. The visitor centre presents porcelain production, the associated techniques and the traditions of applied arts. In workshops, visitors can handle porcelain paste and a brush for painting. The Levendula Ház in Tihany presents an interactive exhibition about the formation of the Tihany Peninsula and lavender cultivation; it also offers a craft workshop and an experience garden.
Sümeg Castle offers another historical perspective: it is a relatively well-preserved medieval fortress on a bare hill rising above the surrounding area. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2022, and an interactive exhibition opened at the castle in spring 2023. These dated developments form part of the castle’s more recent visitor history, while the church and monuments are the local cultural focus in Ukk.
Discover more destinations: Megyer, Káptalanfa, Sümeg, Sümegprága, Csabrendek
Return to the wider travel overview: SĂĽmegi.
