The forest railway runs through the whole of Bázakerettye; the town is also shaped by a bath with several different pools and the heritage of the MAORT housing estate. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on the railway, bathing history and architectural history separately. Check current train services and visitor arrangements before travelling, especially if you have a particular date in mind.
Forest Railway and Route Connections
The longest forest railway in Transdanubia runs through the entire town. The marked route of the Rockenbauer Pál Memorial Hike is a separate matter: it passes by Bázakerettye. This creates two distinct geographical connections—the railway crosses the settlement, while the hiking route runs alongside it. If you are interested in both, consider their routes separately and check current train services and trail conditions in advance.
The railway’s history also includes a chapter of its own: from 2004, a nostalgic train was among the services. On the fully renovated line, it was pulled by the small steam locomotive “Ábel.” This historical detail describes a former railway service; it does not indicate what trains run today.
The Bath: From the First Pool to Different Types of Water
The history of the Bázakerettye Bath dates back to 1938. That year, the first pool was built, and locals immediately used it as an outdoor bathing area. Following renovations and expansions in the mid-1990s, the bath took on its present form.
The pools vary in size, depth and water temperature. The swimming pool measures 33 × 15 metres, with a graduated depth of 1.1 to 2.05 metres. There are also two thermal pools: one is round and has a temperature of 36°C, while the other is heart-shaped and 30°C. A whirlpool is also 36°C. There is a shallow pool specially designed for small children to splash in. These details can help you choose between the pools and temperatures; confirm current availability before your visit.
The MAORT Housing Estate and Local History
The MAORT housing estate consists of several streets. The Magyar Amerikai Olajipari Részvénytársaság had it built in the early 1940s, modelled on American small towns. Dezső Antal designed the houses for engineers and employees in the Göcsej style. The town’s architectural history is thus closely connected with its oil industry history.
The site of the Workers’ Home is also part of this historical context: the Magyar Amerikai Olajipari Részvénytársaság had the building erected on a high hill above the oil workers’ housing estate, which began to take shape in 1938, at the edge of the forest. A monument honouring architect Dezső Antal was also erected on Sport út in 2024. It was funded by the Bázakerettye Jövőjéért Közhasznú Alapítvány with support from civic groups and businesses; the street was the street of the former engineers’ homes.
Chapel and Church Inscription
Tüttösy Ferenc had the chapel in Kerettye built after his parents died. Another historical trace can be found in the Church of the Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary: according to a Latin inscription, László Töttösi, a county court judge in Zala County, was born in 1746 and died on 7 March 1824. The inscription thus records both his position and his life dates.
Practical Information for Your Visit
The bath is at 1 Sport út, 8887 Bázakerettye. The nearest bus stop is 180 metres away; check the distance locally. Refreshments and meals are available at a buffet on the bath grounds, and secure storage is also available. Check in advance whether these facilities will be available when you visit.
The oil industry is another natural focus for exploring local history. From 25 May 2001, the Hungarian Petroleum Museum displayed a permanent exhibition on the history of oil production in Transdanubia in the BT-2 metering station building in Bázakerettye. Groups are expected to book in advance. If you are planning a visit, check the current arrangements beforehand; the historical opening of the exhibition alone does not indicate whether it is accessible today.
Discover more destinations: Tótszerdahely, Lispeszentadorján, Kerkaszentkirály, Petrivente, Letenye.
View the broader travel guide: Letenye.
