Top 9 Lakes in Komárom-Esztergom

ÖREG-TÓ – A LAKE WITH A THOUSAND FACES The Öreg-tó in Tata is a lake with diverse uses; one could say – with a slight exaggeration – that it has a thousand faces. Its oldest form of use is agricultural in nature, as it is the country's oldest fishpond. The dam, into which Tata Castle is also integrated, was built more than 600 years ago – in the 14th century – to utilize the resulting huge body of water as a fishpond. The Öreg-tó is the largest and most significant water management structure in the Által-ér valley. Furthermore, the water regulation facilities (sluices) built next to Tata Castle play an important role in flood protection, i.e., in the controlled drainage of incoming floodwaters. Its importance for nature conservation is also internationally recognized. The lake lies on the main migration route of wild geese, which travel from the cold regions of Northern Europe and Siberia to warmer southern areas, and is considered a true Eldorado for birds in Hungary. In winter, birds from all directions flock to the Öreg-tó to spend the night peacefully in the lowered lake basin, which reaches deep into the built-up urban area. The ensemble of characteristic buildings around the lake and the imposing surroundings are unique. The site is also of outstanding archaeological significance: In the Porhanyókó quarry – which was carved into the rock rising above the lake shore below the Eötvös Gymnasium – researchers discovered traces of prehistoric humans as well as bone fragments of mammoths that lived here during the Ice Age. Last but not least, the Öreg-tó plays a crucial role in recreation and tourism. Since the 1970s, hundreds of holiday homes have been built in the surrounding area. The water has been suitable for swimming again for several years. From spring to autumn, boats run regularly between the jetties at Kastély Square and in Építők Park. Furthermore, it is one of the region's most important bases for sailors, surfers, kayakers, canoeists, rowers, as well as paddleboarders. And all this on a lake that is barely 2 km long! This also shows that both nature and humans find the necessary basic conditions for life here.

Réti-Teiche The Réti fish ponds in Tata were created in 1896 on land belonging to the Esterházy family. Previously, extensive reed areas and swamps stretched across the area of Tata all the way to the Danube. This vast wetland was fed by the Által stream and local springs; these abundant, lukewarm springs once supplied up to 130,000 cubic meters of crystal-clear water daily. In 1747, the area was drained at the instigation of the Court Chamber and József Esterházy, according to plans by Sámuel Mikovényi, to enable economic use. The pond system consists of nine characteristic lowland fish ponds, enclosed by ring-shaped dams, covering a total area of 65 hectares. In addition to fish farming, the ponds are also important for the cultivation of ornamental plants, which are mainly used in parks. Occasionally, waterfowl hunts are held in the area; these have a noticeably detrimental effect on migratory waterfowl. During these hunts, many birds retreat to the comparatively quieter – or at least hunt-free – Öreg-tó (Old Lake). Reed harvesting takes place annually in winter or, regrettably, in spring. Source: https://arhiv.tata.hu/4777/reti_tavak

The place is interesting from several points of view. Firstly, the proximity to the lake, in itself, radiates tranquility. If we add the outdoor BBQ bar operating here: then we can say that we can truly dine in the lap of nature. In the farther part, the famous Zsigmond Stone "looks down on us". All this together is a particularly pleasant place for rest.

The nature reserve around the Alten See (Öreg-tó) in Tata, Hungary, is an important ecological area, particularly known for its role as a resting place for migratory birds. It is located in the county of Komárom-Esztergom and is part of the city of Tata, also known as the "City of Living Waters". Fényes-Lehrpfad (Fényes Tanösvény): A highlight in the nature reserve is the 1.5 km long educational trail, which leads through a floodplain forest area with hot springs and wetlands. A wooden boardwalk allows visitors to observe the unique flora and fauna, including turtles, rare birds, and fish. Location and surroundings: The area is picturesquely situated next to Tata Castle and Esterházy Palace, combining nature and culture.

Tata Castle, also known as Tatai Vár, is a medieval castle ruin whose history dates back to the 14th century. King Sigismund of Luxembourg expanded the castle into a royal palace between 1397 and 1409, making it an important center of European power. During the Turkish Wars, the castle became an important link in the Habsburg defense system, but was destroyed by the Ottomans. After the reconquest of Hungary, the castle ruins came into the possession of the Esterházy family in 1727, who developed them into a stately center of their estates.

tata old lake

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The route then continues towards Budapest, mostly on main roads, so it's a good time to take a break.