Csopak tourism

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CCssooppaakk

Flora Linczmayer

BBN-ANB-266.02

Project work

Mary Adorján

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CONTENT

Title page………………………………………. 1

Contents page………………………………….. 2

Tourism in the area of Csopak…………………. 3

Attractions...……………………………………. 4

Accommodation…..…………………………… 6

Activities & Events.…………………………… 6

The Tourism Sector……………………………. 8

References……………………………………… 9

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Tourism in the area of Csopak

The town of Csopak is located on the Northern shore of Lake Balaton being a

neighbour of Balatonfüred city. The two settlements together form the centre of the famous

Balaton-felvidék wine region that lies in the territory encompassed by Zánka and

Balatonalmádi towns. Csopak has been inhabited since the middle ages, but the first

evidence for its existence as a town is found in the charter of 1277. It was a frequently place

for its rich sources of subterranean waters during the centuries and is still a popular touristic

destination today.

The tourism of Lake Balaton is largely based on two key activities – bathing and wine

culture. Csopak is an outstanding representative of these: its beach is among the most

beautiful ones of North-Balaton and it is famous for its local quality wines. Visitors arrive

mainly from within the borders of Hungary, but in the time of Berlin’s separation, large

masses of German tourists spent their summer holiday here to meet their relatives and

friends. This type of tourism lasted until the early years of the 1990s, since then inbound

tourism is in decline in the Balaton area. However, immense numbers of domestic tourists

come for relaxation every year as the place provides cheap services and leisure activities

compared to the expense of a trip abroad. Although the covers only a small territory, ca.

24km2, there are still many sights to see. The following sections intend to introduce the

most important attractions of Csopak.

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Attractions

The Csonkatorony (Bellyfry Ruin) is the

best-known symbol of Csopak. The church

was built in honour of István I in the

middle ages, but it is only the belfry that

survived during the centuries. It is the first

sight to see from the direction of

Veszprém.

The Plul Vízimalom (Plul Watermill) was

built on the Séd stream and is more than

700 years old. The Plul family, that

operated the mill in the 19th and 20th

centuries, owned two smaller mills as well.

These are now part of the Mill Industry

Exhibition displayed in the building of the

Watermill which is open to the public.

The Ranolder-kastély (Ranolder

Residence) was built in romantic-

neogothic style according to the plans of

Joseph Szentirmay. The owner of the

mansion was John Ranolder (1806-1875),

the bishop of Veszprém, and was he was a

great patron and farmer of viticulture.

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The Endrődy look-out tower on Csákhegy hill is a place from where almost the entire

panorama of Csopak can be seen. Down in the Nosztori valley several subterranean streams

emerge to the surface. These waters are known to be of medical use and accordingly

fountains were set up on these spots. The most remarkable one is found at the entrance of

the Beach which was erected in the year of the millennium and was named Saint István and

Gizella’s well in memoriam of the royal couple’s marriage. Along the vineyards of the town a

pathway is leading that was named the Olaszrizling Path. It is rimmed with small boards

displaying local grape variety names, winemaking techniques and also the geological

features of the land.

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Accomodation

Visitors can find different types of accomodation according to their needs. The most

popular trend is to rent an apartement that provide guests a comfortable and independent

stay. Visitors in search of first class service can book a roomy in any of the town’s three

holiday hotels. Although the ’zimmer frei’ stay is in decline, one can still find opportunities of

’rent-a-room’ accomodation. Those arriving in a caravan or by bike can spend a night at the

local campsite, too.

Activities & Events

The town offers numerous activities for the visitor. Sun-lovers are welcome on the

beach to bathe in the lake and there are many supplementary services for their comfort.

During the summer season diners, boutiques and some other businesses are open along the

shore. For eating out there are several good restaurants in the town to explore.

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The viticulture is most notable in the region. Countless vineries offer their quality

wines of Riesling, muscatel, Chardonnay and merlot that are representative varieties here.

The Csopak Wine Festival (Csopak Napok) is the greatest event of the town attracting

tourists from diverse places where local wine-makers have their wines tasted and cultural

programs entertain both children and adults. There is also a firework launched on the

Hungarian national holiday of state foundation, 20th of August.

Further activities are fishing and biking for those interested in an active holiday. There is a fishing pier close to the docks and paved bicycle track is going around Lake Balaton. A bike rental lends bicycles, if someone happens to come without his own bike. On the official website of Csopak a downloadable ‘get-to-know-the-town’ geo-caching guide can be found for adventurers (also at http://www.geocaching.hu/caches.geo?id=1154).

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Tourism Sector

The area is largely dependent on the bathing culture that is present during the

summer months, so seasonality is an important factor concerning tourism. Although at

winter time a few enthusiasts come for skating on the ice of Balaton, no opportunities of

entertainment are offered to them. The revenues of the town are mainly based on services

accompanying beach facilities, but viticulture contributes to that as well to a great extent.

The infrastructure is in good condition and transportation functions satisfactorily by

operating trains, buses and ships rather frequently. Better promotion of events and

attractions is in needed in order to encourage more tourists to visit.

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REFERENCES

http://csopak.hu/hu/nevezetess%C3%A9g http://csopak.hu/hu/content/utvonal http://csopak.hu/hu/content/olaszrizling-tan%C3%B6sv%C3%A9ny http://www.geocaching.hu/caches.geo?id=1154 http://www.balatonfured-csopaki-borvidek.hu/balatonfured-csopaki-borvidek-bemutatasa.php http://vinopedia.hu/balatonfured-csopaki-borvidek http://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Csopak