From Gyékényes

Gyékényes

Gyékényes is a village in Somogy County with a population of just under a thousand, which has become famous for its mining lake.

The secret of its success lies not only in its crystal-clear waters covering an area of nearly 340 hectares and its legendary catches, but also in its unspoiled and peaceful environment, which amazes visitors at first glance.

Gyékényes and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation for the whole family.

In addition to fishing and sunbathing, you can also go diving, hiking, and exploring the nature reserve.

In addition, the now traditional swimming competition of the Nagyatád triathlon is also held at Gyékényesi Kotrón.

Gyékényes is an international railway station, which is also one of the most important border crossings in South Transdanubia on the Budapest-Zagreb-Rijeka route.

History of Gyékényes

The first documented mention of Gyékényes dates back to the 1380s. In 1446, it was owned by the descendants of the Marczali family, then by the daughters of László Zákányi. In 1489, it became the property of István Szerdahelyi, then the Báthori family acquired the local lands. In 1598-99, Ferenc Nádasdy was the landowner. After the fall of Kanizsa, the settlement fell into Turkish hands in 1600. In 1677, Leopold I donated the area, which had few inhabitants, to György Széchenyi, Archbishop of Kalocsa. Even in the 1720s, the population was only 200-300. In 1733, Kristóf Festetics and János Inkey, from 1776 Pál Festetics and Count Ferenc Széchenyi, and from 1835 the Zichy family were the owners.

In 1859, a significant part of the village burned down. In 1872, Alsógyékényes and Felsőgyékényes established a joint district notary office, and ten years later, the previously independent settlements merged under the name Gyékényes. The economic boom following the Compromise had a beneficial effect on this region. On January 5, 1870, the first train departed for the Croatian capital on the railway bridge spanning the Drava River.

The village was granted the status of a large municipality in 1907. Following the border demarcations after the Treaty of Trianon, Gyékényes became known as a border guard village.

In 1932, production began in the gravel pit on the outskirts of the village, which still provides a livelihood for many people today.

With the renovation of the old school on Szabadság Square, the Nursing Home for the Elderly was opened in 1996, providing residential and day care for those in need.

Since 1996, Gyékényes and its surroundings have been part of the Danube-Drava National Park.

Useful links:

http://www.gyekenyes.hu/

http://www.gyekenyesihorgaszat.hu/

http://www.dravamedence.hu

http://www.ddnp.hu/