Helikon Park and Helikon Memorial

The Largest Green Area in Keszthely

Helikon Park

“Here on the green shore of Keszthely rises the silent Helikon.” – we can read the words of Dániel Berzsenyi. No wonder, in Keszthely even the parks have a cultural and historical background, and they are certainly related to the Festetics family. If we head from the city center towards the Balaton-part, we are likely to encounter the Helikon Park formed by giant trees.

“Beautiful, well-kept park. Perfect for relaxation. Close to the beach, so I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful place in the area. Huge plane trees provide shade, and the well-maintained benches provide comfort.”

Zoltán KovácsLocal guide

An interesting factThe National Blue Trail route passes through the park, so we will walk through it even if we complete the Sümeg-Keszthely section.

Why Helikon and what is its connection to the Festetics family? In 1883, Count Tasziló Festetics II gave the grove to the city for permanent use, which was transformed into a park – originally called Bath Park – where deciduous trees dominate: chestnut, beech, linden, cherry, sad willow, oak and plane tree, the latter being the tree of the main promenade. Among the conifers, we can observe thuja, pine and common marsh cypress.

An interesting factWhere does the name Helikon come from? Originally it was the name of a Greek mountain range.

The Helikon Celebrations are an important segment of the city’s cultural life. The first celebration was organized in 1817 by Count György Festetics, and renowned figures of the literary life took part in it, such as Sándor Kisfaludy, Dániel Berzsenyi and Judit Takách Dukai. The distinguished cultural event was held several times, but ended with the count’s death.

Helikon Memorial

It was still seen a hundred years later that the cream of the intelligentsia gathering in the city of Keszthely on the shores of Lake Balaton had great significance in the life of the city, so it was thought appropriate to commemorate the centenary and not to let this beautiful tradition be forgotten. Due to the First World War, it was only in 1921 that it was possible to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Heliconian Celebrations. At this time, the Helikon Memorial, consisting of eight columns with domes, was erected along the promenade crossing the park. This is not the only work that adorns the park, there are also statues of Pál Kitaibel, the botanist, Cholnoky Jenő, the geographer, and Ottó Herman’s memorial column.
An interesting factDo you want to know more about the past of Keszthely? Then the book KESZTHELYI TÖRTÉNETEK was written for you, get it in the Tourinform office on the walking street!

Approach and Parking

The park is accessible from the Balaton shore and the city center in a few minutes walk, connecting the two “parts of the city”. We can leave our vehicle in a paid parking lot along Erzsébet királyné útja.

HintHave you ever been to the Helikon Park? On the park grounds a dog run and agility course was created, which can be visited free of charge every day of the week from 0 to 24 hours.

The park is also popular among runners, as a running track has been set up.