What erosion left behind
The softer material vanished and the harder stayed — hence the rounded shapes.
Hollófernyiges — CC BY-SA 4.0 · FOTO:Fortepan — ID 20004: Adományozó/Donor: Cholnoky Tamás. archive copy at the Wayback Machine — Public domain · Darinko — Public domain
A field of enormous sandstone blocks scattered across a meadow on the Káli basin north of Lake Balaton, known locally as the Sea of Stones. The formation is geological: these blocks are the remains of a sandstone layer formed in an ancient sea millions of years ago, from which the softer surrounding material eroded away, leaving them behind. Their rounded, smooth shapes are the result of that long weathering. The site belongs to the Balaton Uplands National Park, an old volcanic region that gives the north of the lake its distinctive landscape: conical hills, stone villages and vineyards. This area is entirely unlike the lake's southern shore with its beaches and resorts. The site is open, and you can walk among the blocks and climb some of them, which suits children particularly well. Practical points: entry is free and the site is open, but it is in a rural area and much easier to reach by car. Combine it with the Káli basin villages and the surrounding vineyards — the whole area makes a fine half day.
The softer material vanished and the harder stayed — hence the rounded shapes.
Conical hills, stone villages and vineyards — the opposite of the southern shore.
You can walk among the blocks and climb them — an open site with no barriers.
The Káli basin, north of Lake Balaton
The southern shore is shallow and sandy, full of resorts and family beaches, and is the swimming destination. The northern shore is volcanic and hilly, with conical hills, stone villages, vineyards and natural sites like this one. For landscape, villages, food and wine, go north; for swimming with children, go south.
The surrounding Káli basin villages — Kővágóörs, Salföld and Mindszentkálla — small preserved stone villages ringed by vineyards. The area is also known for its wineries and their restaurants. Half a day by car covers the Sea of Stones, two villages and a winery.
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