Old Lake (Tata)
Komárom-Esztergom
Old Lake (Öreg-tó) is an artificial lake located in the heart of Tata, Hungary, and is the country's oldest fishpond. It covers an area of 269 hectares with a shoreline of 7.28 km, surrounded by wooded areas and urban quarters. The lake is fed by the Által-brook and drains northwards towards the Danube. Its landscape is a mix of open water, reed beds, and marshes, creating a unique ecosystem. The shores of Old Lake are home to significant cultural landmarks, including Tata Castle and the Esterházy Palace, making it a place of both natural and historical importance. The lake has been a managed fishpond since the 1700s and has undergone various environmental restoration efforts to preserve its water quality and biodiversity. Today, Old Lake is also associated with recreational activities such as golf, with the nearby Old Lake Golf Club offering an 18-hole championship course in an arboretum setting. The lake’s protected status under the Ramsar Convention highlights its environmental value.
Plan your trip to Hungary with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Old Lake is during spring and early summer when the natural surroundings are vibrant and wildlife is active. Visitors interested in golf can enjoy the Old Lake Golf Club, which offers facilities for both beginners and experienced players. It is advisable to check opening hours and book golf lessons or tee times in advance, especially during peak seasons. Walking along the lakeshore provides scenic views and photo opportunities of Tata Castle and Esterházy Palace. Visitors should also consider exploring the nearby wooded areas for a more immersive nature experience.
Interesting facts
- •Old Lake is Hungary's oldest managed fishpond, dating back to the 1700s.
- •The lake covers 269 hectares with a shoreline of over 7 km, making it one of the largest in the region.
- •It was declared a Ramsar-protected wetland in 1989, recognizing its international ecological importance.
- •The lake's water level is regulated by five sluices, with the Vecserei sluice being the most significant.
- •Old Lake Golf Club, established in 1998 on the Esterházy family’s former hunting estate, is one of Hungary's most popular golf complexes.
History
Old Lake originated from a Pleistocene-era marshland fed by numerous springs.
The Romans constructed a valley dam on the Által-brook, shaping the early water management of the area.
In the 18th century, under the design of engineer Sámuel Mikoviny, the marshes were drained and the lake took on its approximate current form.
From the 1700s until 1965, it functioned as a managed fishpond under the Esterházy estate, making it Hungary's oldest fishpond.
The lake has experienced significant floods in 1939, 1953, and 2010, which led to improvements in water regulation infrastructure, including the reconstruction of sluices in the late 1960s.
It was declared a protected natural area of county significance in 1977 and has been under Ramsar protection since 1989.
Place Guide
Tata Castle14th century
A historic castle located on the shores of Old Lake, offering insights into the region's medieval past and architectural heritage.
Esterházy Palace18th century
A baroque palace near Old Lake, historically linked to the prominent Esterházy family, showcasing period architecture and cultural heritage.
Old Lake Golf Club1998
An 18-hole championship golf course set in an arboretum environment near Old Lake, offering facilities for players of all levels, including a par-3 practice course and driving range.
Contact
Phone: (06 34) 587 720
