Tata Castle and Old Lake – Lake Tata loop from Tata
Tata Castle and Old Lake – Lake Tata loop from Tata
4.9
(8)
487
runners
Tata Castle and Old Lake – Lake Tata loop from Tata
00:52
8.36km
30m
Running
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.19 km
Tata Castle and Old Lake
Highlight • Castle
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Tip by
2.11 km
Pötörke Mill
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.16 km
Pétanque Court
Highlight • Rest Area
3.85 km
Old Lake (Öreg-tó), Tata
Highlight • Lake
The Öreg-tó in Tata is a lake with diverse uses; one could say – with a slight exaggeration – that it has a thousand faces.
Its oldest form of use is agricultural in nature, as it is the country's oldest fishpond. The dam, into which Tata Castle is also integrated, was built more than 600 years ago – in the 14th century – to utilize the resulting huge body of water as a fishpond.
The Öreg-tó is the largest and most significant water management structure in the Által-ér valley. Furthermore, the water regulation facilities (sluices) built next to Tata Castle play an important role in flood protection, i.e., in the controlled drainage of incoming floodwaters.
Its importance for nature conservation is also internationally recognized. The lake lies on the main migration route of wild geese, which travel from the cold regions of Northern Europe and Siberia to warmer southern areas, and is considered a true Eldorado for birds in Hungary. In winter, birds from all directions flock to the Öreg-tó to spend the night peacefully in the lowered lake basin, which reaches deep into the built-up urban area.
The ensemble of characteristic buildings around the lake and the imposing surroundings are unique. The site is also of outstanding archaeological significance: In the Porhanyókó quarry – which was carved into the rock rising above the lake shore below the Eötvös Gymnasium – researchers discovered traces of prehistoric humans as well as bone fragments of mammoths that lived here during the Ice Age.
Last but not least, the Öreg-tó plays a crucial role in recreation and tourism. Since the 1970s, hundreds of holiday homes have been built in the surrounding area. The water has been suitable for swimming again for several years. From spring to autumn, boats run regularly between the jetties at Kastély Square and in Építők Park. Furthermore, it is one of the region's most important bases for sailors, surfers, kayakers, canoeists, rowers, as well as paddleboarders.
And all this on a lake that is barely 2 km long! This also shows that both nature and humans find the necessary basic conditions for life here.
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Tip by
4.05 km
Lake Tata
Highlight • Lake
4.96 km
Által-ér Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
7.78 km
Tata Geological Garden
Highlight • Natural Monument
8.36 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.96 km
3.23 km
431 m
366 m
340 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.63 km
2.94 km
944 m
516 m
265 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 26 August
30°C
17°C
40 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
The Öreg-tó is not a natural lake, but an ancient artificial reservoir with a castle backdrop. That's why it's so photogenic and the landmark of Tata.
Around Tata, there are also lakes full of 🌻🌻🌻 right now. A few photos have been sneaked in.
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