Máriaújfalu reservoir

One of the most beautiful wedges of Szentgotthárd is Lake Hársas, located on the edge of the Máriaújfalu settlement, which is part of the Őrségi National Park. The flood reservoir created by the damming of the Hársas stream at the end of the 1980s is fed by the Hársas stream, which originates in the forest of the neighboring Apátistvánfalva. The lake is popular not only among fishermen, but also among bathers and hikers.

The creation of the reservoir solved previous flooding problems, and with it, a beautiful lake in a beautiful setting. Over the decades, it has undergone continuous development, either in terms of accessibility or the infrastructure of the beach established at the southern end of the lake. All these developments took place in such a way that the beauty of the forests and nature surrounding the lake has been preserved to this day.

When Hársas Lake was established, a significant part of the valley intended to be flooded was not touched. Therefore, starting from the area around the upper, i.e. the southern, inflow, approximately two-thirds of the lake almost kept its original bed, i.e. topographic features, and of course the snags, stumps, and roots as well. A lot of work was done in the northern part on the west coast: it was leveled down to clay. However, they did not touch the bank on the road side (downstream right) at all. The vicinity of the inlet is an area classified as an excellent drinking place thanks to its features. In this part, fishing is prohibited for 100 meters all year round for reasons of nature conservation and fish protection! An open beach has also been created on the lake, thanks to which family fishing tourism is typical in the summer. The inlet and the area in front of the beach can be said to be shallow, and you can also find shallow parts in the open water. The reason for this is that there are small reef-like formations left in the water, which, by the way, together with the small water in front of the beach, are very good places in the spring and summer periods.

As for the beach, it is extremely popular not only among the people of Szentgotthárd and its surroundings, but also among tourists from further afield. According to the changed legislation, bathing was prohibited for two seasons, but the Municipality of Szentgotthárd City modernized the beach with the help of grant money so that bathers could take possession of it again. The drinking water network was built, which was one of the basic requirements for operation, and parking spaces and toilets were created. Instead, he got a beach volleyball court.

Water depths of five to seven meters can be found at the dam. According to fishermen, Lake Hársas is considered a particularly good fishing spot in winter, when pike and bream can be successfully caught from the lake.

Lake Hársas is a popular excursion destination, but in the summer it hosts many bathers on the designated beach area. The lake can be accessed from several directions, including from Szentgotthárd-Máriaújfalu, Apátistvánfalva and Farkasfa.

The Hársas Lake, which is also popular with those who want to walk and bike, can be walked and cycled in its entirety, and a few years ago a nature trail was also created on this road. During the walk on the nature trail, the hiker can learn about the typical plant and animal species of Őrség and the Vendvidék, as well as learn about the types of mushrooms in the surrounding forests, with the help of the information boards set up.

Gallery

Downloadable Documents

• Hársas tó medertérkép (7.11 MB, PNG)

Related ticket consignee

• Fishing Association Szentgotthárd (9790 Szentgotthárd, Hunyadi u. 21.)
• TimeTourist Museum (9970 Szentgotthárd, Széll K. tér 1.)