The Kereki Castle, aka Fehérkői Castle, Gate Castle or Soldier Castle, was built in the Middle Ages, presumably in the first third of the 14th century. The first recorded castellan, mentioned in a 1336 document, was called Captain Czikó. It is a great destination if you start out from Balatonföldvár or the surrounding area, on foot, horseback or by bike. There are designated hiking trails leading up to the castle.
Arriving by car, you can leave your vehicle by the foot of 283 m Castle Hill, located southwest of Kereki township. You can choose between a shorter, but steeper trail, which will take you directly to the castle, eroded to the foundation in some places, and a less slippery trail recommended on tourist maps, which leads around the hill.
Once you arrive at the castle on the top of the hill, you can munch on your homemade sandwiches or light a campfire in the designated area and fry some bacon. You can enjoy the splendid view toward Lake Balaton and the Kőröshegy Viaduct, or the neat ranges of the Somogy Hills. The dungeons have caved in over the years, which is the only risk factor around, especially in the dark, so if you are planning on having a drink or two while preparing your campfire feast, you should instead probably opt for one of the excellent wineries nearby, for example in Kötcse.
