The Sea of Rocks near Szentbékkálla (kőtenger)
The stone blocks are remnants of the ancient Pannon Sea beach. Sea waves meeting the beach at an oblique angle deposited sediment in a zigzag pattern. Accumulated sediment developed a reef-like peninsula called spit. Silicic acid oozed inside and cemented components preventing wind from eroding the formations.
Later on wind-blown sediment polished the rocks. Water oozing inside and freezing as well as fluctuation of temperature fractured them into smaller individual pieces. Ingókő is an example for having just a few points to contact the rock below that used to form one piece with it. Erosion is still ongoing today.
The rocks lie there as if giants had played pétanque. Small cavities collect rainwater where birds may drink.
Sandstone is easy to work with. For a long time huge millstones were made of it. This craft is implied by the name of a nearby village called Kővágóörs (stone cutter). Practically, it was established on a sandstone bed. There are further but less abundant and spectacular examples for the sea of rocks in other parts of Káli Basin.
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Free of chargePublic transport
- The village is accessible by bus from Tapolca or Révfülöp. Get off at “Szentbékkálla, Petőfi utca”.
Getting there
- Head west from the bus stop towards the center of the village. Turn right onto Kossuth Street then take the first left onto Jókai Street. Follow the Blue (K) markers to reach kőtenger. (1.1 km.)
- Arriving from Mindszentkálla follow the main road and turn right at the cemetery towards Szentbékkálla. Follow St. Mary Trail (ᵯ) to the left. Follow the Blue (K) trail joining in from left. Head north to arrive at kőtenger (1.8 km from the cemetery).
Parking
- Driving along Kossuth Street turn left onto Jókai Street. Keep to the same street past the village when it changes to a dirt track (Follow the signs.). At a junction turn right to reach a parking lot near kőtenger. Free of charge.
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