Fonyód (Fonyód) is shaking up your ordinary weekend getaway this summer with a program mixing the coolest parts of Lake Balaton: speedboats, leisurely cruises, artisan markets, and wine tastings. The star of the show? The Káptalantóti (Káptalantóti) Craft Market, nestled in the hills and brimming with authentic flavors and local treasures. Getting there is half the fun, and you’ll have options: speed across the lake from Fonyód (Fonyód) or relax on a classic pleasure boat from Balatonfenyves (Balatonfenyves). No car, no parking hassles—just a day of easy-going exploration and indulgence.
Lake Crossing, Market Hopping
Every Sunday starting July 20, it all kicks off at 10:00 AM. From Fonyód (Fonyód), a high-speed lake shuttle zips across to Badacsony (Badacsony). If you prefer a laid-back vibe, board the Szent Benedek (Szent Benedek) pleasure boat from Balatonfenyves (Balatonfenyves). Once in Badacsony (Badacsony), a comfortable minibus picks you up for a short scenic drive to Káptalantóti (Káptalantóti). Here, you’ll have a full hour and a half to wander the vibrant market stalls, sample local treats, and hunt for handmade souvenirs, art, and culinary goodies.
Choose Your Afternoon Adventure
Of course, no day at the lake is complete without a taste of the region’s famous vineyards. After shopping, you choose your afternoon:
– Head to Folly Arboretum and Winery (Folly Arborétum és Borászat) for an hour and a half of free time in a lush garden setting, punctuated by tastings of three types of homemade syrup or local Balaton (Balaton) wines.
– Or, stay local and tour two legendary Badacsony (Badacsony) wineries: Istvándy (Istvándy) and Laposa (Laposa). At each, sample three different wines straight from the source. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned sipper, the intimate tastings and stories behind each bottle offer an authentic taste of Balaton’s (Balaton) wine culture.
What Does It Cost?
For the Fonyód (Fonyód) speedboat route, the price is $25 per person for the market-only journey. Add the afternoon wine or arboretum excursion, and it’s $44 total. The Balatonfenyves (Balatonfenyves) pleasure boat trip is a bit more leisurely—and a little pricier. The market visit alone is $33; with the full winery or arboretum add-on, it’s $58 per person. Trips run every Sunday from July 20 to November 23, departing at 10:00 and returning by 3:00 PM.
Trips only run if enough people sign up: at least 10 for Fonyód (Fonyód), and 15 for Balatonfenyves (Balatonfenyves). Multiple small bookings can be combined to reach these totals, but you’ll need to reserve in advance. No last-minute dash to the dock!
Dates to Mark (and Mark Again)
Circle your favorite Sunday: The program runs July 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, and 23. Every departure is from Fonyód (Fonyód), with the same timing and options.
Sleep in Style Along the Lake
Don’t want to rush? Fonyód (Fonyód) offers accommodations tailored to every taste. The Boros Castle Guesthouse (Boros Kastély Vendégház) rises from the protected Nagyberek (Nagyberek) nature area like a dream, blending stateliness with homely touches. With space for 26 guests in newly renovated rooms—two-person twins and four-person suites, many with terraces and exceptional views—it’s perfect for groups, workshops, or even business retreats. Sailboat excursions, private wine-tasting sessions, and exclusive programs complete the picture.
If you prefer intimacy, Funoldi Guesthouse (Funoldi Vendégház) sits in one of Fonyód’s (Fonyód) prettiest corners—ideal for families, small groups, or conference attendees, surrounded by tranquility, gardens, a pool, and even a playground and grill setup.
Down a quiet cul-de-sac, you’ll find air-conditioned apartments just a five-minute stroll from Fonyódliget’s (Fonyódliget) free beach. Each is about 430 sq. feet, with two bedrooms, and accepts SZÉP card users. Or opt for lakeside panorama apartments, open for bookings year-round.
Sunset Resort – Lakeside Boutique Apartments (Sunset Resort – Tóparti Boutique Apartmanok) lets you automate the whole lakeside experience. Smart, premium apartments on the Balaton (Balaton) shore come with customized programs and everything you’d expect for carefree relaxation.
For a culinary treat, Konyhám Studio 365 (Konyhám Stúdió 365) on Fonyód’s (Fonyód) main square offers not just a meal but a sensory journey. Artistic plates, joyful vibes, and the best lake views around—all served daily. Or relax at Barbakan (Barbakán) with grilled sandwiches, homemade cakes, gourmet coffees, and cold draft beer (plus free Wi-Fi). In winter, sink into the cozy indoors; in summer, take your treat to go.
Spoiled for Choice
Fonyód (Fonyód) and its surroundings serve up peaceful parks, boutique hotels, and local flavors worth lingering over. Whether it’s a quick across-the-lake market run or a weekend-long retreat, this lakeside hub is set to be the beating heart of Balaton’s (Balaton) bohemian summer. Be warned: plans and timing may still change, so book early, check ahead, and prepare to soak up everything Lake Balaton (Balaton) has to offer.