The lakeside city of Keszthely (Keszthely) is pulling out all the stops for 2025, promising a lively calendar packed with festivals, events, and cultural experiences right on the shores of Lake Balaton (Balaton). Whether you’re traveling for sun, wine, history, or adventure, Keszthely aims to satisfy every taste, in every season.
Unmissable Festivals and Events
From July 30 (Wednesday) to August 3 (Sunday), 2025, the Keszthely Wine Festival—Zalai Borcégér (Zala Wine Showcase)—takes center stage. Locals and visitors gather across multiple venues to discover regional wines, enjoy street food, and catch live bands. Nothing says summer like a crisp glass of local white and open-air concerts with the backdrop of Western Hungary’s grandest lake.
On August 20, the city celebrates the much-loved festival of King Saint Stephen (Szent István), with markets, parades, and traditional Hungarian festivities. From September 11 to 14, the Keszthely Dance Panorama (Keszthelyi Táncpanoráma) brings dynamic dance performances that showcase local talent and international guest artists.
Winter isn’t left out either. From November 30 to January 3, the city transforms for Advent and Christmas, draping the Festetics Palace (Festetics Kastély) and city center in twinkling lights, with craft fairs, mulled wine stands, and magical concerts. And of course, New Year’s Eve—Keszthely’s Szilveszter (New Year’s Eve)—on December 31, promises fireworks, street entertainment, and a lakeside celebration to welcome 2026.
Where to Stay: Keszthely’s Best Beds
The north shore’s iconic Helikon Hotel (Helikon Szálló), now fully renovated as a four-star superior property, boasts 176 plush rooms, a spacious wellness facility, fitness center, and family-friendly programs. It blends retro Balaton nostalgia with modern comfort.
Abbázia Club Hotel (Abbázia Klub Hotel) sits in the heart of town, between the lake and the baroque Festetics Palace. Studios and apartments accommodate couples, families, and groups (2, 4, or 6 guests) year-round, perfect for everything from family holidays to business trips or a stopover between Hévíz (Hévíz) and Keszthely.
Prefer something cozier? Several guesthouses and pension hotels dot Keszthely’s green zones, including a family-friendly villa just a 5-minute stroll from Gyenesdiás’ (Gyenesdiás) kid-friendly beach and the sailing marina. Another gem: Andrea Villa (Andrea Villa) offers romantic, self-contained rooms in lush gardens, right next to the Festetics Castle Museum—summer shade under the oaks, cool dips in the pool, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen for DIY breakfasts.
Modern boutique hotels offer elegance and peace in the historic downtown, just steps from museums, the Festetics Palace, the Theater, and the Congress Center. Around every corner: cozy restaurants, confectioneries, and clubs for culinary explorations. And the city’s calendar is always packed: from wine festivals to jazz nights, ballet, folklore, and classical concerts.
Looking for wellness? Erika Pension (Erika Panzió) tempts with 16 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, sun garden, and personalized service for singles, couples, and families. Further afield, guesthouses offer panoramic views of Hévíz (the famous thermal lake), outdoor pools, and safe parking—a child-friendly appeal guaranteed.
Eating and Drinking in Style
The Helikon Hotel Restaurant sets the bar high for both Hungarian and international favorites, using mostly local ingredients just steps from the shores of Lake Balaton. Not staying at the hotel? Drop in for à la carte dining, join the hearty breakfast buffet, or return for dinner.
Wine is serious business here. Bars and wine shops pride themselves on bringing bottles from small artisan and larger modern winemakers to your glass with minimum fuss and maximum quality—Hungarian options always at the top, but global selections in the mix as well.
Out in the rolling vineyards that ring Keszthely between Lake Balaton and the Bakony Hills (Bakony), you’ll find winemakers still overseeing every process themselves, from vine to bottle. Since 1997, local families have kept centuries-old traditions alive, now selling their creations in bottled form. Don’t miss the region’s unique Wine Museum (Bormúzeum), housed in an old wine cellar, where over 1,000 vintage tools and artifacts paint a picture of wine culture across the ages. Non-hotel guests can visit between 11 a.m. and noon.
Wineries are joined by a respected wine-knight order (Borlovagrend) founded in 2000, dedicated to promoting Zala’s wine culture and traditions. Members are active throughout the public sphere, spreading knowledge and organizing wine-centered events.
More Flavors and Nightlife
Downtown Keszthely buzzes with pubs evoking classic British style, pizzerias, burger joints, and cool spots for billiards, darts, and live music. Local hangouts serve everything from Hungarian dishes to international favorites—plus cocktails, craft beers, and an outstanding wine list.
Want a meal with a view of the Festetics Palace? The elegant Garden Kitchen (Bárkonyha) offers just that, with gourmet dishes and attentive service, perfect for everything from family gatherings to business dinners.
For something more creative, check out Klassz—a combination of community space, modern culture center, tapas bar, coffee house, and bistro, perfect for grazing and people-watching.
Looking to host an event or just enjoy everyday dining? Paris Restaurant and Guesthouse (Párizsi Étterem és Panzió) serves up fine food, tailored menus, a family-friendly garden, and charming city-center atmosphere.
One last note: schedules and line-ups can change, so check ahead. But rest assured, any time you visit Keszthely, the capital of the Balaton, it is ready to entertain, feed, and relax you.
