Every summer, Băile Tușnad (Tusnádfürdő), a small town in Transylvania, becomes the beating heart of Central European debate as it hosts the famous Bălványos Summer Free University and Student Camp (Bálványosi Nyári Szabadegyetem és Diáktábor), known to everyone as Tusványos. Running from July 21 to 26, 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of this boundary-breaking event.
A True East European Melting Pot
With over 80,000 visitors expected, Tusványos serves as a one-of-a-kind forum uniting ethnic Hungarians from the region, students from neighboring countries, and youth from the majority nations. It’s all about coming together—no matter which side of the border you’re from—to freely hash out the hottest social, political, economic, and cultural issues shaking Hungary and Romania. The lineup features an impressive roster of influential people: Hungarian politicians from both sides of the border, Romanian political heavyweights, academics, civic leaders, church figures, artists, health and economic experts, and writers.
Debates, Dialogues, Directions
The packed program tackles everything you can imagine: the economy, energy policy, environmental concerns, higher education for Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin, culture, sports, and, inevitably, the latest national policy debates. Sessions and roundtable discussions take place in different tents at various times, so everyone can join the conversations that matter most to them. The point isn’t just to talk—Tusványos is about meaningful, sometimes heated, but always constructive exchanges, with young people from Subcarpathia (Kárpátalja), Upper Hungary (Felvidék), Vojvodina (Vajdaság), and various European youth groups joining forces to build real regional connections.
Beyond the Debates
Afternoons cater to university students and the sociologically inclined, with renowned professors, sharp-minded young researchers, and respected experts sparking discussions on trending topics. For those needing a break from brain work, countless sports tournaments and spirited competitions run alongside, giving everyone a chance to blow off steam.
Music Takes Over the Night
When the sun sets, the festival flips into party mode as Hungarian bands from both sides of the Carpathian Basin take the stage—including plenty of winners from Transylvanian (Erdélyi) talent contests. Every night offers a different genre and musical flavor, mixing emerging acts with seasoned favorites, making sure there’s always something to sing or dance along to.
Once again, Tusványos will be the place where borders blur, conversations matter, alliances are built—and the nights go long.
