Tucked away at Fenékpuszta (Fenékpuszta) on the edge of Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton), an unforgettable adventure kicks off from the Little Balaton Visitor Center (Kis-Balaton Látogatóközpont). Whether you arrive in your own vehicle, hop on a 13-seater golf cart, or paddle a canoe, guided tours promise to take curious explorers across land and water straight to Diás Island (Diás-sziget)—an area so protected it can only be visited through these organized excursions.
What Awaits on Diás Island?
On this special tour, two unique landmarks await: the István Fekete Memorial (Fekete István Emlékhely) and Uncle Matula’s (Matula bácsi) authentic hut from “Thorn Castle” (Tüskevár). Both sit in the heart of a strictly protected nature reserve. The trip starts with a 1.9-mile (3 km) stretch, which you can either hike or paddle, but bikes are not allowed. Cyclists arriving at the Visitor Center should reserve golf cart seats in advance. The electric cart is open-air and weather-dependent, and only the guide may drive it.
After parking, everyone heads out on a 2,130-foot (650 m) hike led by an expert guide. This short trek reveals the story of Little Balaton’s formation, its unique natural wonders, and the ever-changing ways locals have used the landscape.
Ticket Prices and Packages
Tickets are sold only at the Visitor Center, but you must pre-register for the golf cart by email—and with just 13 seats, booking in advance doesn’t guarantee a spot unless confirmed by staff. For families and individuals, here are the prices for guided land tours in 2025 (converted to USD):
– Children under 3 (registration ticket): $0.80
– Children (3–14 years): $5
– Youth (15–18 years): $6
– Adult: $7
– Family pack (2 adults, max. 3 children 3–14): $21.50 per family
– Additional child with family pack: $3.20
– Concession*: $6
– + Golf cart: $2.70 per person
Tour Timetable: Pick Your Season
Land tours run most of the year, except during winter months. Here’s the full schedule:
– March 14–16 & 28–30, weekends only: 10:00 and 13:00
– March 17–27, closed
– March 31–April 20, weekends only: 10:00 and 13:00
– April 21 (Easter Monday): 10:00 and 13:00
– April 22–30, weekends only: 10:00 and 13:00
– May 1–June 30, Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 and 13:00 (closed Mondays)
– July 1–August 31 (+June 9): Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 (closed Mondays)
– September 1–30: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 and 13:00 (closed Mondays)
– October 1–22, weekends only: 10:00 and 13:00
– October 23–31: 10:00 and 13:00 daily
– Closed: November 1–March 31
Each tour lasts about 1.5–2 hours.
Paddle to History: Canoe Tours
For those craving a water route, canoe tours to the István Fekete Memorial and Diás Island add a wilder twist! Advance registration is required—do this by 4 p.m. the day before. If spots are left, same-day sign-ups at the ticket counter are possible between 9:00 and 9:45. Canoe tours are offered:
– April 1–September 30 (+June 9 & 21): Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00
– October 1–31: only with pre-registration
– November–March: closed
Ticket prices for canoe tours:
– Children (3–14 years): $9.40
– Concession: $12
– Disabled concession: $8
– Adult: $13.40
– Registration ticket: $0.50
Combo land + water tickets and family deals are available too, with discounts for children and people with disabilities.
Each canoe seats three (or two adults plus two small children) and the maximum group size is 29 participants. There is only one guide; everyone paddles their own boat. Life jackets are provided and must be worn. The whole program, including the water and walking sections, takes 3–3.5 hours.
Plan Like a Pro
Arrive 20–30 minutes before your time slot to purchase tickets. Bring child-friendly, weather-appropriate clothes, flat shoes, and a hat, and leave valuables at home—safety first. Men are kindly asked to help carry canoes to and from the water. Remember: all activities are weather-dependent, and in case of cancellation, land tours are available as a backup.
Whether you hike, ride, or paddle, the wetlands and stories of Little Balaton (Kis-Balaton) await those willing to venture just a bit beyond the usual tourist trail.
