The Tapolca Trout and Wine Festival is back for its 13th year, promising three days of delicious local flavors, lively events, and unforgettable experiences on the banks of Mill Pond (Malom-tó) from September 26 to 28, 2025. This annual celebration draws crowds from all over for its unique blend of culinary delights and scenic charm in the heart of Tapolca.
Food, Fun, and Accommodation
The festival isn’t just about tasting fine trout and sipping regional wines. Tapolca transforms into a welcoming hub for guests, offering a range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. From the stylish apartment house with its four suites and five rooms on Spring Street (Tavasz utca), to the cozy Monika Guesthouse (Mónika Vendégház) near downtown, you can get comfortable and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Group stays are easy, with places like the riverside hotel, set in a converted old watermill, ready to host up to 48 guests—perfect for families or business groups looking to combine fun with convenience.
The renowned Hunguest Hotel Pelion stands out, nestled in a vast park above the city’s famous therapeutic cave. Guests can stroll from the hotel straight into the karst cave below, which boasts a special climate said to work wonders for asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems. Decades of healing power, along with the calm and quiet of this half-lit, tranquil space, make it a big draw.
Local Flavors and Events
And there’s plenty to do even when you’re not at the main festival. Throughout September, treats and events abound, from creamy cakes and homemade ice cream under old trees at Borostyán, to family-run organic vineyards on the Badacsony wine trail that have been blending top-tier wines and raising livestock for over 20 years. Their wine terrace, completed just last year, offers not only tastings but also breathtaking views—although you’ll need to book in advance.
The town is buzzing with festivals and events all fall, like a St. Martin (Szent Márton) concert in October, a talk by a globe-trotting TV personality, comedy shows, and even a one-man building-themed comedy in December. And if burnout has you down, psychologist Dr. Imre Csernus will be in town with a motivational talk to get you back on track.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
From pizza at La Pergola, famous for its wood-fired oven and 60 varieties, to the elegant Lakeside Restaurant (Tópart Étterem) by the water, foodies are in heaven. The Orchidea Restaurant (Orchidea Étterem) at Hunguest Hotel Pelion serves up signature dishes week after week in its huge, domed dining hall, and another riverside eatery offers both classic Hungarian and international cuisine.
And don’t forget the drinks! Stari, the Balaton-Highlands’ (Balaton-felvidék) first local brewery, is still going strong nearly 30 years on. With everything from classic pale and dark beers to wheat, ale, and today’s popular IPAs, there’s something cold for everyone. Fruit beer fans are spoiled with options rich in real fruit: sour cherry, sweet strawberry, ripe plum, tart blackcurrant, and orange-grapefruit wheat. There’s even a 0.0% alcohol-free brew for those who want the flavor without the buzz.
Festival Vibes All Year
With everything from epic eats to cool caves, live music to comedy, Tapolca’s Trout and Wine Festival sets the stage for a perfect fall getaway. Just remember—organizers reserve the right to change the dates or the program, but if the past is any indication, it’ll be an event worth traveling for.
