Vonyarcvashegy rolls out a year-round calendar packed with culture and flavor on the north shore of Lake Balaton. Concerts, theater shows, festivals, beach time, guided and self-guided activities—there’s a full menu for curious travelers. The village and its surroundings beg to be explored: hiking trails crisscross the Keszthely Mountains, while lakeside paths invite slow strolls. With around 2,400 residents, the streets climb from the Balaton waterfront right up to the mountain ridgeline, rewarding you with sweeping panoramas. No wonder the local motto goes: “Forest behind us, water in front of us.”
December events: candles, carols, and cellar doors
Set your winter pace with open cellar days inside the 200-year-old Festetics Helikon Taverna Wine Cellar on December 6, 13, 20, and 27 in Vonyarcvashegy. The space comes heavy with history and barrel-aged aromas, pairing rustic vaults with Balaton wines that show their terroir. Also on December 6, the village hosts a Mikulás-váró afternoon, a Santa-themed family event. On December 7, the second Advent candle lighting brings seasonal warmth, followed by a special Advent concert by Klára Hajdu (Hajdu Klára) and Milán Szakonyi (Szakonyi Milán) on December 21.
Winter hikes in the Keszthely Mountains
Strap on your boots for the Winter Hikes in the Keszthely Mountains (Téli Túrák a Keszthelyi-hegységben!) series: an Advent hike on December 13 and a Bejgli hike on December 27. The trails cut through forests overlooking the lake, with crisp air and wide-angle views. Kick off the new year on January 1, 2026, with the New Year’s Toast Hike (Újévi koccintós túra), a toast-on-the-trail outing to start things right.
Stay close to the lake, closer to the view
A short 980 feet from Vonyarcvashegy station and about 1,310 feet from the Balaton shore, Fészek Vendéglő és Apartmanház offers a covered outdoor pool and free parking. Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, TV, and a terrace facing the garden and pool. Anglers will find fishing within 1,640 feet; water sports—windsurfing and kayaking—wait about 1,970 feet away.
If you’re eyeing a classic Balaton stay, consider Jáger Panzió, a guesthouse built in one of the village’s prettiest spots, just 3.1 miles from Keszthely. It blends modern comfort with the kind of personal touch you only get in a private home. Another option is the lakeside holiday house just 490 feet from the shore, with 39 rooms—each with a bathroom, WC, and a balcony gazing out over Central Europe’s largest lake. Rooms sleep two, three, or four, and come with satellite TV, phone, and fridge; a lavish buffet breakfast is included.
Zenit Hotel Balaton and the Helikon Taverna
Zenit Hotel Balaton**** sits near Hévíz, Keszthely, and the lakeshore, with an all-out view from its terrace and a wellness lineup for all ages. Rooms range from elegant lake-view doubles to connecting garden-access family rooms and premium suites. Families get playgrounds outside, a kids’ pool with a slide in the spa area, and an indoor playroom. It’s quiet, safe, and fresh-aired, tucked beside Balaton Uplands National Park yet close to the water.
Below, the 200-year-old Helikon Taverna Museum and Cellar—part of the Zenit complex—preserves centuries of lakeside architecture under its arches while pouring standout wines from across the Balaton wine regions. The Festetics cellar’s timeworn mood pairs with the Bacchus restaurant’s menu; a four-branched wooden sculpture at the entrance and a Bacchus mural inside nod to the harmony of wine, gastronomy, and art.
Eat, sip, repeat
Bock Bistro Balaton (Bock Bisztró Balaton) has been serving since February 2014 inside the historic Helikon Taverna, flying the flag of the internationally known Bock Bistro brand. Expect a full experience from refined plates to top-tier wine pairings, delivered with elegance and easygoing charm. The idea is simple: dishes should look and taste their best. Consistency is a promise, and gluten- and lactose-sensitive guests are covered too.
Papp and Sons Winery (Papp és Fiai Borpince) and the Csereze Wine Bar (Csereze Borozó) pour Balaton Uplands varieties crafted by blending traditional methods with modern technique, resulting in barrel-aged quality wines available both retail and wholesale. The winery appears at local and national events, aiming for high consumer value and standout quality.
Pizza, tapas, and party plans
Looking for Neapolitan-style pizza, a tapas board, refreshing soft drinks, Balaton wines, or signature cocktails? You’re covered—and if you’re hunting for a standout wedding venue, an anniversary surprise, a birthday bash with friends, or a conference setup, the venue lineup here can host it, with apartments offering knockout lake views.
Terasz Restaurant & Pizzeria (Terasz Étterem & Pizzeria) in Vonyarcvashegy serves a broad food-and-drink selection and welcomes kids, grownups, and four-legged guests. The feature: a wood-fired oven in the dining room turning out crispy pizzas. Fans under the timber beams ease the summer heat, and a front-garden playground keeps little ones busy from spring through autumn.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
