Welcome the new year in Tihany, one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Balaton, where festive vibes and unforgettable views set the tone. New Year’s Eve here is romantic, relaxed, and full of experiences—perfect for couples, friends, and families. Many come back year after year, so it’s worth booking early. See you in Tihany!
Where to Stay
Guests are welcomed in a cozy loft-level two-room apartment and a separate private room under the same roof, ideal for pairs or small groups. A larger group can spread out comfortably in the guesthouse. All three SZÉP Cards are accepted.
A newly built family house close to nature awaits year-round with comfortable en-suite rooms and apartments. There’s a living room with satellite TV and a well-equipped kitchen for guests. Balconies open to wow-factor views of the Inner Lake, Lake Balaton, and the Benedictine Abbey. Capacity: 10 people.
Another family-style guesthouse on the picture-perfect Tihany Peninsula is just a short walk from the village center. It features gated parking to keep cars safe.
On the lake’s northern shore, a one-of-a-kind hotel named after Aquilo, the Roman god of the north wind, looks out across Balatonfüred, the rolling Füred hills, and the entire north shore. Unwind with your loved ones and plan active days at the on-site adventure hub: the hotel’s sailboat and rentable small boats are just waiting for you.
Prefer beachfront? The Balaton Limnological Institute’s guesthouse sits right on the water, in a stunning setting. It has 17 air-conditioned rooms: two suites, eight doubles, and seven triples, sleeping up to 42 guests. Suites come with bathtubs; other rooms have showers. Each room has a fridge, TV, and landline, plus Wi‑Fi throughout.
A peaceful pension in Tihany’s newer neighborhood sits just 300 meters from the Inner Lake, a fisherman’s paradise. Next door, the Family Leisure Park delivers fun for all ages with outdoor wooden play sets, mini golf, and bowling. The Lavender House, the National Park’s visitor center on the lakeshore, welcomes visitors all year.
Right in the heart of the historic old village, near the Abbey, rustic thatched-roof houses offer a charming guesthouse experience with a closed courtyard for parking and comfy outdoor seating. Bicycle rentals make it easy to plan family rides around this gorgeous area.
Also in the old village, six separate apartments sit in romantic, traditional peasant houses. Each has a private entrance, central gas heating, cable TV, and all the comforts for a winter or summer break.
Nature, Culture, and Learning
The Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate runs a forest school that brings to life the natural and cultural heritage of the Tihany Peninsula, which received the European Diploma in 2003. Expect hands-on introductions to the unique landscape and protected features of the national park area.
Flavors of Tihany
The refreshed selection around the Tihany Benedictine Abbey highlights its own specialty products: distinctive local sweets, Father Gellért’s herbal teas, András Király and Queen Anastasia herbal-lavender liqueurs, and TICHON abbey beers.
Traditional Hungarian cuisine stars in several local eateries, offering homestyle dishes and warm service. One beloved spot pairs its menu with a memorable 240-degree panoramic sweep over the eastern basin of Lake Balaton and the spectacular Abbey from the famous Echo Hill. It was named Lookout Point of the Year in 2013. With a 100-seat terrace, it’s a dream setting for family lunches, sunset dates, engagements, and weddings. Flexible spaces, tailored menus, and a dedicated team make life’s biggest moments unforgettable.
The popular Fogas Csárda sits on the village’s north side, only about 300 meters (328 yards) from the Abbey, and serves tasty plates and local Balaton wines, with a terrace facing the Inner Lake. It’s open all year.
Looking for easygoing bites? Expect homestyle dishes, polite service, grilled specials, hot meals in the wine bar, rustic cold platters, bread with lard, and regional wines.
For an elegant twist, the Echo Residence Luxury Hotel’s 50-seat restaurant offers a Mediterranean-style terrace with 50 more à la carte seats and jaw-dropping Balaton views. The menu shifts with the seasons, blending classic favorites and creative new flavors.
Morning people and snackers are covered too: cafés serve breakfasts, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and both nonalcoholic and alcoholic refreshments year-round in kid- and dog-friendly spaces.
Craving something sweet? Tihany’s pilgrimage-worthy gelateria scoops 24 special flavors of additive-free, artisan ice creams made from premium, all-natural ingredients, with gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, and vegan options.
One homey restaurant champions a true family-run ethos. If you miss grandma’s cooking, this is the spot. Many dishes are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven that sits proudly at the heart of the dining room—guests can watch as fragrant, golden specialties emerge right before their eyes.
Wine Traditions
Tihany’s wine order preserves and passes down the peninsula’s winemaking heritage, promoting a cultivated wine culture that draws visitors for food-and-wine experiences and boosts Tihany’s reputation. The flagship wine is Tihany Cabernet (Tihanyi Cabernet), a local gem from the peninsula with unmatched depth and elegance, an arresting aroma, and a color as rich as the jewel-like ridges of Tihany. It delivers a truly memorable tasting experience.
Good to Know
Organizers reserve the right to change the date and program. Book your stay early, pack warm layers for glittering lakeside nights, and get ready for a New Year’s Eve where every view feels like a toast.
