Tihany rolls into the 2025–2026 winter season with a full slate of festivals, faith gatherings, outdoor adventures, and cozy hideaways on Lake Balaton. From illuminated ferries cutting across the water to a treasure-hunt trail through the historic village, the peninsula invites locals and holidaymakers to explore culture, nature, and classic Hungarian flavors. The program lineup stretches from December 20, 2025, through January 31, 2026, with highlights across multiple venues in and around the village—plus plenty of reasons to lace up your boots and discover forest trails, lakeside vistas, and the legendary abbey skyline.
Ferry by Light and a New Year’s Glow
The most photogenic ride of the season returns: travel by light ferry between Tihany and Szántód from December 29–31, 2025, again from January 1–4, 2026, and then extended through January 5–31, 2026. It’s a scenic link between the northern and southern shores, now wrapped in winter magic and photo-ready illumination that turns a practical crossing into a holiday moment.
Tihanyi fényvarázs (Tihany Light Magic) runs from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, bathing the village in festive installations and a warm, wintry atmosphere. Ring out the year at Szilveszter a Balaton felett (New Year’s Eve Above Lake Balaton) on December 31 in Tihany—expect views, vibes, and that unmistakable lakeside energy.
Playful Trails and Hidden Treasures
From December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, take on the open-air game tour Szabadtéri játékos túra Tihany rejtett kincsei nyomában (Open-Air Playful Tour: In Search of Tihany’s Hidden Treasures). It’s a fresh, inventive way to explore the village’s streets, squares, and architectural gems—ideal for families and grown-ups alike. This isn’t just a game; it’s an immersive quest designed to spark teamwork, curiosity, and a sense of discovery across the Tihany Peninsula.
Faith and Tradition: Services and Feast Days
Churchgoers can follow a full spiritual calendar through the festive period. Szentmise (Holy Mass) is scheduled for December 29–30, 2025, with Hálaadás a polgári év végén (Thanksgiving at Year’s End) on December 31. In the new year, mark January 1 with Szűz Mária, Isten Anyja (Újév) honoring Mary, Mother of God. The Rosary with Mass (Rózsafüzér – Szentmise) follows on January 2–3, Karácsonyt követő II. vasárnap (Second Sunday after Christmas) is January 4, Szentmise continues January 5, and January 6 celebrates Urunk megjelenésének ünnepe (Vízkereszt) — the Epiphany.
Stay: From Rustic Charm to Lakefront Comfort
Accommodation options span attic apartments and family guesthouses to lakeside institutes and boutique hotels. A rooftop-level apartment and a separate private room welcome guests in a home where larger groups can also be hosted; all three major SZÉP cards are accepted. Another new-build guesthouse sits close to nature with en-suite rooms or apartments, a living room with satellite TV, and a well-equipped kitchen. Balconies face the Inner Lake, Lake Balaton, and the abbey church; capacity: 10 people.
In every season, Tihany is beautiful—and a friendly guesthouse invites you to recharge at what many call one of the country’s most stunning spots. Elsewhere, a uniquely positioned hotel named after Aquilo, the Roman god of the north wind, is the only property on the northern shore looking over Balatonfüred, its rolling hills, and the coast. Beyond the beach, the hotel’s active tourism center offers standout experiences: a sailboat and rentable small boats are ready when you are.
Close to the village center, a family-run guesthouse on the peninsula provides secure parking. The Balaton Uplands National Park’s forest school showcases the Tihany Peninsula’s natural and cultural heritage; the area won the European Diploma in 2003. The Balaton Limnological Institute’s guesthouse, right on the water, hosts up to 42 guests across 17 air-conditioned rooms, including two suites. Rooms feature refrigerators, TVs, and landlines; suites have bathtubs, rooms have showers, and Wi‑Fi is available.
Another inn sits in a tranquil new part of town, near the Inner Lake—renowned among anglers. Next door, the Family Leisure Park serves all ages with outdoor wooden games, mini-golf, and bowling. The Levendula Ház (Lavender House), the National Park’s visitor center on the lakeshore, welcomes guests year-round. In the historic old village, rustic thatched houses near the abbey offer parking, cozy courtyards, and bike rentals for easy family tours. A cluster of romantic peasant houses offers six separate apartments—private entrances, central gas heating, cable TV, and full comfort in winter and summer.
Eat, Sip, Repeat: Local Flavors and Balaton Views
Shop the Tihany Benedictine Abbey’s (Tihanyi Bencés Apátság) own products, signature local sweets, Father Gellért’s herbal teas, King Andrew and Queen Anastasia’s herb-and-lavender liqueurs, and TICHON abbey beers. Traditional Hungarian kitchens abound. At the famed Echo Hill, a restaurant pairs a 240-degree panorama over Lake Balaton’s eastern basin and the abbey with standout gastronomy. It was named Viewpoint of the Year in 2013, with a 100-seat terrace perfect for family lunches, sunset dates, engagements, and weddings—flexible layouts, custom menus, and a dedicated team turn big moments into lifelong memories.
Fogas Csárda, 300 meters north of the abbey, runs year-round with delicious dishes, Balaton wines, and a terrace overlooking the Inner Lake. Elsewhere, expect homestyle cooking, attentive service, grill plates, warm meals in the wine bar, house cold platters, thick-cut bread with lard, and regional wines. At Echo Residence Luxury Hotel, an exclusive 50-seat restaurant with a 50-seat à la carte terrace leans Mediterranean, adapting seasonal menus that blend tradition with creative twists. A friendly café serves breakfasts, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic refreshments all year in a child- and dog-friendly space.
Don’t miss the local pilgrimage-style gelato spot with 24 distinctive flavors. The additive-free, artisanal ice creams use only natural, premium ingredients, with gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, and vegan options. For wine lovers, the local wine order champions Tihany’s viticultural heritage and wine culture. Their flagship is Tihany Cabernet: aromas that captivate, elegant flavors that stand out, and a color as rich as the peninsula’s hills.
Plan Smart
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs. Check details before you go, then wrap up warm and follow the lights—Tihany’s winter is ready.
