Every Saturday, Hegymagas (Hegymagas), a charming village at the edge of the Badacsony (Badacsony) region, bursts with life as local producers and visitors come together for the much-loved Hegymagas (Hegymagas) Market. This bustling open-air market along Szigliget (Szigliget) Road features a colorful array of local delicacies and handmade goods, bringing together the freshest produce, artisan foods, and the unique spirit of the region.
A Taste of Badacsony (Badacsony)
At the heart of the market experience are the flavors of the Badacsony (Badacsony) region. Here, shoppers can fill their baskets with crisp vegetables and juicy local fruits, taste handcrafted cheeses and dairy products, and try seasonal treats. Stalls overflow with home-smoked meats, artisan breads and pastries—including gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic-friendly options—homemade syrups, jams, honey, gingerbread, and even all-natural cosmetics. The wide variety makes it a paradise for foodies and anyone interested in supporting small-scale local producers.
Chemically untreated, organic greens and fruits take center stage, giving visitors a chance to shop with peace of mind—and to taste the region at its most natural and authentic.
Meet the Makers
Part of what makes the Hegymagas (Hegymagas) Market so special is the direct connection visitors have with local farmers and artisans. The market is the brainchild and ongoing project of local residents committed to quality and community. Here, you can chat with cheesemakers such as Levendula Porta (Levendula Porta), who bring their renowned cheeses each week, or Hegymagasi Marhaságok (Hegymagasi Marhaságok), famous for delicious smoked meats. Don’t be surprised if you’re handed a hearty breakfast treat as you shop—coming to the market on an empty stomach is highly recommended!
Community Spirit and Family Fun
A visit to the Hegymagas (Hegymagas) Market is about more than just shopping. A lively, social atmosphere awaits, with plenty of opportunities to relax, catch up, exchange recipes, and swap culinary tips. There’s a cheerful children’s area to keep the little ones entertained, and the entire market is family-friendly, welcoming parents, kids, and even their four-legged friends (yes, it’s dog-friendly!). Whether by car, bicycle, or bus, the market is easy to reach, and paying by bank card is hassle-free for modern shoppers.
Market days for 2025 include July 26, August 2, 9, and 16, with each Saturday promising the same delightful offerings and a few surprises.
Vineyards and Wine Tastings Around St. George’s Hill (Szent György-hegy)
The market is just the beginning—nearby, the renowned St. George’s Hill (Szent György-hegy) calls to wine lovers with its distinctive volcanic wines and extensive vineyards. Family-run wineries, often as small as 4.9 acres (2×2 hectares), pride themselves on meticulous, hands-on cultivation and crafting their best wines—often focusing, unusually for the region, on red varieties.
Many vineyards offer unforgettable wine tastings. With advance booking, you can enjoy curated flights of six outstanding wines, each tasting session lasting about two hours. One of the region’s most intimate cellars specializes in rare grape varieties and unique, handcrafted wines, promising atmospheres and flavors you’ll never forget. Some wineries even offer accommodation in guesthouses, extending the vineyard experience into an overnight escape.
The volcanic soil of St. George’s Hill (Szent György-hegy) yields distinctive wines, with winery owners like Róbert Gilvesy (Róbert Gilvesy), who established his business in 2012, producing intriguing bottles available for tasting and purchase both in-person and for delivery. Most tastings can be arranged ahead of time for a personalized experience.
Classic and Boutique Wineries Await
Wine enthusiasts will find a range of choices, from small, boutique cellars to well-established family estates. You’ll find vineyards cultivating grapes like Italian Riesling (olaszrizling), Müller-Thurgau (rizlingszilváni), Zengő (zengő), Gewürztraminer (tramini), Rhine Riesling (rajnai rizling), Chardonnay (chardonnay), and Rózsakő (rózsakő)—all with generations of tradition behind them. Horváth Cellar (Horváth Pince) has been welcoming guests since 1996, farming about 44.5 acres (18 hectares), and is known for both modern processing and oak barrel aging to enhance their wines.
Don’t miss the vibrant Nyári Cellar (Nyári Pince), resting just 656 feet (200 meters) from local landmarks, offering superb draft and bottled wines and memorable views—tasting sessions are available with prior registration. The St. George’s Hill (Szent György-hegy) wine shop operates daily year-round and, between spring and autumn, foodies are invited into the newly renovated Viridarium (Viridarium) kitchen at the estate center.
Plan Your Visit
For travelers seeking to immerse themselves completely, Kovács Guesthouse (Kovács Vendégház) opens its doors to guests all year round, ensuring you’re perfectly placed to enjoy every weekend’s market and the surrounding wine country. As always, keep an eye out for any program changes—the organizers reserve the right to modify dates or events as the season unfolds.
Dive into the authentic charm, tastes, and talents of Badacsony (Badacsony) at Hegymagas (Hegymagas) Market—your senses will thank you.
