As autumn arrives in the heart of the Hungarian countryside, Bugac—renowned for its sweeping steppes and hearty meat dishes—takes a delicious detour. For one weekend, November 15–16, 2025, the beloved Karikás Inn (Karikás Csárda) will shine the spotlight on fish. Locals and fish enthusiasts alike are invited to experience Fish Days (Halnapok), a culinary event where Hungary’s “out of place” yet traditional fish dishes become the stars of the show.
A Feast Swimming in Flavor
Meat usually dominates the menu here, but this special weekend shuffles the culinary deck. Guests can enjoy Baja-style fish soup (Bajai halászlé), prepared with both carp and catfish, creating a broth that has earned almost mythical status on the Hungarian table. For those seeking new tastes, there’s plenty to try: sample fillet of perch cooked “Carpathian style” (“Kárpáti style”—a classic recipe from the Carpathians (Kárpátok) known for its refined spices). Don’t miss the “carp horseshoe” (pontypatkó), a horseshoe-shaped cut of carp tossed in paprika-flour and fried to perfect crispness. And, because no menu is complete without an Italian twist, creamy salmon tagliatelle adds a modern note to the event. Every dish at Fish Days promises the consistent quality for which the Karikás Inn has built its reputation.
Where to Stay: From Hunting Lodges to Family Homes
For visitors planning a weekend escape, Bugac and its surroundings offer a surprising variety of accommodations. Exclusive hunting lodges nestled in tranquil, wooded landscapes cater to small groups and meet international standards. These spots are perfect for those who want to combine fine dining with time spent in nature—especially as the nearby forests abound with roe deer, wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer, all boasting trophy-worthy antlers.
There are also cozy, family-run guesthouses. One accommodates up to eight guests in three fully equipped rooms, all in a welcoming village setting designed for comfort. Another traditional village house, featuring a sunny terrace and tranquil garden, provides a peaceful sanctuary for six people—a place made for unwinding far from life’s daily chaos.
The Bucka Inn (Bucka Szálló) is situated right at the edge of a protected area and meets high international standards. This hotel, with 15 rooms—two singles and thirteen doubles (some with extra beds)—can accommodate up to 39 people, making it ideal for larger gatherings. The experience can be further enhanced by a nearby hunting lodge, while a covered garden area seats up to 40 for group events or family celebrations. Bucka Inn also offers hearty homemade meals with flavors rooted in Bugac’s culinary tradition.
For those with educational or professional plans, the area’s forest schools and camp accommodations are perfectly suited for meetings, retreats, or school field trips. Up to 40 guests can stay at a time, enjoying comfortable lodging, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and easy access to the wonders of Kiskunság National Park.
And for adventurers, a historic guesthouse near the famous Bugac Plain (Bugac Puszta) and the region’s new bike path is both unique and practical. It features folk-inspired interiors that recall Hungary’s cultural past and accommodates six guests in three twin rooms. Horseback riders are also welcome, with seven comfortable horse stalls and fenced paddocks providing a rest stop for riding tours.
Beyond Fish: Exploring Local Flavors
No visit would be complete without sampling the vibrant restaurant scene of Bugac and the surrounding area. From the Horseshoe Inn (Lópofa Csárda)—open every day, offering rich Hungarian fare beside the Kiskunmajsa thermal bath—to the elegant 48 Restaurant and Bar in downtown Kecskemét (where only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients reach your plate)—there’s plenty for food lovers to discover. Family restaurants with homestyle specialties, venues with play corners for children, and modern establishments like Bistorant Kecskemét (part of a premium hotel, yet open to all) provide variety. Classics such as the Kecskemét Bowling Center & Restaurant offer group-friendly fun, while Café Plázs Dessert Boutique elevates casual dining with outstanding sandwiches, Neapolitan pizzas, and vegetarian options, all complemented by local wines and craft beers.
Historic wine cellars like Torchlit Cellar Wine & Grill (Fáklyás Pince Wine & Grill) entice guests with nearly one hundred bottles to explore—from Serbian-Croatian and southern Hungarian wines to Italian varieties. Whether you crave a hearty quick lunch, a refined dinner, or a weekend immersed in the region’s natural beauty, Bugac’s Fish Days is the perfect starting point.
Mark Your Calendars
Organizers reserve the right to change dates or details, but one thing is certain: for two glorious days, Bugac will serve up an unmissable fish experience—even in a place where meat is king. Fish fans, your moment has arrived.
