On Sundays this winter, Lake Balaton turns into a leisurely hop between boats, buses, wineries, and one of the region’s most beloved artisan markets. The plan is simple: set off by fast boat from Fonyód or by sightseeing ship from Balatonfenyves, glide into Badacsony, switch to a minibus up to the Káptalantóti Craft Market, then pick your afternoon: tree-shaded arboretum and tastings, or back to Badacsony for cellar-to-cellar wine flights. It’s a compact, lakeside escape with tastes, views, and enough flexibility to fit your mood.
How the Sunday trip works
Depart from Fonyód on a fast boat or from Balatonfenyves aboard the sightseeing ship Szent Benedek (Saint Benedict) and arrive in Badacsony. From the pier, a minibus whisks you to the Káptalantóti Market, where 1.5 hours of shopping and free time await. Think handmade goods, local produce, baked bites, and coffee stands—perfect for grazing and gifting. The base Fonyód program costs $24.50 per person, while the Balatonfenyves option is $32.70 per person. Both run every Sunday, departing at 10:00 and arriving back by 15:00.
Two afternoon add-ons
After the market, choose one of two excursions:
– Folly Arborétum és Borászat (Folly Arboretum and Winery): Wander for 1.5 hours among evergreens and panoramic paths, paired with a tasting of three syrups or wines.
– Badacsony wine loop: Visit Istvándy and Laposa wineries, with three-wine tastings at each cellar, dialing into volcanic terroir and the crisp whites the region is famous for.
With these add-ons, the Fonyód-based package is $43.60 per person, and the Balatonfenyves-based package is $57.20 per person. Both added programs run on the same Sunday schedule: departure at 10:00, return by 15:00.
Dates, minimum group size, and booking
Upcoming Sundays include 2026.01.18., 2026.01.25., 2026.02.01., and 2026.02.08. The Fonyód departure runs with a minimum of 10 participants; the Balatonfenyves departure requires at least 15. Regular scheduled ferry services are not affected by this headcount rule. Multiple individual bookings can be combined to reach the minimum, and the trip only runs at pre-arranged, pre-ordered times. For details and reservations, contact the organizer directly—Tóth József is listed as the contact person.
Where to stay around Fonyód
Make it a weekend? Options range from lakeside hotels to quiet apartments tucked into the leafy edges of town.
– Boros Kastély Vendégház: Rising like a peninsula in the middle of the Nagyberek (Great Marsh) nature reserve behind Fonyód Hill, this guesthouse hosts up to 26 people in an elegant, family-style setting. It’s a solid base for groups and corporate retreats, with sailing, boating, and wine-tasting programs. Inside: 10 newly renovated rooms with private bathrooms, including doubles and two-room terraces for four, plus sweeping views of the hills and protected wetlands.
– Funoldi Vendégház: A go-to for anyone seeking peace. Set in one of Fonyód’s prettiest districts, it doubles as a conference center, offering flexible spaces and calm surroundings.
– Hill-view attic apartment: In a quiet spot with a separate entrance, the top-floor flat has three bedrooms (two double rooms and one triple), a kitchen, dining area, bathroom with tub, two toilets, and a staircase. Outside: a large enclosed yard with a garden grill, swing bed, bogrács setup, sandbox, pool, and parking—ideal for families or groups.
– Fonyódliget air-conditioned apartment: Five minutes from the free beach in Fonyódliget, this 430 sq ft (40 m²) fenced, landscaped property has a two-bedroom setup and accepts SZÉP cards. It’s in a safe cul-de-sac—quiet and convenient.
– Separate-entrance apartments with a northern-shore panorama: Open year-round on the south shore in Fonyód, these units offer uninterrupted views straight across the water to the Badacsony hills.
– Panoramic American-kitchen apartment: A minute from the lake, facing the northern shore, with open-plan living and those classic Balaton sunsets.
– Zöldkert Vendéglő (Green Garden Restaurant) and pension apartments: Tucked inside the Fonyód-liget Holiday Park, the Zöldkert Restaurant sits in a peaceful, leafy pocket. On-site pension-style apartments provide comfortable accommodation within the park itself.
– Hotel Balaton: In the center of Fonyód, 328 feet (100 m) from the lake and marina and 820 feet (250 m) from the beach. Capacity for 50 guests, with rooms equipped with showers, minibars, and cable TV, plus smoke detectors and a fire alarm system. Apartments include mini-kitchens.
Where to eat and linger
– A Konyhám Stúdió 365: On Fonyód’s main square with knockout lake views, this spot blends creative flavors and easygoing vibes. Expect a little culinary theater, seasonal twists, and the kind of plates that make you slow down and savor the moment.
– Barbakán: Right in the town center, it’s the casual hub for coffee specialties, draft beer, grilled sandwiches, pastries, and house lemonades. Summer brings soft-serve and slushies; winter swaps in a cozy interior. Free Wi‑Fi included.
Why it’s worth the crossing
You glide across Balaton, browse one of Hungary’s most atmospheric markets, then slow down in an arboretum or swirl glasses in Badacsony’s signature cellars. The hours are tight but well paced: enough to taste, buy, wander, and be back by mid-afternoon. For groups or solo travelers linking up with others, the minimum headcount is manageable—and the add-ons turn a simple lake hop into a full Sunday ritual. Book ahead, pick your pier—Fonyód for speed, Balatonfenyves for a scenic cruise—and save room in your bag for market finds.
