If you’re looking for an excuse to finally get your clothes dirty and have a wild time, mark your calendar for October 8–10, 2025. Gyenesdiás (Gyenesdiás), the friendly holiday village by Lake Balaton (Balaton), will once again unleash its muddy glory at the Faludi Plain Offroad Course (Faludi-rét Offroad Pálya) with a multi-day festival promising plenty of action, camaraderie, and a spectacular lakeside panorama.
Location and Vibe
Just a ten-minute stroll from both local beaches and about 0.6 miles from the cycling route, Gyenesdiás (Gyenesdiás) is the place to be for offroad adventure lovers. The course itself is nestled in a quiet holiday home street, yet remains close to essentials—shops, restaurants, bars, information points, bus and train stops—all within a five-minute walk. On festival days, that calm is upended by revving engines, roaring crowds, and the irresistible invitation to “Get Muddy!”
Where to Stay: Variety and Comfort
Gyenesdiás (Gyenesdiás) has an impressive lineup of accommodation options ranging from classic guesthouses to wellness hotels, and even youth hostels. Find your perfect base among these top picks:
– Family-friendly guesthouses in the heart of the village, ideal for groups and less than a ten-minute walk to the main beaches. These typically offer fully-equipped apartments (up to four separate units per building), each with a terrace and garden views, plus private parking in locked yards. The green areas feature playgrounds, barbecue spots, and even firepits for those post-festival cookouts.
– Large holiday homes with four rooms and separate two-bedroom apartments are available all summer long, just on the outskirts of the nearby town of Keszthely (Keszthely). Each room has its own bathroom and toilet.
– Wellness-oriented options like the Oázis Pension (Oázis Panzió) boast air-conditioning, TVs in every modern room, private bathrooms, a wellness section with an outdoor pool, indoor Jacuzzi, and sauna. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are available throughout the building, along with kitchen facilities and secure parking, making for a stress-free stay.
– For a more upscale experience, the exclusive 4-star family hotel offers a 129,000 square foot (12,000 m²) blooming park—crowned the most flowery in the Balaton (Balaton) region—a huge swimming pool, and a broad range of wellness services aimed at refreshing both body and soul.
– Traveling with a group? The northern shore of Lake Balaton (Balaton) has hostels and youth accommodations, welcoming everyone from elementary school camps to sports teams, big families, and groups of friends.
No matter where you stay, you’re never far from tennis, mini-golf, horseback riding, fishing, or sailing opportunities—all within walking distance—not to mention the offroad course itself.
Flavors Galore: Food and Drink
Satisfy your hunger after a day in the mud with a rich selection of local food and drink.
– Home-style Hungarian restaurants offer daily menus at wallet-friendly prices right in the center of town.
– Relax beside the Balaton (Balaton) cycling path at local ice cream parlors with artisan gelato, lemonades, slushies, coffee, soft drinks, a wide selection of beers, and plenty of chilled wine for that classic Hungarian “fröccs” (wine spritz).
– The Darnay Wine Cellar and Cultural Barn (Darnay Pince és Kultúr Pajta) is back with fresh energy and a commitment to showcasing local products, new programs, and events, making it a cultural hotspot.
– For wine aficionados, the Kóstolom Balaton Wine House (Kóstolom Balaton Borház) pairs a friendly, family-like atmosphere with a curated selection—lots of Balaton (Balaton) bottlings alongside favorite sparkling wines, all served in a laid-back setting.
– If you love craft—think small-batch beers, real homemade syrups, specialty cocktails, Neapolitan pizza, or a seriously decadent duck liver burger—there’s a hip, friendly bistro that has you covered. They’re ready to handle your wildest creative party ideas, catering for up to 100 people.
– Traditional family restaurants can seat up to 200 indoors or 100 on the terrace, expandable to 600 under a marquee for grand events. And if you’re an adventurous eater, try a gourmet menu in a charming house near Lake Balaton (Balaton), complete with hand-carved Székely (Szekler) gates.
– Even local family wineries open their cellars for tastings—so you’re never far from a gold or silver medal vintage.
Chill, Compete, and Unwind
When you’re ready to wind down, try the Sportház (Sport House) complex, a mile from the lake and right between Keszthely (Keszthely) and Hévíz (Hévíz). Drop in any time of year for squash, bowling, billiards, foosball, infrared sauna, a solarium, and cardio machines—making it a great spot for both summer and off-season relaxation.
The organizers reserve the right to change the program or schedule—so keep an eye out for updates, start planning your getaway, and get ready for the muddiest, wildest ride of autumn at the Gyenesdiás (Gyenesdiás) Offroad Festival 2025!
