Every September, the small village of Gyenesdiás on the western tip of Lake Balaton transforms into a buzzing hub of celebration with the Szüreti Vigasságok (Harvest Festival). This year, on September 6, festivalgoers can expect the usual wave of energy: there will be a lively costume parade, concerts, folk dancing and singing, and non-stop parties until sunrise.
A Festive Line-up Worth the Trip
Gyenesdiás turns up the charm for its annual harvest festivities. The day’s schedule features a costume-clad parade, plenty of live concerts, traditional folk dance and singing performances, and engaging folklore programs, all set against the shimmering backdrop of Lake Balaton. And when the official program ends, a late-night party keeps the good times rolling.
Where to Stay: From Family Apartments to Splashy Hotels
There is no shortage of accommodation here—Gyenesdiás truly delivers whether you’re a family, couple, group of friends, or even a school on a getaway. The heart of the village is home to several guesthouses just a ten-minute walk from both beaches and about half a mile from the bike trail, with local shops, restaurants, bars, a bus stop, and a rail station within five minutes on foot.
Stay at a roomy holiday house with four bedrooms and a separate two-bedroom apartment, all featuring private bathrooms. The peaceful, enclosed gardens are perfect for kids and come with a barbecue, playground, terrace furniture, and secure parking. Activities abound in the area: tennis, mini golf, horseback riding, fishing, and sailing are all close at hand.
Ildikó Guesthouse (Ildikó Vendégház) offers three apartments in a tranquil setting, hosting up to 12 guests. If you prefer to be even closer to the water, check out Lorelei Guesthouse (Lorelei Vendégház), only 300 yards from the lake, with double, triple, and family rooms—extra beds available for a fee.
Pamper Yourself: Wellness and Comfort
Guests looking for a touch of luxury should head to Oázis Pension (Oázis Panzió), with modern, air-conditioned rooms (free of charge), private bathrooms, plus an outdoor pool, indoor jacuzzi, and sauna—access to wellness facilities is included. Wireless internet is free, breakfast is available, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen for guests.
The architecturally vibrant House of Relaxation (Pihenés Háza) delivers on its promise of comfort and a family-friendly atmosphere with fully equipped apartments. Looking for a place for a youth camp, school trip, or big family reunion? Vacation centers along the north shore of Lake Balaton (Balaton) happily welcome groups and provide flexible options all summer.
Opt for the area’s standout four-star family hotel, complete with a 3-acre landscaped garden that nabbed the region’s “Most Flower-Filled Accommodation” prize. Biggest highlight: the vast outdoor pool.
Wellness Park Pension (Wellness Park Panzió), not far from the famous spa town of Hévíz, boasts modern apartments and a lush camping area surrounded by greenery. Campers enjoy wellness services including an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and therapeutic Finnish sauna. It’s all just over half a mile from the lakeshore and minutes from the Gyenesdiás beach.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Gyenesdiás’ Tasty Scene
For hearty Hungarian flavors, head to the central village restaurant with daily specials at affordable prices. Stop off on the Lake Balaton (Balaton) bike trail for artisanal ice cream, lemonade, iced drinks, coffee, and local beer or wine—and don’t forget a glass of frosé.
The revamped Darnay Wine Cellar and Culture Barn (Darnay Pince és Kultúrbár) is enjoying a new lease on life this season with a focus on local products and a growing cultural calendar. Don’t miss the Kóstolom Balaton Wine House (Kóstolom Balaton Borház), which serves up wines from all over Hungary along with their favorite bubbles and champagnes in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
For something different, stop in at the local bistro, where classic and new-wave dishes share the spotlight with Neapolitan pizza and decadent foie gras burgers. The drinks menu impresses with craft beers, homemade syrups, specialty cocktails, champagne tastings, and a range fit for both big nights out and intimate celebrations. Hosting a birthday, company event, or even a bachelorette party? They’ll gladly accommodate up to 100 people.
If you’re in the mood for a spacious family restaurant, look for the one with a giant thatched roof right on the main road. It caters to groups large and small—with indoor seating for 200, terrace space for 100, and a separate tent able to host 600 for large festivities.
Or opt for a cozy house near the lake, easily recognized by its inviting, intricately carved gate, where you can try traditional Sicilian (Székely) specialties and a gourmet tasting menu.
Raise a Glass to Local Wines and Good Times
Gyenesdiás and its surroundings are dotted with award-winning family wineries—some are even founding members of the Da Bibere Wine Knight Order (Da Bibere Borlovagrend) and the International Cserszegi Fűszeres Wine Route Association (Nemzetközi Cserszegi Fűszeres Borút Egyesület).
Sports lovers need not despair: the local Sport House (Sportház) offers squash courts, a bowling alley, billiards, foosball, sauna, tanning beds, and cardio equipment, all a mile from the lake and perfect for year-round fun.
Don’t Forget
The dates and details of the festival can change at the organizers’ discretion, so check ahead before you pack your festival costume and head for Gyenesdiás. This corner of Lake Balaton (Balaton) is ready to celebrate the grape harvest and culture with open arms, music, and a feast for all the senses.
