Hegymagas wakes early on Saturdays, and in 2026 the village’s beloved producers’ market is back with a bigger, tastier lineup. On the edge of the village along the road to Szigliget (8265, Szigligeti út), regulars and first-timers are greeted by the familiar bustle, new vendors, and that small-town vibe people cross half the Balaton region for. The promise is simple: seasonal, chemical-free produce, artisan flavors, and a laid-back community scene where shopping blends into conversation, recipes are swapped, and kids and dogs are part of the plan.
Open every Saturday from 7:30 a.m., the Hegymagas Market runs from January 3 through December 19, bringing a full year of local abundance in every season. This eco- and bio-focused market was created and is operated by locals with roots in the area, keeping the circle tight between growers, makers, and the people who love what they do. Getting there is easy by car, bike, or bus, and once you roll in, you’ll find card payments, a kids’ corner, breakfast, and a dog-friendly welcome all in one place.
New faces are joining the market’s core this year. Hegymagasi Marhaságok arrives with fine smoked meats, while Levendula Porta lays out its dreamy cheeses. And if you turn up hungry, there’s a surprise breakfast waiting—homey, hearty, and the kind of thing that makes you plan next Saturday before this one’s even done.
What to Buy, What to Taste
The stalls pack in the good stuff: untreated, seasonal vegetables and fruits; handmade cheeses; smoked meats; homemade cordials and jams; crusty breads and cakes; specialty baked goods for gluten-free, diabetic, and vegan diets; plus raw honey, honey cookies, and additive-free cosmetics. The curation is careful without being precious, making the market a reliable stop for weekly essentials and foodie finds alike.
Dates to mark: January 24 in Hegymagas, then January 31, February 7, and February 14—also in Hegymagas—with more Saturdays rolling across the calendar all year. The organizers reserve the right to tweak dates and programs, so locals know to keep an eye out for updates, but the Saturday rhythm is the heartbeat here.
Where to Stay, What to Explore
Making a weekend of it? Kovács Guesthouse welcomes visitors year-round in Hegymagas, a convenient base for early market runs and long walks on the volcanic slopes of St. George Hill (Szent György-hegy). From there, the wine scene springs to life. The hill belongs to the Badacsony wine region, and it shows in a patchwork of cellars and family estates that pour place into every glass.
Several boutique producers highlight their craft with small-scale, high-attention vineyards—think two plots of roughly 2×2 hectares each, small enough to know every row and bottle with intention. In a region known mostly for whites, some of these estates put the spotlight on reds, offering pre-booked cellar visits and curated tastings. A six-wine flight typically showcases top selections over a relaxed two-hour session, with a focus on character, craftsmanship, and volcanic terroir.
There’s agritourism on the south slopes of St. George Hill (Szent György-hegy), too, run by family businesses working around 49 acres across the hillside. Guesthouses can be booked on site, folding vineyard life into a slow-travel stay that pairs vineyard walks with sunset tastings.
Meet the Cellars
One of the smallest wineries on St. George Hill (Szent György-hegy) aims for artisan, delicatessen-style wines made from local and special varieties, served in an atmosphere you won’t forget. Another name to know: a cellar founded by Róbert Gilvesy in 2012, known for volcanic wines. The vinotheque is open daily year-round; you can buy on site during opening hours or by appointment, and they even deliver. Tasting programs are organized on request, keeping things personal.
Hegymagas also has long-standing family cellars growing Welschriesling (olaszrizling), Müller-Thurgau (rizlingszilváni), Zengő (zengő), Gewürztraminer (tramini), Riesling (rajnai rizling), Chardonnay (chardonnay), and Rózsakő (rózsakő). On the southern face of St. George Hill (Szent György-hegy), Horváth Cellar (Horváth Pince) has welcomed wine lovers since 1996, farming about 44.5 acres. Alongside modern processing, some wines rest longer in oak barrels, building depth and texture.
Near the Tarányi Cellar and just 656 feet from the Lengyel Chapel, Nyári Cellar (Nyári Pince) pours both draft and bottled wines and delivers panoramic views with every sip. Book ahead for tastings. And the St. George Hill (Szent György-hegy) cellar’s vinotheque keeps its doors open every day all year, with the refreshed estate center hosting the Viridárium kitchen from spring to autumn for a full-on food-and-wine stop.
Plan Your Saturday
If it’s Saturday, it’s market day in Hegymagas. Show up from 7:30 a.m. for fresh greens and fruits, bite into smoked meats, pick up cheeses, breads, gluten-free or vegan bakes, honey, and jams, then linger over breakfast. Bring the kids, bring the dog, and bring a tote or two—you’re going to fill them. The market is easy to reach, easy to love, and it’s where the region’s producers and neighbors meet halfway between everyday shopping and a social morning out.
Details, dates, and programming can shift, but the market’s soul stays intact: local, seasonal, welcoming, and delicious. Add it to your list, set a reminder, and see you on Szigligeti Road.
