For the twelfth year in a row, Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) will be humming with more than just its famous birds and wildlife. The Nature Opera House Festival returns August 1-3, 2025, blending soul-lifting music with the physical joy of being outdoors. Billed as a recharge for body and mind, this open-air “music therapy” is the answer to a stressed-out, sedentary lifestyle. Whether you cycle, run, paddle, or simply relax under the trees, this unique cultural festival is back as the Hungarian Lakes Festival (Magyar Tavak Fesztivál). Here, music and nature join forces for the ultimate summer escape.
Gala Under the Stars
Festivities kick off Friday, August 1, at 7 PM in the main square of Tiszafüred with the free TO’pera Gala Concert. Headlining is the internationally acclaimed coloratura soprano Erika Miklósa, who brings her shimmering voice alongside the talented students of the Kvintesszencia Master School. The evening is directed by the multi-award-winning Péter Novák and hosted by Bea Csete. As always, the organizers reserve the right to shake things up, so surprises are guaranteed. Just show up—no ticket needed.
Cycle, Concerts, and Culture: Saturday’s Tour de Lake Tisza (Tour De Tisza-tó)
On Saturday, August 2, things get rolling with a cycling journey around Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó). Registration at the Cyclist Center in Tiszafüred starts at 8 AM, with the ride beginning at 9. The roughly $16 ticket includes a packed day of scenic stops, live performances, and local flavors at each station.
- 9:40 AM: At the Delfin Dock in Poroszló, harmonica ace Zoltán Orosz (winner of the Emerton and Artisjus awards) takes the stage.
- 10:50 AM: Sarud’s “Adventure Village” presents actor-singers Mátyás Dósa and Péter Harna, both honored for their artistic excellence.
- 12:10 PM: Tiszanána-Dinnyéshát hosts singer Imre Vadkerti of the band Kormorán.
- 1:30 PM: The Hallépcső Bistro at Kisköre provides lunch and music from award-winners Attila László and Szilvia Agárdi.
- 3:20 PM: On the Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) beach in Abádszalók, performer Linda Király brings her Glamour-nominated voice.
- 4:25 PM: At Tiszaderzs Camping, opera singer Zoltán Nyári and the local folk group sing by the lake.
- 5:25 PM: In Tiszaszőlős, the Kurul Drummers (Kurul Dobosok) keep Hungarian traditions thundering.
- 6:15 PM: Back at Kormorán Dock in Tiszaörvény, the legendary Gábor Antal Szűcs and Péter Gál—a founding member of Kormorán—round out the line-up with guitar and violin.
Return to base after nearly ten hours and about 45 miles of music-fueled pedaling.
Family, Fun, and Floating Parties
Sunday, August 3, is all about family and boats at the Kisköre Hallépcső and its surrounding natural wonders. The day starts at 10 AM and welcomes everyone for free. Fill your day with:
- Rafting demonstrations by the Hungarian Canoe-Kayak Association
- Local artisan market
- Kids’ fishing program
- Unidog canine training showcase
- Horse carriage rides
- Bouncy castle for energetic kids
The entertainment roster is packed with theater and music talent, including Mátyás Dósa, Nikolett Molnár, Géza Egyházi, Andrea Mahó, and Hungarian jazz and blues greats like Norbert Nikodém, László Halper, Péter Román, and János Sramkó. The ALMA Band delivers their signature cross-generational show—fun for kids and adults alike. Once again, Bea Csete hosts the event. With sun, water, and non-stop music, all you’ll need is a smile.
Rest, Relaxation, and Lake Adventures
Whether you’re looking for tranquility, adventure, or just really good food, the Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) region has it all. Kormorán Dock offers unique waterside accommodations, from floating houses and stilted cabins to leafy treetop lodges. Dieter’s Camping is a favorite for families, right by the shore and thermal baths, boasting upgraded kitchens and maintained with rigorous cleaning.
Those seeking more comfort can book the two-story apartments built on stilts—904 square feet, with two bedrooms and terraces with all amenities, accommodating 4-6 guests. Eco-conscious travelers will love the Tisza Balneum Hotel, a four-star retreat immersed in nature, with a wellness center and conference facilities.
Prefer rustic charm? Try the new Wagtail Guesthouse (Csuszka Vendégház) at Szabics Dock, or the kid-friendly Boat Guesthouse (Ladik Vendégház), both ideal for groups. Szabics Camping can accommodate 150 in tents or campers, complete with dishwashing stations and fire pits. Over at Albatross Dock (Albatrosz Kikötő), another large marina, you’ll find a 21,500-square-foot campsite with its own beach, water sports rental, restaurant, and quick access to town.
For those seeking privacy under shady trees, Barberry Apartments (Boró Apartmanok) or Walnut Tree Apartments (Diófa Apartmanok) offer peaceful settings close to both the water and the town center.
Eats and Drinks With Local Flavor
Dining here is an event in itself. Plane Tree Restaurant (Platán Étterem) combines global cuisine with regional specialties, best enjoyed on its lakeside terrace as the sun sets over Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó). Mill Inn Füzes Guesthouse (Molnár Vendéglő Füzes Panzió) is open year-round, offering Hungarian and international dishes at budget-friendly prices.
If beer is your thing, don’t miss NOPARA GyógySERtár—a brewery, pub, eatery, and apartments rolled into one, complete with Wi-Fi and hearty breakfasts. Or savor “Old Fisherman’s” (Öreg Halász) recipes at their friendly spot just outside Tiszafüred.
No matter where you stay or eat, the area is clean, quiet, and always inviting. Just remember—the schedule and program may change, so expect some surprises at this wildly creative celebration of music and nature.
