Every September, the picturesque village of Noszvaj (Noszvaj) in Hungary transforms into a paradise for food and wine lovers, and 2025 will be no different. On September 13, Noszvaj’s beloved Oven Festival (Oven Day – Kemencés Nap) and Wine Tour warmly invite everyone who dreams of escaping the routine and breathing the country’s freshest air. The village comes alive across multiple locations, promising delicious oven-baked dishes, exquisite local wines, and a festival vibe steeped in rustic charm. Get ready to indulge all your senses, rural style.
Ovens Heating Up: Food, Contests, and Local Flavors
At the heart of the festival is the sizzling cooking competition: porticos and gardens throughout the village become culinary arenas, with locals firing up their traditional ovens to create mouthwatering dishes. Visitors aren’t just spectators—they can sample the creations with a purchased tasting ticket. The bustling market overflows with regional delicacies and handcrafted treasures, perfect for those in search of bold flavors or unique souvenirs.
Fun for All Ages: Family, Culture, and Play
Children have their own slice of the festivities, with imaginative puppet shows, bouncy castles, and an open-air playground featuring traditional folk games. There’s a full itinerary of cultural programs and hands-on craft stations—so whether you fancy learning an old village pastime or just want to soak in some rural ambiance, there’s something for everyone.
Wine lovers aren’t left out: with open cellars, guided wine tours, and plenty of opportunities for tastings, the local vineyards are ready to unveil the best bottles of the region. And if walking isn’t your thing, hop on the all-day safari bus running through the heart of the festival, shuttling between the scattered sites and must-see attractions.
Where to Stay: From Modern Wellness to Cozy Hideaways
Whether you’re a family seeking top-notch amenities or a couple looking for a nostalgic getaway, Noszvaj’s hospitality has you covered.
The Oxygen Family Hotel**** (Oxigén Family Hotel****) is a family favorite, nestled at the southern gateway to the Bükk Hills (Bükk). It offers children’s entertainment, a family wellness area, and an all-inclusive forest experience for parents and kids alike. For young adventurers, there’s a mini disco and even a friendly mascot dinosaur named Páfrány. Nature lovers rejoice as well—Noszvaj boasts Hungary’s cleanest air, and the hotel’s Zen Spa is perfect for a serene recharge.
Looking for a traditional touch? The Goldfinch’s Nest Guesthouse (Czinke-fészek) is a classic, quietly situated yet close to the village center. Twin apartments invite guests to relax after hiking, wine tours, swimming, or cycling. Home-style breakfasts and personal touches make every stay warm and memorable.
Panorama seekers will love the Hillside Guesthouse (Domboldal Guesthouse), tucked away on a quiet lane, with breathtaking views and plenty of folk-inspired programs to choose from. For those seeking more privacy, other guesthouses offer fully equipped kitchens, sunny terraces, barbecue and grill areas, ping pong rooms, and lush, shaded gardens for lazy afternoons.
Village Experiences: Creek, Vines, and Lakeside Retreats
The Emese Guesthouse (Emese Vendégház) sits by a sparkling creek on the southern slopes of the Bükk hills. Here the green forest seems endless and the vineyards beckon for a stroll. The doors are wide open for anyone wanting to experience the simple joys of rural living and feel like a lucky local.
Those seeking something unique will love the Lakeside Cabin (Erdei Kisház). Just over a mile from De la Motte Castle (De la Motte Kastély), it sleeps ten and features a panoramic terrace, wine cellar, infrared sauna, hammocks, and mountain-fresh air—even during a heatwave. Birds singing and peace are guaranteed.
Some houses offer three separate apartments, enclosed parking, and pre-arranged options for wine tastings or even baking your own oven-fresh bread and pastries. For larger groups, multi-story guesthouses can accommodate up to ten people, with spacious sunlit rooms or gallery-style sleeping areas of over 215 square feet each.
Taste the Region: Dining and Wineries
No celebration is complete without feasting, and Noszvaj’s De la Motte Restaurant (De la Motte Étterem) leads the way. The chefs passionately craft both classic and contemporary favorites, aiming to tempt every guest and win over even the fussiest foodies.
Vintners like Balázs Szabó (Szabó Balázs), a proud Noszvaj local, produce excellent wines from their Eger Wine Region (Egri Borvidék) vineyards, offering varietals like Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos), Leányka, Italian Riesling (Olaszrizling), Cserszegi Fűszeres, and Portugieser. You might find award-winning bottles—these winemakers frequently appear on both national and international podiums, offering their best directly to visitors and fans of traditional methods.
Thummerer Winery (Thummerer Pincészet), operating since 1984, is another local legend. With over 220 acres of vines and state-of-the-art equipment, they consistently bring home prestigious prizes from wine competitions around the world. Tastings and cellar tours are available by prior arrangement.
Noszvaj: A Slice of Mountain Paradise
Noszvaj, situated at the foot of the 2,188-foot-high Castle Hill (Várhegy) in the Bükk Hills, is a textbook mountain village. Stunning scenery, tranquil valleys, and clean air make it a perfect destination for anyone needing a break. Wherever you stay, chances are you’ll have access to a panoramic kitchen for group cooking, inviting gardens, grill areas, and friendly hosts eager to fill your itinerary with colorful local experiences.
Mark September 13, 2025, on your calendar. Bring your appetite and sense of adventure—you might never want to leave. (Organizers reserve the right to modify all dates and programs.)
