Pákozd eases into the new year with quiet power: two solemn commemorations tied to Hungary’s World War II history, and a raft of nearby escapes, bites, and stays that make the Lake Velence (Velencei-tó) region an easy winter pick. Expect moving outdoor programs, hot tea at the finish line, and plenty of cozy corners across the Vértes and Bakony foothills to turn remembrance into a reflective weekend away.
January 10: “Those Forever Expected Home”
On January 10 at 10:30, the Pákozd Military Memorial Park (Katonai Emlékpark Pákozd) hosts “Kiket örökké hazavárnak,” an experiential outdoor walk, exhibition, and talks. The program commemorates the tragedy at the Don Bend 83 years ago, where around 130,000 Hungarian soldiers died or disappeared. Participation is free, and the walk ends with hot tea for all attendees at the Coffee House. Given the sensitivity of the topic and the content, the program isn’t recommended for children under 10. Location: Pákozd.
January 12: Candles at the Don Bend Chapel
On January 12 at 18:00, the Don Bend Memorial Chapel (Don-kanyar Emlékkápolna) becomes a gathering point to honor the 83rd anniversary of the Uriv breakthrough. The commemoration, wreath-laying, and memorial fire salute those who fell, those taken prisoner, the survivors of the 1942–43 battles along the Don, and their families. Location: Pákozd.
Mark Your Calendar: What’s On
– 2026.01.10. 10:30 — “Kiket örökké hazavárnak” outdoor walk, exhibition, talks (free, tea served) in Pákozd.
– 2026.01.12. 18:00 — Commemoration, wreath-laying, and memorial fire at the Don Bend Memorial Chapel in Pákozd.
Gánt: The “Pearl of the Vértes”
On the southern edge of the Vértes Mountains sits Gánt, a small village of German heritage wrapped by hills, clean air, and the nature-rich Vértes Protected Landscape Area. The Vértes impresses with rare flora and fauna, distinctive geology, and sweeping vistas—catnip for hikers and anyone craving quiet. A local tourist house has run forest schools and summer, craft, and environmental camps since 1995. The pitch here is simple: slow down, marvel at nature’s details, and tuck away what you learn like a souvenir you can actually use.
Eat, Drink, Gather
– Home-style flavors, game specialties, a generous drinks list, family vibes, and fair prices await at a countryside restaurant that can host up to 200 guests across its cozy rooms and covered beer garden. Open year-round.
– In Tordas, the old Dreher estate cellar is now a warm, stone-walled refuge for tasting good wines, meeting friends, snacking well—and taking your favorite bottle home.
– In central Pákozd, Ingókő Restaurant (Ingókő étterem) serves traditional plates and specials made from quality ingredients, with a constantly refreshed selection. Alongside the à la carte menu, Monday to Friday brings two different two-course menus. Weddings, graduations, birthdays, wakes, and company or friends’ events are welcome. The atmospheric restaurant and an 80-guest event hall are open all year, with a garden space from spring to autumn.
Lake Life: Agárd and Lake Velence (Velencei-tó)
– AtriumAgárd sits right on the Lake Velence shore in Agárd’s quiet garden district, just half an hour from Budapest. Mediterranean lines, a tranquil garden, and lakeside calm make it a spot for rest, play, and team sessions. From autumn to spring it doubles as an exclusive training and events venue with polished dining. Come summer, individuals and families can check in for the full AtriumAgárd experience.
– A nearby pension, just minutes from Lake Velence by car or bike and close to the Agárd Thermal and Spa, promises friendly rooms, attentive staff, clean air, and a mood that pretty much guarantees a reboot.
Sleek Stays in Székesfehérvár
– A modern, internationally guaranteed four-star hotel in the city center places you by the water, with 86 sharp rooms, clean design lines, and carefully curated moods. A rich breakfast concept aims to outdo expectations and imagination alike. The understated interior design and high service standards ensure full comfort.
– Castrum Hotel**** Székesfehérvár sits at the edge of the historic Old Town, about 984 feet from the Baroque main street, with the city’s highlights a short walk away. With broad services, it’s a strong fit for business travelers, tourists, and larger families.
Retreats and Hideaways
– Catherine’s Cottages nestle among vineyards on the south-facing slopes of the Vértes, about an hour’s drive from Budapest. Private and polished, they’re popular for companies planning strategy, team-building, training, and networking—and just as inviting for anyone seeking quiet.
– In Iszkaszentgyörgy, at the eastern foot of the Bakony, the Székesfehérvár Diocese Retreat House hosts retreats, courses, trainings, catechism camps, class trips, and family camps, all in a homey setting.
– Gánt–Kőhányás offers a soothing blend of nature and history: dense forests, green meadows, and a serene landscape made for hikers and escape artists looking to turn down the volume on daily life.
Pákozd: Wine on the Warm Hill
In Pákozd, a cellar built in 1994 at the foot of the Velence Hills opens its doors to wine lovers. Expect a family atmosphere and artisanal tastings. The 54-acre vineyard sits on the north shore of Lake Velence, on the south slope of Meleg Hill (Meleg-hegy). The volcanic hill and the lake co-author a unique microclimate, lifting Pákozd wines into standout territory. Cellar tours and tasting programs are offered for individuals and groups alike.
The organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
