Every summer, the great outdoors and the magic of live music come together by Hungary’s Tisza Lake (Tisza-tó). For its twelfth edition in 2025, the Tisza Lake Festival (Tisza-tavi Fesztivál) promises “open-air music therapy” with cycling tours, concerts under the sky, and boat rides, all surrounded by the beauty of nature. This is where couch potatoes come to recover, stressed-out city dwellers rediscover fresh air, and music lovers trade headphones for live performances.
Festival Dates and the Big Idea
The festivities run from August 1-3, 2025. “Cycle, run, and paddle for culture!” is the rallying cry, drawing visitors back year after year to the shimmering waters and lush banks of Tisza Lake (Tisza-tó), located near the town of Tiszafüred. It’s a celebration designed to get feet moving and hearts singing, all while immersing you in Hungary’s wildest landscapes.
What’s On: Three Days of Events
Friday, August 1, sets the mood with the To’Pera Gala Concert in the main square of Tiszafüred at 7:00 p.m. Erika Miklósa—internationally acclaimed coloratura soprano and long-standing member of the “Immortals’ Society”—takes the stage with talented students from the Kvintesszencia Master School (Kvintesszencia Mesteriskola). The show, directed by multifaceted artist Péter Novák and hosted by Bea Csete, is free for everyone.
Saturday, August 2, gets rolling with the “Cycle Around Tisza Lake” music marathon, starting at the Tisza Lake Cycling Center (Tisza-tavi Kerékpáros Központ) from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Set off at 9:00 a.m. for a twenty-five mile adventure, with tickets just $16. The route is marked by rest stops that transform into mini-concert venues, where performers such as harmonica virtuoso Zoltán Orosz, actor-singers Mátyás Dósa and Péter Harna, Harmony Prize-winning singer Imre Vadkerti, and many others entertain. Stops include Poroszló, Sarud, Tiszaörvény, and Kisköre, with each location featuring a different genre—folk, pop, jazz, or drumming groups preserving ancient traditions. Lunch is served at Lépcső Bisztró, next to the Kisköre Fish Ladder (Kiskörei Hallépcső), and the day wraps up with a performance by Antal Gábor Szűcs, EMERTON award-winning guitarist, and Péter Gál, a founding member of Kormorán, before cyclists return to base in the evening.
Sunday, August 3, is Family Lake Picnic & Boating Day at the Kisköre Fish Ladder (Kiskörei Hallépcső) and the surrounding natural wonders. From 10:00 a.m., enjoy everything from Hungarian Kayak-Canoe Association rafting demonstrations, local artisan fairs, a kids’ fishing competition organized by MOHOSZ, dog training shows by Unidog, horse carriage rides courtesy of Yellow Colt Riding Stable (Sárgacsikó Lovarda), and a bouncy castle for the young at heart. Performers include Mátyás Dósa, Nikolett Molnár, Géza Egyházi, Andrea Mahó, and a host of renowned jazz and blues musicians—plus the multi-generational hit group Apple Ensemble (Alma Együttes). Bea Csete returns as host, and once again, entry is free for all.
Where to Stay: From Treehouses to Floating Villas
The Tisza Lake (Tisza-tó) area is a peaceful haven hidden from the world, whether you want to wake up on the water, in a leafy treehouse, or tucked away in a cozy cottage. The Cormorant Dock (Kormorán Kikötő) is within reach of the flowing Tisza River (Tisza), offering a unique “water village” vibe with houseboats, stilt houses, floating cabins, and even treehouses.
For classic comfort, Dieter’s Camping is right across from the Tiszafüred beach and thermal baths, just fifty meters from the shore. This family-run resort is a favorite among returning guests and now features an updated kitchen and stricter cleaning protocols.
If you crave space, waterfront apartments offer two stories and 904 square feet (84 sq m) of living area, with two bedrooms, a convertible living room, terrace, high-speed internet, hotel TV, bathrobes, minibar, and in-room safe—comfortably accommodating up to six people; it’s a great choice for big families or groups of friends.
The Tisza Balneum Hotel stands out for its eco-friendly operation and four-star wellness, built right on the Tisza Lake (Tisza-tó) waterfront. With a focus on harmony and balance for body and soul, it features a conference and wellness center in Tiszafüred.
Nearby, the renovated Csuszka Guesthouse (Csuszka Vendégház) sleeps six in two rooms, while the new Boat Guesthouse (Ladik Vendégház)—split into two units—caters to families or groups, sleeping six or three. The newly opened Szabics Camping offers 150 caravan and tent pitches. The Albatross Dock (Albatross Kikötő) welcomes guests to its 21,528 square feet (2,000 sq m) of camping, with its own beach, boat rentals, sports facilities, and restaurant.
Eat, Drink, Repeat—With a View
Foodies can’t go wrong here: the Plane Tree Restaurant (Platán Étterem) features international cuisine, regional flavors, a lakeside terrace and grill, plus the area’s world-famous Tokaj wines. At Molnár Inn & Füzes Guesthouse (Molnár Csárda & Füzes Vendégház), discover authentic Hungarian and international favorites, served year-round. For hearty and affordable local dishes, try one of Tiszafüred’s central taverns.
Looking for something unique? NOPARA MedicBREWery (NOPARA GyógySERtár) is a brewery, pub, restaurant, and apartment house all in one, offering à la carte breakfasts and free Wi-Fi. At the legendary Old Fisherman (Öreg Halász), sample recipes perfected over generations.
Dining on the outskirts includes a picturesque eatery eight kilometers beyond Tiszafüred, at the “western gate” of Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park). Here, rustic flavors meet a tranquil, spotlessly clean environment, with accommodation available for weary travelers.
Organizers reserve the right to modify the event schedule and programs—so double-check before you go, then get ready for culture, sport, and summer adventure like nowhere else.
