Mark your calendars for August 23, 2025, when Zalaegerszeg (Zalaegerszeg) transforms into a modeler’s paradise during the Wolfpack International Model Competition and Exhibition. Hosted at the János Apáczai Csere Cultural Center (Apáczai Csere János Művelődési Központ, 5 Apáczai Square (Apáczai tér), 8900 Zalaegerszeg), this free event puts the spotlight on the Arab-Israeli wars as its featured contest category. Enthusiasts and curious visitors alike are invited to admire intricately detailed models, compete in various categories, and soak up the international modeling scene. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or new to the world of scale models, you’ll find inspiration here.
Where to Stay: Zalaegerszeg (Zalaegerszeg)’s Coziest Hotels and Guesthouses
Zalaegerszeg (Zalaegerszeg) welcomes guests with a selection of hotels, inns, and guesthouses to suit every taste and budget. The city center boasts a year-round, superior three-star hotel with both single and double rooms. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom, TV, minibar, telephone, and high-speed Wi-Fi. For even more comfort, consider the climate-controlled suites with in-room safes. Your stay includes a buffet breakfast served in a stylish dining room, while those seeking traditional Hungarian flavors can dine at the hotel’s cozy beer tavern.
Looking for something a little more special? The city is dotted with exceptional lodging and dining options, where you’ll encounter atmospheric wine evenings, unique culinary events, and even fairytale wedding venues. Culinary diversity and wallet-friendly prices are hallmarks of the area.
For breathtaking city views, head to Gyuri Csárda and Guesthouse on Jánkahegy Hill (Jánkahegyi Gyuri Csárda és Vendégház) in Zalaegerszeg’s greenbelt. Enjoy traditional meals, wines, and fruit brandies on the terrace overlooking the cityscape. It’s a hidden gem for anyone keen on classic Hungarian flavors with a scenic twist.
Need a spot for a celebration? The Kiskondás Restaurant and Pension (Kiskondás Étterem és Panzió) offers both hospitality and event hosting, handling everything from family reunions to corporate gatherings for up to 170 guests. There are ten rooms available for overnight stays, making it a practical choice if you want to celebrate and spend the night at the same location.
The Kovács Guesthouse (Kovács Vendégház), located in Zalaegerszeg’s peaceful Neszele district, promises tranquility just 2,625 feet (800 meters) from Gébárti Lake (Gébárti-tó) and AquaCity, one of Central Europe’s largest waterparks. Open year-round, it’s convenient for those looking to combine event excitement with lakeside relaxation or a day at the thermal bath.
Dining Delights: Breakfast, Barbecue, and Boutique Bistros
Don’t miss the city’s family-style four-star guesthouses right in the downtown, where breakfast is included—and, if you wish, full or half board is available in elegant, old-world restaurants. Some guesthouses can accommodate up to eight guests, while their attached restaurants can seat up to 180 people. On sunny days, garden patios with room for a hundred guests offer a breezy alternative.
Vándor Vigadó, on the city’s edge, is nestled amid the rolling Zala hills and has everything you need for a restful escape or an adventure base. It’s close to Gébárti Lake (Gébárti-tó), AquaCity, the thermal spa, rural Őrség, bustling Zalakaros, glamorous Hévíz, Kehidakustány, Lake Balaton, and even excursions abroad to neighboring Austria. Accommodations include twin and triple rooms (some with shared bathrooms) and family-friendly apartments. Guests have access to shared kitchens and dining rooms or can enjoy meals in the restaurant.
The Willis Hotel**** Business & Wellness, located in the heart of the city, offers modern comfort with 64 elegantly furnished, earth-toned rooms, plush carpeting, and marble finishes for complete relaxation. For business travelers, the entire hotel provides high-speed Wi-Fi, and free parking adds to the convenience.
A Taste of Zalaegerszeg (Zalaegerszeg): Cakes, Coffee, and Culinary Surprises
Sweet lovers should check out the central patisserie for desserts, coffee, and fresh juice blends on a leafy, year-round heated terrace. For unforgettable local flavors reimagined, the city’s signature bistro is a hotspot for ever-changing weekly menus, barbecue and smoked meats, and a feast of Zala specialties—each dish made from the produce of a dozen nearby farmers.
Robinson Restaurant is the go-to for an astonishing array of dishes, spanning Hungarian classics, Mediterranean marvels, and international favorites—think everything from cheesy potato prósza (prósza), chicken strips, to kangaroo, crocodile, and even shark. The drink menu is just as impressive, with specialty teas and coffees, an extensive wine cellar, a broad range of pálinka (fruit brandy) and cocktails, and rare Belgian beers. Their multiple halls accommodate parties big and small, and on most nights, live guitar music and a dance floor enhance the lively atmosphere.
A Green Escape in the City
Jánkahegy Hill (Jánkahegy) is a quiet, leafy suburb just minutes from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s perfect for those craving fresh air without leaving town. The terrace at Gyuri Csárda and Guesthouse on Jánkahegy offers panoramic views and a magical setting for enjoying classic dishes and local drinks. Meanwhile, local diners and guesthouses pride themselves on homestyle Hungarian cuisine, warm atmospheres, hearty midday menus, and flavors from home and abroad—all at reasonable prices.
For the Wolfpack Model Show, Zalaegerszeg (Zalaegerszeg) truly caters to every taste and comfort—come for the models, stay for the hospitality!
Small Print
Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program.
