2026 brings a full-on time warp to the Bikal Experience Estate (Bikali Élménybirtok), where the Middle Ages roar back to life with hands-on activities, knightly thrills, and musical spectacles. Within the walled old town, families wander into guilds and legends, relive famous moments, and catch spectacular shows. It’s a perfect day out where kids and adults don’t just watch history—they jump right into it.
Winter Warm-Up: February at the Estate
All winter long, the estate stays lively in covered, heated venues. Expect a dreamy medieval mood, craft workshops, interactive houses, scavenger-style search games, and a cozy menagerie of furry and feathered creatures. The Medieval Inn pours hot drinks and plates up hearty roasts for hungry travelers. Wander the village to find interactive houses and puzzles, then settle in for the day’s showstopper: a grand knightly tournament in the György Hall, where heroes clash for glory. Every program runs indoors, so the chill won’t slow anyone down. Family adventure starts here.
Step Into the Tale: Adventure with the Shepherd with Starry Eyes
Adventure with the Shepherd with Starry Eyes is a brand-new, play-based, experiential learning performance that flips a beloved classic on its head—from the children’s perspective. Kids don’t just watch; they can step into any role they like. Expect humor, movement, and lots of shared play as the timeless story comes alive in an entirely fresh way.
Light-Making: A Musical Light-Magic Spectacle
Light-Making – musical light-magic is a one-of-a-kind light show where the technicians choreograph light and sound into a spellbinding world. Think light and shadow, good and evil in eternal combat—one fades, another flares. That’s the cycle. For the first time in Hungary, lighting technicians wield intelligent lamps and special soundscapes to whisk audiences into a realm where time dissolves and the imagination has no walls.
From Stone Axe to Helicopter: Rethinking the “Dark” Ages
From Stone Axe to Helicopter is a whip-smart popular science lecture that sweeps you back through the ages to meet free-thinkers who dreamed beyond their centuries and sketched the blueprint of tomorrow. Think the elevator, automobile, or diving suit sprang from the 20th century? Prepare to be stunned by how these wild ideas emerged centuries earlier in the hidden workshops of history’s geniuses. Dive deep: how did they imagine plunging into the deep sea or touching the sky when even making a wheel was tough? It’s an offbeat journey where science and fantasy travel hand in hand—made for kids, adults, curious minds, and wonder-seekers. Discover how light was born in the so-called Dark Ages. Tickets available online.
Spring Splash: March 7 Experience Bonanza
On March 7, 2026, from 10:30 to 17:00, three free games are on offer, including two scavenger hunts with surprises at the end. In the Tailor’s Workshop, dress up as a prince, princess, court jester—or even an executioner. The House of Crafts brims with special gifts and hand-bound books. In the Page School building, browse award-winning leather jewelry and real leather goods. With the goldsmith’s guidance, make your own jewelry; learn glass-painting basics with the glass-image maker; get your portrait sketched by the caricaturist. Bad weather? No problem—everything runs regardless.
In the Page School South Hall, Ilona and Anikó’s craft studio offers premium DIY home decor, ornate boxes, and textile decorating (T-shirts, bags, cosmetic pouches). The Smart Space hosts two interactive games. The Woodcarver’s Workshop is home to tricksy games, turned wooden bowls, carved spoons, and enchanting Soul-Birds. The Gagyizda shop tempts with dozens of gift items, artisanal chocolate, and fragrant bath salts and oils. Pro tip: arrive at opening to fit in every experience.
March 7 Schedule
10:30 Opening
10:30–17:00 Interactive houses in the Village: House of Magic Painting, Blacksmith’s Forge, Witch’s House
10:30–17:00 Animal Yard – Settle in for the Hungarian folk tale The Little Rooster’s Diamond Half-Penny (A kiskakas gyémánt félkrajcárja) and La Fontaine’s fable The Fox and the Crow
10:30–17:00 Explore all craft workshops, watch artisans at work, and shop their wares. In the Fairy-Tale Village, try a spot of smithing with the Blacksmith. The Green Walnut Inn (Zöld Diófa Csárda) – Crafts House and the Water Mill – Crafts House host multiple crafts. In the old-town studios, meet the caricaturist, leatherworker, goldsmith, enamel and glass-image maker, bookbinder, honey seller, Renaissance tailor in the tailor’s shop, and the woodcarver on a winding street.
10:30–14:00 Labyrinth game across the 18.5-acre estate: hunt for cards depicting iconic medieval imagery
10:30–14:00 Secret Signs, Mysterious Places: crack the code with a treasure map—sign up at the Gingerbread Workshop
12:00–15:00 Tasty Hours at the White Swan Inn
Daytime: Ilona and Anikó’s workshop—DIY box and textile painting; Seasons of Magic premium home-decor workshop (door wreath or table display), at Page School South Hall
15:00–15:30 Knights and Ladies: real combat and a spectacular equestrian show—$8.30 per person for ages 5+ (free for ages 0–4)
17:00 Closing
Note: Workshop hours may vary; check with artisans on site. Exact daytime program times are listed in the booklet you receive at entry. Tickets are sold online and at the Puchner Castle Hotel (Puchner Kastélyszálló) reception.
Witchery Then and Now with Zina
Witchery and Sorcery with Zina – the magic of past and present is a sharp, witty deep dive into medieval witches and healers, with a modern-day mirror. No, threats of hellfire weren’t enough to keep people in line. Even gossiping or mouthing off to your husband could bring sanctions. Who were the witches? Where did persecution begin? Which charms still come in handy? Do incantations work? The performer wraps up with a charm to keep for life—humor included. A joint production by the Ágens Company (Ágens Társulat) and the Bikal Experience Theatre (Bikali Élménytér Színház).
March 15 Holiday Program
On March 14, 2026, from 10:30 to 17:00, the estate celebrates Hungary’s March 15 national holiday with a full day of craft activities, interactive games, animal encounters, and discovery-led learning. The spirit of 1848 comes alive for every age through a special live-sung, horse-powered performance. The estate’s workshops open their doors for demonstrations and hands-on making, while discovery games and interactive houses keep everyone moving. Don’t miss out—book online now.
