Vonyarcvashegy (Vonyarcvashegy), nestled on the north shore of Lake Balaton (Balaton), comes alive year-round with concerts, theatrical performances, festivals, and a dazzling array of leisure activities—both on and off the water. The town’s streets stretch from the Balaton shoreline right up to the hilltops of the Keszthely Mountains (Keszthelyi-hegység), offering visitors spectacular panoramic views. With forests behind and the lake in front, it’s no wonder the local motto is “Behind Us the Forest, Before Us the Water.”
Autumn Highlights: Wine, Food, and Local Flair
Kicking off the autumn festivities, October 18 brings the bubbly “The BALATON is Buzzing! – Autumn Wine Tasting and Gastro Party” to Vonyarcvashegy. This is just the start of a flavorful season, as the iconic 200-year-old Festetics Helikon Taverna Cellar (Festetics Helikon Taverna Pince) hosts a series of Open Cellar Days. Wine lovers can step into history and sample estate wines nearly every Saturday from mid-October straight through to the end of December: October 18 and 25, then November 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, followed by December 6, 13, 20, and 27. Each visit promises not just a taste of wine, but a deep dive into the region’s heritage.
On November 15, things heat up with the “Vonyarcvashegy Sausage Fest” (Vonyarcvashegyi Kolbászoló)—the local festival and sausage-making competition. It’s a meaty, jovial tradition that draws crowds from the entire region. Foodies can also look forward to new flavors at the Zenit Balaton Restaurant (Zenit Balaton Étterem), where, on November 28, Péter Aranyosi takes the stage for an exclusive stand-up show.
Stay the Night: Where Relaxation Meets Panoramic Views
Accommodations abound for festival-goers and those eager to soak up the lakeside scenery. Just 980 feet from the local train station and 1,310 feet from the lakeshore, Nest Restaurant and Guesthouse (Fészek Étterem és Vendégház) welcomes visitors with a covered outdoor pool and free parking. Each apartment is fully equipped—including a kitchen, private bathroom, TV, and a terrace overlooking the garden or pool. Anglers can cast a line within 1,640 feet, while water sports enthusiasts—think windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing—will find plenty of options just a little further along the shore.
There’s also a 39-room hotel offering en-suite bathrooms, balconies with stunning lake views, and rooms for two or three guests with extra bed options. Each room features satellite TV, a telephone, and a refrigerator. The property includes on-site parking, a pub, billiards and table tennis rooms, plus a gym. Nearby, Jáger Guesthouse (Jáger Vendégház) invites visitors to enjoy the northern shore of Lake Balaton, just 3 miles from Keszthely, in an idyllic location offering modern comforts and a homelike atmosphere.
Zenit Hotel Balaton**** (Zenit Hotel Balaton****) takes relaxation up a notch. Its panoramic terrace overlooks the lake, while the Bock Bistro restaurant (Bock Bisztró) delivers unique culinary experiences. There’s an interactive wine exhibition and premium rooms—including family suites with garden access. Families will love the children’s playground, the kid-friendly pool with slides, and the indoor playroom. Set beside the Balaton Uplands National Park (Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park), the tranquil wooded area is ideal for families craving peace, fresh air, and proximity to the lake.
Wine and Dine: Local Flavors and Cozy Cellars
The timeless charm of the Festetics Cellar (Festetics Pince), now more than 200 years old, blends seamlessly with Bacchus Restaurant’s (Bacchus Étterem) culinary offerings—the fusion of wine, gourmet flavors, and art is clear as soon as you step inside. Guests can dine amid historic décor, including a four-branched wooden statue and murals celebrating Bacchus, the god of wine.
Bock Bistro Balaton (Bock Bisztró Balaton), operating in the historic Helikon Taverna (Helikon Taverna) since 2014, is part of the internationally renowned Bock Bistro franchise. The philosophy here is simple: food should delight both the palate and the eye, paired with wines of equal caliber. The menu caters to all, including gluten- and lactose-intolerant guests, ensuring unforgettable meals where flavors are always top-notch.
For authentic, barrel-aged Balaton wine, head to Papp and Sons Wine Cellar (Papp és Fiai Borozó) and the Csereze Wine Bar (Csereze Borbár), where local grape varieties dominate the list. These wineries expertly combine traditional and modern winemaking methods, producing high-quality wines sold both locally and nationally.
Pizzas, Parties, Conferences—And Everything in Between
Whether you’re after Neapolitan pizza, tapas platters, select soft drinks, or Balaton wines and creative cocktails, local venues have you covered. Dreaming of a wedding everyone will remember? Looking for the perfect spot for an anniversary, birthday party, or even a business conference? Panoramic apartments and event spaces right along the lakeshore provide unforgettable backdrops.
At Terasz Restaurant & Pizzeria (Terasz Étterem és Pizzéria), guests of all ages (and even four-legged friends) are invited to relax in the cool shade, thanks to a wood-beamed roof and fans, while crispy pizzas come straight from the wood-fired oven. With a playground out front, kids stay entertained while parents unwind. The magic of Balaton’s summer stretches from spring to autumn, and the hospitality is as warm as ever.
Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program details, so it’s always worth checking for the latest updates before you go.
