Once a year, the picturesque lakeside of Felsőtárkány (Felsőtárkány) transforms into Hungary’s strudel capital for an entire weekend—and trust us, you’ll smell it before you see it. The 21st Felsőtárkány Strudel Days (Felsőtárkányi Rétesnapok) take place August 2-3, 2025, featuring colorful programs, a bustling artisan market, and, of course, endless trays of hand-stretched traditional strudels.
What makes the Felsőtárkány (Felsőtárkány) strudel so famous? Locals insist it’s all about the handmade pastry—here, the dough is always pulled paper-thin by skilled hands, never by machines. This little lakeside town boasts one of the region’s largest and most beloved food festivals, welcoming guests with the irresistible scents of sweet and savory classics, plus a lively atmosphere filled with music, crafts, and laughter.
Tradition Powered by the Community
This event isn’t just about food; it’s a celebration of Felsőtárkány’s (Felsőtárkány) heart and history. The concept was born among local retirees, who brought their recipe for the savory, cheese-filled strudel—a must-have at every Tárkány (Tárkány) village wedding—into the public spotlight. Every August, you’ll see these retirees, along with volunteers from all over the village, preparing thousands of strudels on the spot. The lakeside venue alone is a draw for tourists, but it’s the hands-on community spirit that truly sets this festival apart.
The festival thrives on local involvement, from pensioners and teachers to civil groups and neighborhood volunteers. The goal is to pass this doughy heritage down to younger generations and keep the flavors and stories of Felsőtárkány (Felsőtárkány) alive for years to come.
A Weekend Packed with Festivities
This year’s Strudel Days promise a full lineup of entertainment: expect interactive kids’ shows like Little Drop (Csepp barát), live music from Zaporozsec, the Kerekes Band, and a headline concert from Reni Orsovai (Orsovai Reni) and Nene. Saturday features musical stand-up with Levente Harsányi (Harsányi Levente) and a lively folk dance house, while Sunday offers panel talks, brass band performances, cultural showcases from neighboring villages, and more.
Both Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, you can watch live strudel-making (and sample all varieties), explore handmade crafts, or keep younger visitors entertained with creative activities.
Just remember, the organizers may adjust times and programs—so stay tuned, and come hungry!
