Zánka is gearing up for 2026 with a packed calendar, cozy stays, and standout food and wine. On the northern shore of Lake Balaton, this laid-back resort town is mixing smart talks, retro parties, and community moments with a strong hospitality scene. Multiple venues around town will host programs for kids and adults, locals and travelers, from February into spring—so mark your calendar and bring your curiosity as well as your dancing shoes.
February 24 brings a timely deep dive: New Challenges in Education – From STEAM to Artificial Intelligence, a lecture by Éva Oláh in Zánka. Expect a brisk, practical look at how science, tech, creativity, and AI are reshaping classrooms and skills, with takeaways for teachers, parents, and anyone eyeing the future of learning.
On February 28, the Farsang Retro Disco lights up Zánka. Carnival season hits the dance floor with old-school hits, bright costumes, and the sort of nostalgia that gets everyone moving. Whether you grew up with the tracks or just love the vibe, it’s an easy yes for a winter weekend blowout.
March 3 keeps it grounded with a Blood Drive at the Faluház (Village House). It’s community in action, simple as that—roll up your sleeve and do some good.
March 7 is for International Women’s Day: a Nőnapi est (Women’s Day evening) in Zánka celebrates women with an evening program. Expect a warm, social setting and the kind of neighborhood spirit that makes small-town gatherings feel big-hearted.
March 20 looks up—literally. Weather and Flight – What Does an Aviation Meteorologist Do? brings aviation meteorology expert Ákos Steierlein to Zánka for a sharp, behind-the-scenes talk on forecasting for pilots, turbulence, storm cells, and the split-second calls that keep planes safe.
Zánka’s accommodation scene is strong and serene. Several houses on the northern shore offer two self-contained apartments in peaceful, green surroundings—an easy choice for travelers who want calm within reach of the water. Many are set in pretty, quiet neighborhoods, with repeat stays for good reason: guests keep coming back for the hush and the view.
Looking for a group spot? Holiday houses for 4–10 guests sit about 600 meters (1,970 feet) from the beach, with lake views, big yards, garden furniture, grilling setups, and secure parking. These work perfectly for families or friends who want space to spread out and gather over a barbecue.
Fügekert stands right in Zánka’s center at the gateway to the Káli Basin, a family-run stay with kid-friendly touches and soothing scenery. Breakfast is crafted from handmade products by local producers, and evenings on the Fügekert terrace pour the Káli Basin’s finest wines alongside artisanal cordials and other treats. It’s the kind of place that becomes your base camp and your favorite hangout at once.
Prefer a private entrance? Nicely furnished apartments for 2–6 guests come with panoramic Balaton views in a quiet setting. There’s also a guesthouse with three apartments for up to 10 guests, rentable together or separately—ideal for mixed groups and multigenerational trips.
Léda Nyaralóház sets you 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from Lake Balaton in a tranquil pocket of Zánka, while a beach-close property just 250 meters (820 feet) from the water offers four rooms for up to 12 guests. Down below, a cellar keeps six types of estate-grown wine, and in the garden, shady trees and loungers invite long, lazy sessions of sipping and resting.
Right in central Zánka, Rózner Apartments deliver two units for 4–5 guests each, fitted with kitchens, dining areas, and private bathrooms—a comfy, near-the-beach pick for travelers, vacationers, and passersby.
Zánka’s food scene swings modern European with careful attention to dietary needs. A sleek bistro kitchen builds menus that always include vegetarian and vegan dishes while looking after guests with gluten and dairy sensitivities. The drinks list leans local and luxe: cocktails crafted exclusively from Hungarian gin and curated selections of quality champagne. Among the crowd-pleasers, the duck liver with savory strawberries keeps its star status, and the giant túrógombóc (cottage cheese dumpling) remains a beloved, indulgent finish. You don’t have to be a Zen Garden Resort guest to drop by—just bring your appetite.
Fügekert doubles as a flavor hub: mornings feature breakfasts built from local farmers’ handmade products; evenings turn mellow with the Káli Basin’s best wines, artisanal soft drinks, and fine nibbles served on the terrace. It’s equal parts family table and wine bar, with a sense of place in every pour.
Wine lovers should seek out Lídia Wine House (Lídia Borház), where estate-grown wines can be tasted in the cellar and vinotheque, and purchased by the barrel or bottle—also available online. Grapes from excellent sites are fermented with professional care, and the cellar blends traditional methods with modern techniques, bottling a growing share of the lineup. It’s the quiet craft you can taste.
For lunch and dinner, another local favorite cooks with seasonal ingredients from Balaton Uplands smallholders: fresh plates, craft wines, house cordials, and other good things, served simply and well.
Because this lakeside town pulls off a neat trick: serious ideas next to silly-good fun, a calm bed after a big night, a sunlit table piled with local flavor. In 2026, Zánka is lining up talks worth taking notes on, a carnival party worth the costume box, and everyday meals that taste like the region. The lake is close, the mood is easy, and the welcome is real. Pack light—you’ll want to bring bottles back.