Sunrise, panorama, peace. Why do our guests keep coming back?

✨ The magic of a Balaton holiday – when the sun rises behind Badacsony

A holiday in Szigliget is a special experience – not only because Lake Balaton is close by, but because of its unique location.
The guesthouses of Lívia Apartmanok in Szigliget have something special: from the terrace you can watch the sun rise from behind Badacsony every morning. The sight of the hills, gardens and the sparkling lake slowly filling with light is almost impossible to put into words.

Many guests sit out on the terrace at dawn with a cup of coffee – just watching nature move and listening to the birds. Anyone who has experienced this knows: here we don't just rest – here time slows down.

💬 “This is where the day really begins in the morning”

Our guests often tell us that mornings start differently here.
Instead of starting the day in a rush, here they have time to pause for a moment.
The play of light on the slopes of Badacsony, the oleanders blooming on the terrace and the still sleepy silence – all make for the perfect Balaton morning.

“I have never got up at dawn so happily – I just sat with my coffee and watched the sun slowly rise over the hill. The birds were singing, the garden smelled wonderful – I hardly wanted to move from there.”
– wrote one of our returning guests from Délibáb Guesthouse.

🌿 Close to nature: your own garden, birdsong and blooming calm

There is always something happening in the gardens of our guesthouses. Pink and white oleanders bloom around the terrace, under the big, fragrant leaves of the fig bushes the fruit ripens, and the young cedar stretches majestically towards the sky – soon to cast shade over the yard.
The From the terrace of Napkelte Guesthouse the morning light is especially beautiful – as the sun's rays glide over the flowers of the rock garden, the whole garden fills with warm golden light. The house's name is no coincidence – here the sunrise really plays the leading role.

🍳 Calm mornings, generous breakfasts, a Balaton rhythm

Many guests have learnt to appreciate the joy of a slow morning again with us:

  • Warm light streaming in through the open window
  • Breakfast on the terrace
  • A moment when no one looks at the clock

Instead of the city bustle, in Szigliget silence reigns in the mornings. The sound of birds, distant church bells, sunlight filtering through the trees – this is what our guests love so much.

🔁 The experience you will want to come back to again and again

Some places don't just keep memories, they bring them to life again and again.
Szigliget is such a place.
Our guests often say that when they come back to us, they open not just the door of a guesthouse – but a feeling too. The peace they found here the first time.

One guest proposed to their partner here, another rested with us before the birth of their first baby.
Some have been coming in the same week for years – because this is where they recharge.
And one guest told us:

“This place wasn't just a holiday for us, it was a kind of new beginning.”

Because there are days when it isn't the plans that matter, but being in a good place – with ourselves and with each other.

📌 Why choose Lívia Apartmanok's guesthouses in Szigliget?

🌄 Unrivalled views of Badacsony and Lake Balaton

🏡 Spacious guesthouses with their own garden

🚗 Private parking, a safe environment

💬 Helpful, personal hospitality

➕ A final tip:

If you love quiet mornings, if you like keeping a journal, or simply want to feel the first light of the sun fill your soul – you will find your place here.

👉 See our guesthouses here: See the houses

A wine adventure on Szent György Hill, not just until dawn!

The Balaton Uplands has one of its most exciting wine regions on Szent György Hill – volcanic basalt soil, family wineries, natural wines and everything you look for on a memorable trip. We went to the June Szent György Hill Until Dawn event, but soon realised: this area is worth a trip all year round – even on a weekday afternoon!

If you are staying in one of Lívia Apartmanok's guesthouses in Szigliget , you can comfortably explore the hill from here by bike or with the Balaton Wine Taxi (Bortaxi) – this makes the trip not only safer but much more enjoyable.

🌿 Why Szent György Hill?

  • A unique microclimate and volcanic terroirthat produce excellent wines
  • Small family wineries, friendly hosts
  • Beautiful views of the witness hills and Lake Balaton
  • Tasting terraces and walking paths open from spring to autumn
  • You can explore it by bike, or order a Wine Taxiif you don't want to cycle

🍷 Wines that won us over – Lívia's tasting list

1. Hóbor Cellar – Irsai Olivér

This cellar is an ideal first stop for a wine afternoon. Their light, floral Irsai Olivér goes down easily while you look at the sunlit rows of vines. Friendly service, family atmosphere.

🚲 Tip: the road to the cellar is gentle and pleasant by bike too.

2. Szászi Cellar – 2023 Szent György Hill Olaszrizling

The Szászi Estate has long been known for quality wines from organic farming. Their 2023 Olaszrizling is balanced and full of character – a typical Balaton wine with a volcanic twist.

👨‍👩‍👧 Ideal for families too, as there is a restaurant on the estate.
🛺 If you are not cycling, call the Wine Taxi – they are happy to bring you here too.

3. Napsárkán – Sárkánytangó (Riesling)

This winery is a real insider tip – the wines here are made with youthful energy. Sárkánytangó is a cool-fermented, spontaneously fermented Riesling, made truly unique by a short time in barrel. Vine blossom on the nose, fruit and freshness on the palate.

🚴 For cyclists a real treat: the route runs along dirt tracks between the vines.
💬 Got a question? Napsárkán is active on Instagram too!

4. Horváth Cellar – Olaszrizling

A true classic Olaszrizling – honest, clean and easy to drink. The cellar's style is just like its wines: no frills, friendly and authentic. A great choice for an afternoon stop or to end the wine route.

🛵 If you are not cycling, the Wine Taxi driver knows your favourite entrance path too.

5. Bencze Estate – the world of natural wines

If you are looking for something new, visit the Bencze Estate, where natural wines are made using biodynamic methods. By prior appointment, themed wine tastings are also available – we tried the 'Introduction to the world of natural wines' talk, and it was an eye-opening experience.

🚲 Easy to reach by bike, the terrain is not too hard – we recommend it to everyone.
📞 Advance booking required!

🏡 Accommodation that makes a great starting point

Our guesthouses in Szigliget – the Napkelte Guesthouse and the Délibáb Guesthouse – are an excellent starting point for a wine tour. You can bring your own bike or rent oneat the nearby Brin-Garázs, but if you prefer the comfortable option, the Balaton Wine Taxi service will take you safely and in style to the cellars you choose – and bring you home.

🚲 Our travel tips:

Bicycle: Szent György Hill and its surroundings are pleasant to cycle, especially from spring to autumn. An e-bike is an even better choice.

Balaton Wine Taxi: a personalised route, a wine-friendly driver and no worries about driving – so wine tasting stays relaxed.

📅 Extra tip: Szent György Hill Until Dawn – only once a year!

If you have never been to the June “Szent György Hill Until Dawn” event, mark it in your calendar! On this day all the cellars open at once, with concerts, grilled food, conversations and wine until dawn.

But if it happens to be not June, the hill is still alive – and often shows a calmer, more intimate side. That is exactly what we love about it.

Coffee on the terrace, walks through poppy fields: this is June at Lake Balaton

Summer officially only starts on 21 June, but anyone who has been to Lake Balaton this month knows: the real Balaton experiences begin already now. In many ways, June is actually the ideal time if you want real rest, an active break or a calm holiday – with Lake Balaton at its most beautiful.

If you are wondering when to come and see us, here are a few convincing reasons why you should come in June.

🌞 1. Lake Balaton – with all the advantages of summer, before the high season

In June you can already feel the summer: the water is inviting, the sun is gentle, restaurants and cafés are open, events are starting – but there are not yet the crowds that are unavoidable in July and August. This matters especially for those who are not looking for a festival atmosphere but would rather spend calm, restful days on the shore of the 'Hungarian sea'.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2. Family-friendly timing – the children are still fresh, the adults not yet tired

A shorter holiday just before or after the end of the school year is ideal for families with small children: it is not yet too hot, it is easier to keep a routine, and swimming, playing and building sandcastles on the beaches are much more enjoyable. The family-friendly layout and equipment of our guesthouses provide the perfect setting for this kind of relaxed break.

💰 3. Better prices, more choice

It is still the pre-season – which means that many places to stay, restaurants and service providers welcome guests with better prices . With us too, there are more often options for extra nights, weekday breaks or long weekends than in the high season. If you book in advance, you can still choose from the best dates – and you may even get a third night free!

🌸 4. Nature is at its most beautiful now

In June the Balaton Uplands and the surrounding hills and meadows are in bloom. The scent of lavender, poppy fields, green hillsides and shady paths await – the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling or a picnic by the lake. At this time, the area around Szigliget and Balatonfüred unfolds before your eyes like a painting.

🍷 5. Events and wine experiences begin

As summer arrives, there are more and more things to do at Lake Balaton: wine festivals, craft markets, Midsummer bonfires, lavender harvests, local produce fairs – there is something special every weekend. In June these events still have a family feel, so they offer real Balaton experiences – without the crowds, to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

🚲 6. An ideal month for an active holiday too

The Balaton cycle path, the hiking trails of the witness hills, the lookout towers, caves and nature trails – all of them are much more enjoyable when it is not yet scorching hotand you are happy to be active in the fresh air. Our guesthouses are an excellent starting point for these explorations.

A cycling family – father, mother and little girl – in spring sunshine.

🏡 Where to stay if you come to Lake Balaton in June?

The three guesthouses of Lívia Apartmanok are in places where nature and comfort go perfectly together – for groups of friends, families or couples.

🧳 Ready for a June holiday?

Summer doesn't have to be all about heatwaves and festivals. It can also be a quieter, calmer, closer-to-nature and yet complete Balaton experience – and that is exactly what awaits you in June.

🌿 Book now and experience what it is like when Lake Balaton opens up just for you.

👉 See our guesthouses and available dates: Book now

Romance at Lake Balaton? We know exactly where to start!

Sometimes all we want is to be alone together. Away from the daily rush, the beeping phone and every 'must'. Szigliget is the perfect place for a couple's getaway like this: all green, all calm – and yet everything is within reach. Here are a few tips on how to make a romantic break truly memorable in one of Lake Balaton's most charming villages.

🌅 1. Sunset from the shore – where time stands still

Szigliget is especially beautiful at sunset. In the light of the sun dipping behind the village hills, the rooftops turn golden and the lake is as calm as a painting. Take a blanket and sit at the foot of the castle or by the harbour. Don't rush – just sit side by side and watch the evening slowly arrive.

🍷 2. Wine evenings for two – with tips from your hosts

Szigliget's wine cellars offer not only fine wines but also an intimate atmosphere. A glass of fragrant rosé or characterful Olaszrizling at sunset – what more could you want? There are also several friendly family cellars close to our guesthouses that welcome couples. If you would rather stay in, ask us for a wine tip and enjoy a glass together on the terrace or in the garden by candlelight.

🛏 3. Cosy time in our guesthouses – a romantic corner just for you

Both Napkelte and Délibáb Guesthouse are a perfect choice for a stay for two. Spacious, homely rooms, comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchens and cosy terraces make your days here easy. Both houses offer breathtaking views of Lake Balaton and Badacsony, so your morning coffee or evening glass of wine becomes something special. Here it really is just the two of you – and the birdsong.

🚶‍♀️ 4. Walks under the trees, hikes in the hills – exploring together

Szigliget is full of things to discover: shady avenues, vineyard slopes, small paths and viewpoints. Take a walk hand in hand at Rókarántó, or hike to Kamonkő. Don't miss the charming rows of houses in the old village that invite you back in time either – the thatched houses with porches have an almost open-air-museum feel. You can hop on a bike too, but perhaps the most romantic thing is simply to stroll – with no goal, just together.

🥐 5. Lazy mornings – breakfast together on the terrace

No rush, no schedule – just the two of you, good coffee, fresh pastries and peace. The terrace and garden of our guesthouses are perfect for a slow breakfast like this. And if you feel like it, bring local treats from the area – jam, cheese, fruit – and have a mini picnic in the garden

💌 +1 little thing to make it more memorable

Write each other a message that you can only open at the end of the holiday. Or take a photo together every day – not for social media, but for yourselves. These become the little memories you will look back on with a smile years later.

Hot drinks and playful evenings: the guesthouse is cosy in winter too

As winter arrives, children eagerly await the snow, and parents want to make sure the family break is relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. Szömörce Guesthouse is an ideal place for families who want to be together in a comfortable, friendly setting on cold days. Our goal is for our guests to feel at home and go home with memories that last forever.

How to get cosy in the guesthouse

  1. Building dens and playing together
    Children love 'secret hideouts' made of blankets and cushions. There is plenty of room in the guesthouse to build dens, whether in a corner of the living room or under the dining table. Playing together like this really brings the family closer.
  2. Billiard parties in the cosy basement
    The guesthouse's billiard table is great fun not only for adults but for older children too. Teach the little ones the basics, or hold a family tournament!
  3. Bedtime stories and family films
    In the comfortable living room, under soft blankets, you can easily get lost in a good book or a film together. These moments are not only fun but also help you relax and recharge.
  4. Making hot drinks together
    Treats made together in the kitchen always taste better. Get the children involved – they will love being part of the 'magic'!

Hot drink recipes for the whole family

In the guesthouse's well-equipped kitchen you can make these treats in no time, and they are guaranteed to brighten up cold days.

  1. Children's favourite: chocolate milk drink

Ingredients:

  • 500 ml milk
  • 50 g milk chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • Whipped cream and colourful sweets to decorate

Method:
Warm the milk over a low heat, melt the chopped chocolate into it, then add the cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and decorate with whipped cream and colourful sweets. Let the children decorate their own!

  1. Honey and ginger tea

Ingredients:

  • 2 fruit tea bags
  • 1 litre hot water
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • A few slices of fresh ginger
  • Orange or lemon slices to garnish

Method:
Pour hot water over the tea bags, then add the ginger and honey. Orange and lemon slices make it even more exciting for children.

  1. Vanilla apple drink

Ingredients:

  • 500 ml 100% apple juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A few cloves

Method:
Warm the apple juice over a low heat and add the cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. It is ready in a few minutes and you can start sipping!

  1. Adults' favourite: spiced mulled wine

Ingredients:

  • 1 litre dry red wine
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 cloves
  • A few star anise (optional)

Method:
Mix the ingredients in a large pan, then warm over a low heat. Make sure it does not boil – just heat until it is pleasantly steaming. Strain and serve hot! This drink is perfect for long, calm winter evenings.

Szömörce Guesthouse is a cosy and fun place for the whole family in winter too. Whether it is snuggling up, an exciting game of billiards or delicious hot drinks, everything is here for unforgettable moments. Spend the cold days together with laughter and rest, and enjoy the cosy moments!

How to make the most of a trip with friends? Plan like a pro!

How can a get-together with friends become the best weekend of your life?

A trip with friends is the best way to break out of everyday routine and collect unforgettable moments together. Balatonfüred and its surroundings are an ideal setting for such a gathering, with beautiful scenery, exciting activities and cosy places to stay. If you choose Szömörce Guesthouse , you are guaranteed an unforgettable weekend. Here we share 5 steps of professional planning so you can make the most of your trip!

1. Choose the perfect accommodation!

The accommodation is the centre of a get-together with friends. It is important that everyone has enough room, that there is space for shared activities, and that it is close to the best things to do in the area. The Szömörce Guesthouse is the perfect choice:

  • Spacious rooms: Room for up to 10 guests
  • Shared spaces: The guesthouse has a well-equipped kitchen, a large dining table and an outdoor grill.

Extra experiences: The billiard table and the beautiful view are guaranteed to make your time here memorable.

2. Plan your shared activities!

Balatonfüred and its surroundings offer plenty of options for groups of friends:

  • Explore the town: Stroll along the famous Tagore promenade, admire the harbour, and don't miss the Mór Jókai Memorial House.
  • Hike in nature: The nearby Tamás Hill and Koloska Valley are great places for a hike with stunning views.
  • Relax on the beach: In summer, the beaches of Balatonfüred are perfect for swimming and sunbathing together.
  • Try the local wines: Balatonfüred wineries such as Figula or Koczor welcome you with special wines and tastings.

3. Plan your shared meals!

Shared meals bring a group together, and the guesthouse's well-equipped kitchen lets you cook your own dinners.

  • Have a barbecue: The outdoor grill is perfect for an evening of cauldron cooking or a barbecue.
  • Order local specialities: If you don't feel like cooking, restaurants in Balatonfüred such as Baricska Csárda or Giorgi Pizzeria and Restaurant offer mouth-watering dishes.
  • Enjoy wine on the terrace: Raise a glass of local wine and enjoy the beautiful view from the guesthouse terrace.

4. Games and fun together!

A trip with friends is unthinkable without good spirits and games. The Szömörce Guesthouse billiard table is ideal entertainment in the evenings, and you will also find board games and packs of cards in the house. A quiz night or karaoke can be great fun too.

5. Leave room for spontaneous moments too!

Planning is important, but leave room for spontaneous ideas too. Maybe on a walk you will discover a cosy wine bar, or during an evening chat you will decide to watch the sunrise on the shore of Lake Balaton. These unexpected moments are what make the shared experience truly special.

Summary: a weekend with friends in Balatonfüred

When planning a trip with friends, the key is that everyone has a good time and the time spent together is memorable. The Szömörce Guesthouse and Balatonfüred are the perfect place to make it happen. The spacious rooms, comfortable facilities and everything the area has to offer guarantee a truly special weekend.

Book Szömörce Guesthouse now and start planning your next unforgettable trip!

Festive atmosphere at four special places

Advent sparkle on the north shore of Lake Balaton

If you stay at Szömörce Guesthouse, you have a great opportunity to discover the Advent markets around Lake Balaton. Thanks to the guesthouse's central location, four special places are easy to reach, where a festive atmosphere, crafts, delicious food and a rich programme of events await you.

Spend a few relaxing days at Szömörce Guesthouse and enjoy the most beautiful moments of Advent around Lake Balaton!

Christmas market in Balatonfüred – festive atmosphere on the Tagore promenade

From 1 to 31 December, Balatonfüred is dressed in a magical festive atmosphere. The Christmas market on the Tagore promenade welcomes visitors with dazzling lights, special products from local craftspeople and delicious Balaton wines. Advent candle lightings, concerts, children's activities and family events make sure that every age group finds something to enjoy.

Nativity scenes, a dance gala, concerts and other Advent events at various places around town enrich the programme. Don't miss this special experience – get into the Christmas spirit in Balatonfüred!

Veszprém Advent market and Christmas concerts – festive atmosphere on Óváros Square

From 25 November to 24 December, Óváros Square in Veszprém's historic centre is dressed in festive splendour. The town's Christmas tree and 16 cosy wooden huts create a magical atmosphere, where local producers and craftspeople offer their goods. On Advent weekends, stage shows, concerts by popular bands and family events await visitors.

The market is open every day: on weekdays from 2 pm to 8 pm, and at weekends you can enjoy the cosy Christmas atmosphere until as late as 10 pm. As a special feature, craft activities and workshops in an igloo dome tent add colour to the event.

Advent at Festetics Palace – Christmas sparkle in Keszthely

From 2 to 24 December, Festetics Palace in Keszthely welcomes Advent visitors with festive lights and a wonderful atmosphere. At the craft market in the palace courtyard you can find special gifts, and the food stalls offer mouth-watering treats.

Children's activities, Christmas concerts and interactive events make the Advent weekends even more memorable. The impressive palace setting and historic atmosphere create a truly special festive experience.

Advent in Tihany – festive intimacy at the foot of the Benedictine Abbey

From 1 to 24 December, the Advent market is held in the picturesque setting of Tihany, on Mádl Ferenc Square. In the shadow of the Benedictine Abbey, local producers offer crafts, gingerbread, jams and Balaton wines – perfect Christmas gifts or festive treats.

Weekend events include Christmas concerts, children's shows and intimate candle lightings to help visitors get in the mood for the coming holidays.

 

On the ice! Balatonfüred and Szigliget offer unforgettable experiences!

Two ice rinks, one goal: enjoy Lake Balaton in winter too!

Lake Balaton is magical not only in summer: in winter it also offers many unforgettable experiences that make a lakeside break special. Two special venues, the Szigliget ice rink and the Balatonfüred ice corridor, guarantee excitement and relaxation in the winter months too.

Whether you want to glide in the romantic setting of Szigliget Castle or race along the more than one-kilometre Balatonfüred ice corridor, these venues offer a memorable outing for all ages. ❄️⛸️

Romance and skating: the Szigliget ice rink at the foot of the castle

Winter magic, a picturesque panorama and unforgettable experiences await again this year at one of the most special places on the Balaton shore, at the foot of Szigliget Castle! The 500-square-metre ice rink in the Castle Courtyard (Várudvar) opens again, where the joy of skating meets the sight of a Balaton sunset.

Next to the rink, a cosy bar and tasty treats make for a pleasant break: hot chocolate, pizza, chimney cake and mulled wine tempt everyone to take a rest. If you don't have your own skates, don't worry – you can rent them on site!

For families, groups of friends and couples – the Szigliget ice rink is the perfect winter outing for everyone, far from the noise of the city. Enjoy active relaxation, a cosy atmosphere and special events that make the ice rink experience unforgettable again this year. 🏰⛸️

Want to try Hungary's most special ice corridor? Head to Balatonfüred!

Winter is coming soon, and with it one of the most special winter attractions on the Balaton shore: the Balatonfüred ice rink and ice corridor! One of the most impressive mobile ice rink systems in the country welcomes skating fans again in beautiful surroundings on the shore of Lake Balaton.

The nearly one-kilometre ice corridor connects three popular rinks in Balatonfüred – on Zákonyi Street, Vitorlás Square and the Tagore promenade – so you can discover the winter face of Balatonfüred on skates. The rinks are suitable not only for leisure skating but also for trying ice hockey and curling. The ice corridor allows safe skating in both directions.

Besides skating, a snack bar, a warming room, a rental tent and lockers ensure complete comfort. Those without skates can rent them on site, so no one misses out!

The ice rinks are expected to welcome visitors from mid-December to the end of January, with many colourful events. Discover the Balaton shore on skates and enjoy the special winter atmosphere! ⛸️❄️

Winter experiences and comfortable accommodation: choose us!

Whether it is the magical ice rink at the foot of Szigliget Castle or the unique Balatonfüred ice corridor, one thing is certain: after skating it feels good to have a comfortable place to rest. Whichever rink you choose, Szömörce Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay!

Our cosy guesthouse in Balatonfüred is the perfect starting point for winter adventures. Book with us and enjoy Lake Balaton in winter, in homely surroundings, close to the best events! ⛸️❄️

St Martin's Day feast: the secret of the perfect roast goose

Why did St Martin hide among the geese? The origins of St Martin's Day

The history and traditions of St Martin's Day go back many centuries and are based on the legend of St Martin. He was born in Savaria (today's Szombathely, Hungary) in the 4th century. He was serving as a soldier when, one cold evening, he shared his cloak with a beggar. Then Jesus appeared to him in a dream in the form of the beggar, and Martin chose to serve God instead of a military life. Later, when they wanted to consecrate him as bishop, he modestly hid in a goose pen. But the cackling of the geese gave him away, and he was elected bishop after all.

According to tradition, the last great feasts before Advent are held on 11 November, when roast goose and new wine are served. St Martin was venerated in Pannonia even before the Hungarian conquest, and in the Middle Ages he became a protector of the country.

St Martin's Day roast goose leg recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 goose legs
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Thyme, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg
  • Goose fat for confiting 

Method:

  1. Seasoning and marinating: The day before roasting, salt the goose legs well, then season the meaty side with thyme, rosemary, marjoram and a little nutmeg. Cover the seasoned legs and leave them in the fridge overnight so the spices can soak into the meat.
  2. Confit (slow cooking in goose fat):
    • Preheat the oven to 140 °C.
    • Place the legs in a deep roasting tin and pour over enough goose fat to cover them.
    • Roast at 140 °C for 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to 100–120 °C and cook for another 2.5–3 hours. Slow cooking makes the meat juicy and tender, while the skin becomes delicately crisp.
  3. Roasting a whole goose (optional): If you roast the goose whole, you can also put the spices under the skin and fill the cavity with stuffing of your choice (e.g. orange, apple, chestnut or bread stuffing). Be careful not to overfill the goose, as it will cook more slowly.
  4. Serving and side dishes: Serve the roast goose legs with braised red cabbage, crushed potatoes or mashed potatoes. Sweet flavours go well with the dish, such as a salad with dried fruit. You can also serve it with a little balsamic vinegar to bring out the flavours.

Tip: Goose liver and crackling can also be special dishes and make a great addition to the St Martin's Day feast!

Recipe: whole fried zander (Balaton pikeperch)

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg zander or Balaton pikeperch (fogas), whole
  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 1 potato (optional)
  • 100 g plain flour
  • 100 g cornflour
  • 2 teaspoons ground paprika
  • 1 litre sunflower oil

Method:

  1. Wash the cleaned fish, pat it dry and cut off the side fins. Score both sides every 1–2 cm, but not down to the backbone. Salt inside and out and leave to stand for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix the flours and paprika on a tray. Prepare another tray lined with kitchen paper for draining.
  3. You can put a piece of potato in the fish's mouth to keep it open while frying, but this is optional.
  4. Coat the fish in the flour mixture, then fry both sides in hot oil for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown and the flesh is tender.
  5. Take out the fish and place it on kitchen paper to drain.
  6. Serve immediately with a side dish of your choice. You can garnish with lemon or olives, but it is also lovely served simply.

Enjoy your meal!