An autumn whirl of events: the National Blue Trail, festivals and music await!

Be part of National Blue Trail Day – free guided hikes

National Blue Trail Day is held on 12 October 2024, when participating hiking groups complete different sections of the more than 2,580-kilometre National Blue Trail. You can also join on the sections in the Balaton Uplands.

The programme is free, but registration is required and places fill up quickly. The groups carry GPS trackers, so the route can be followed online. The event is open to all ages, from easy walks to harder hikes. For more details, visit the programme's website.

National Blue Trail Day

Fig Festival in Badacsony – jazz, figs and delicious bites

Fügefeszt Badacsony 2024 is a new gastronomic festival held on 12–13 October on the Badacsony beach.

The two-day event focuses on figs and the gastronomy of the Balaton region. The programme includes workshops, cooking shows and tastings, with live jazz and light music.

Well-known restaurants and wineries take part, such as IKON Debrecen and Laposa Estate from Badacsony. The festival's proceeds support the local kindergarten and school.

Fig Festival

Zander Festival – fish dishes, folk dance and crafts

The Szigliget Zander Festival is held on 19–20 October 2024 on the shore of Lake Balaton.

It is a traditional gastronomic event where zander takes the leading role, but other fish dishes and local specialities are also on offer. Cooking competitions, gastronomic demonstrations, children's activities, folk dance performances, concerts and craft exhibitions await visitors.

The festival is also enriched with cultural events featuring local and well-known performers.

Zander Festival

Liszt's musical legacy in Veszprém – performed by Gergely Kovács

As part of the Liszt Festival, pianist Gergely Kovács gives a concert in Veszprém on 22 October 2024 in the main hall of Hangvilla.

Gergely Kovács, a Junior Prima Award-winning pianist, performs special pieces in memory of Ferenc Liszt, including iconic études, rhapsodies and ballads.

The event is linked to Liszt's birthday and offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of classical music. Tickets cost 2,400 forints.

Liszt Festival

Gasztrohegy – flavours of the forest and Badacsony wines

The Badacsony Gasztrohegy event series starts again in 2024, with mouth-watering dishes and selected wines.

From September to April, ten year-round restaurants offer themed gastronomic events focusing on Badacsony hill and its wines.

On the first weekend, 26–27 October, the produce of the forest takes centre stage, such as game, rose hips and wild mushrooms. This season a total of 13 restaurants and wineries take part, including the popular Folly Arboretum and Hableány.

The aim is to discover the best restaurants and wines of the wine region step by step, sip by sip.

Gasztrohegy

Pedal with Brin-Garázs: Szigliget's cycling mecca

Szigliget, one of the gems of Lake Balaton, attracts visitors not only with its calm surroundings and stunning landscapes but also with special places like Brin-Garázs bike rental and service. Just 200 metres from our Napkelte and Délibáb Guesthouses, this cycling paradise offers the joy of exploring on two wheels to locals and tourists alike.

How the business was born

The story of Brin-Garázs grew out of a simple hobby. The owner, Gyula Jani, revealed that he opened the rental out of pure passion. The name of the business came from an idea among friends and perfectly reflects what it does and the atmosphere of the garage.

Popularity and challenges

According to Gyula Jani, bike rental is especially popular with tourists who often cannot bring their own bikes or decide to cycle spontaneously. Business really takes off when the weather is not good for the beach; then guests happily set off to the area's wineries and local sights. Particularly popular destinations by bike include the local markets in Káptalantóti and Hegymagas, the Folly Arboretum, the Káli Basin and Badacsony. Running the business also brings challenges, such as balancing demand with the types of bikes available, since he deliberately does not rent out certain types, such as road bikes or scooters.

We wrote about the markets here: Markets on the north shore

Future plans and developments

Brin-Garázs keeps evolving. Last year Gyula carried out a major renovation, and he updates the bike fleet every year. He pays close attention to the bikes, follows technological developments and tries to meet customer needs, expanding his range accordingly. The rental bikes are sold at the end of the season, which keeps the quality of the service high.

Popular routes and personal favourites

Popular destinations among guests are the local and nearby wineries, as well as the cycle tour around Lake Balaton.

Gyula's favourite route is the eastern loop: heading east from Balatonfüred around the lake, then taking the ferry at Szántód and returning to Füred via Tihany.

We wrote about popular cycle routes here: 

Cycling tours – interactive map

A personal story

Gyula told us that at first many people doubted the business would succeed because of its hidden location. But in the internet age, cyclists in trouble easily find the service with GPS and search engines, which proves to Brin-Garázs that faith and perseverance pay off.

If you are in Szigliget and would like to explore the area on two wheels, don't hesitate to visit Brin-Garázs! Gyula is ready to make your ride memorable with the best bikes and service.

Breathtaking views: spring hikes from the Tihany peninsula to the Keszthely Hills

Lake Balaton and its surroundings are not just a place for summer beach days – the region also boasts stunning natural treasures and excursion spots. It offers many wonderful hiking routes across different difficulty levels and landscapes, so everyone can find something to suit them, from easy walks to serious hikes. Below we summarise the most popular hiking routes in the Balaton region and share some useful links with more information about hiking in the Balaton Uplands.

Tihany peninsula

The walking route on the Tihany peninsula is especially popular, as it offers a magical panorama of Lake Balaton and showcases the area's geological and historical treasures. On the way you can visit the Inner Lake, Apáti Hill and the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany.

The best excursion spots with children

Természetjáró: the most beautiful hikes in the Balaton region

Badacsony

Badacsony and its surroundings offer many hiking routes where you can discover traces of the area's volcanic past and its wineries, with beautiful panoramas over Lake Balaton. Szigliget Castle, Szent György Hill and the Kis- and Nagy-Somló hills are also great places for a hike.

Szigliget hike

Sights in Szigliget

Keszthely Hills

The Keszthely Hills are recommended for those who like hilly, wooded surroundings. Several hiking routes pass through the Balaton Uplands National Park, offering a close-to-nature experience. Along the way you can visit Festetics Palace, Helikon Park and several high points with stunning views.

55 stunning excursion spots on the north shore of Lake Balaton

Káli Basin

The Káli Basin is one of the jewels of the Balaton Uplands, offering a unique experience thanks to its special geography. The hiking routes let you admire the basalt columns, visit the Hegyestű geological site and discover the basin's stunning natural beauty.

30 sights on the north shore of Lake Balaton

Balaton Uplands National Park

The park covers more than 56,000 hectares and offers visitors countless protected natural treasures. It includes the Kis-Balaton, an important bird sanctuary, and the ruins of Szigliget Castle, which offer a breathtaking view.

Aktív Magyarország: Balaton Uplands

Sights in Tapolca

Balaton cycle path

Although not a hiking route in the traditional sense, cycling around Lake Balaton lets you discover many beautiful places. The full loop is a longer trip, but it can also be done in shorter sections.

Cycling tours around Lake Balaton

So the Balaton region offers nature lovers not only lakeside relaxation but also active leisure. With its varied landscapes, diverse plants and wildlife, and cultural and historical sights, every hiker can find a route they love. 

Fish soup (halászlé) on the shore of Lake Balaton: how the region's favourite is made

The taste of Lake Balaton: discover the secrets of halászlé

Halászlé (Hungarian fisherman's soup) first appeared as a term in the 18th century, but it actually dates back further. The original version was simpler, made only of fish, water and salt. Its nutritional value grew after tomatoes and paprika were added. Its two best-known versions were shaped in Szeged and Baja: the Szeged version developed according to life on the River Tisza, while the Baja version was shaped by the Danube and Serbian influences. The biggest differences between the soups lie in the vegetables and spices added and the way the fish is cut. According to historical sources, seasoning the soup during cooking is a modern 'invention'; in the past, fish, salt and water were the basis. Today halászlé is cooked not only on the riverbank but also in home kitchens, with more and more varied recipes.

source

The taste of Lake Balaton: a guide to making the perfect halászlé

Ingredients:

brown bullhead catfish, bream, asp, Prussian carp, carp, fish roe, 6 small onions, salt, 2 cloves of garlic, 6 bay leaves, 2 dl Olaszrizling wine, ground sweet paprika, 2 tablespoons Mangalica lard, 1 tomato, 2 teaspoons hot ground paprika.

First prepare the ingredients for the stock. Chop two small onions and scatter them in the bottom of the cauldron (pot). Add the cleaned, salted head of the catfish, the asp, bream, carp and the head of the carp, from which you have removed the pharyngeal teeth. Put another 2 chopped onions on top of the fish. Add the peeled garlic cloves and the bay leaves. Salt, cover with water and 1 dl wine, and bring to the boil. Do not stir while it cooks – just gently shake the pot.

Fillet the carp and score the flesh every 2 millimetres to cut through the fine bones. Fillet the catfish as well, but as it has no small bones, there is no need to score it. Cut both fillets into smaller pieces, salt them, sprinkle with ground paprika and set aside on a plate. Add the cleaned carp and catfish backbones to the stock and keep cooking them together. Cut the fish roe into smaller pieces too.

When the stock is well cooked, take out the fish heads and backbones. Let them cool a little, then pick the meat off into a separate bowl and set the larger bones aside. This makes it easier to strain the fish. Press the fish through a coarse sieve into the stock. Pour everything into a large bowl, and in the empty cauldron fry another 2 finely chopped onions in the Mangalica lard. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of paprika, add a little wine and the stock. Bring to the boil and add the prepared fish fillets. Add the roe as well, and finally season with tomato wedges and hot paprika. Shake the cauldron now and then, but never stir, or the fish will break up. Serve after 15–20 minutes.

Source: Ízőrzők, Szigliget

 

 

 

The Esterházy Mansion in Szigliget: a historic gem

Szigliget, one of the most picturesque villages on Lake Balaton, is proud not only of its natural beauty and famous castle ruins but also hides a historic and cultural treasure: the Esterházy Mansion. This special building, whose predecessor was built at the end of the 18th century, invites anyone who wants to discover a piece of Hungarian cultural life and is interested in historic mansions on an exciting journey through time.

Where the past lives on: the history of the Szigliget mansion

The history of the mansion goes back to the end of the 18th century, when the Lengyel family of Lengyeltóti had it built in late Baroque style. Two vaulted rooms on the ground floor still bear witness to the past, and their terrace offers a wonderful panorama of the surrounding landscape.

Over its history the mansion was owned by several notable families, including the Puteani family with Italian roots. József, a member of the family, had the mansion remodelled in Classicist style in the 1830s, adding the north tower still seen today and extending the building with a one-storey wing.

At the beginning of the 20th century the estate passed to Count Pál Esterházy, who ordered further extensions and renovations, including the neo-Baroque Bujtás Gate and the English landscape park. The mansion and its park are still impressive today, where visitors can admire the rich collection of conifers and the landscape garden.

The birth of the creative retreat: an artists' workshop in the mansion

A new chapter in the mansion's history began in the 1950s, when it was turned into a creative retreat and became one of the centres of Hungarian literary life.

The special atmosphere of the place, its natural beauty and historic past create an excellent creative environment where artists can work in peace, away from the noise of the world. Over the years, the guests of the Szigliget Creative House included many important Hungarian literary and artistic figures, whose work greatly enriched Hungarian culture.

Guests have included István Örkény, Zoltán Zelk, Lajos Kassák, Ágnes Nemes Nagy, Emil Kolozsvári Grandpierre, Magda Szabó, László Nagy, János Pilinszky, László Németh, István Fekete, Ervin Lázár, Sándor Weöres, Tibor Déry and Milán Füst.

The mansion today: historic heritage and cultural centre

The creative house is not only a home for practising the arts but also a venue for cultural events, literary evenings and workshops, encouraging cultural dialogue and creative communities. The history of the Szigliget Creative House is closely intertwined with the development of Hungarian literature and art, with the friendships, loves and cultural cooperation that have shaped the spirit of this place over the decades.

 For guests of Lívia Apartmanok, this place is a great opportunity to discover Hungary's rich history and cultural heritage while relaxing in the magical surroundings of Lake Balaton.

Craft markets on the north shore: local treasures and a special atmosphere

The north shore's year-round farmers' markets and craft fairs offer exciting experiences in every season. They promise not only fresh local produce and unique handmade crafts but also a great opportunity to discover local culture and traditions. Buying seasonal fruit and vegetables and locally made treats directly supports local farmers and craftspeople.

You can discover handmade jewellery, ceramics and woven goods, all of which make unique gifts. These markets are not just for shopping – they also let you get to know local communities and take part in local life.

The Lívia Apartmanok team encourages you to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the year-round farmers' markets and craft fairs. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the north shore of Lake Balaton and support the local economy in every season.

Liliomkert, Káptalantóti

Liliomkert is in the village of Káptalantóti in the Balaton Uplands and has welcomed visitors every Sunday morning since 2007 with its farmers' market, the first in the area. It is not just a market but also a community experience, where visitors can buy fresh local produce directly from the producers. Liliomkert's aim is to make reliable, healthy food more accessible and to support local farmers.

Alongside the market there are themed demonstrations and small fairs that promote farm-produced food and show its versatility. A visit to Liliomkert is a unique opportunity during a Balaton holiday to get closer to nature, get to know local culture and support sustainable farming. 

Liliomkert

Hegymagas market square

The Hegymagas market square is more than a place to shop: it is a living community space where producers and craftspeople welcome visitors with high-quality products. Every encounter here is the start of a story, where tradition and passion become tangible.

It is not just about shopping: colourful events such as ox roasts or the 'Hegymagas cattle days' offer cultural and culinary experiences too. Harmony with nature and celebrating the strength of community make it truly unique.

The 'Marha jó falatok' burger stand makes sure you won't miss out on great flavours, and the market is open every Saturday, so you can be part of this magical world at any time.

Tihany PIAC Placc market

We would like to recommend a special place that is guaranteed to make your Balaton visit memorable: the PIAC Placc in Tihany. It is not just a market; it is a living community space where history and modern promenade life come together.

Every Saturday and Sunday morning the PIAC Placc in Tihany comes to life: local producers and traders welcome you with the finest local specialities, such as apple pie, smoked sausage, homemade bread, chimney cake and selected wines and cheeses.

But the Tihany PIAC Placc offers even more. Visitors can enjoy not only delicious treats but also art performances, occasional performers and colourful events that take you back to another era while you enjoy the pleasure of market shopping in the warmth of the community.

Make your Balaton stay unforgettable with a visit to the Tihany PIAC Placc, where gastronomy, art and history meet.

Tihany PiacPlacc

Spring cycling tours around Lake Balaton

Cycling around Lake Balaton in spring is refreshing! Blooming nature, pleasant temperatures, quiet routes and stunning views await.

Discover Lake Balaton in spring on two wheels!

Lake Balaton is not only an ideal summer holiday destination – in spring it also offers stunning sights and experiences for anyone who loves nature, fresh air and active holidays. Lívia Apartmanok warmly welcomes cyclists who want to discover the wonders of the Balaton area on two wheels. In spring, when nature comes back to life, there is no better way to explore the area than a bike tour.

Why is spring the best time to cycle around Lake Balaton?

  • Fresh air and spring buzz: Spring is a time of renewal. Enjoy the fresh, clean air as you ride through blooming meadows and green forests.
  • Avoid the summer crowds: In spring, before the high season, the Balaton area is less crowded, so you can enjoy nature and the cycle paths undisturbed.
  • Ideal weather: The mild spring weather is ideal for longer rides. It is not too hot, so you feel comfortable throughout the tour.
A cycling family around Lake Balaton, wearing helmets, out in nature

Discover the most beautiful sections of Lake Balaton by bike!

The cycle path around Lake Balaton is more than 200 kilometres long and offers varied landscapes and experiences. Here are some recommended sections you shouldn’t miss:

  • Balatonfüred to Tihany: This section offers a stunning view of Lake Balaton as it crosses the historic Tihany peninsula.
  • Keszthely and Hévíz: Discover the western tip of Lake Balaton, the historic town of Keszthely and the healing Lake Hévíz.
  • Badacsony: The routes winding between volcanic hills and vineyards promise special flavours and sights.
  • Cycling tours – interactive map

Our tips for the perfect spring bike tour

  • Prepare properly: Check your bike and make sure you have the right equipment, such as a helmet, repair kit and water bottle.
  • Dress in layers: Spring weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is recommended to adapt easily to temperature changes.
  • Plan your stops: The Balaton area offers many sights and resting places. Plan your route so you have time to enjoy the scenery and explore the small towns nearby.

Lívia Apartmanok is waiting for you!

The guesthouses of Lívia Apartmanok are the perfect starting point for cycling tours around Lake Balaton. Our comfortable accommodation and hospitality make sure you can recharge after a long day. Come back to us at the end of the day, rest in our rooms and enjoy local flavours in the nearby restaurants.

Don't miss the magic of Lake Balaton in spring! Book your stay with Lívia Apartmanok and enjoy every moment of your spring bike tours around Lake Balaton. We look forward to welcoming you!

Winter at Lake Balaton? Yes, and how wonderful!

Balatonfüred and the surrounding area offer plenty of leisure activities in winter too.

Balatonfüred ice rink

The artificial ice rink built on the shore of Lake Balaton is one of the main attractions of the winter season, a real gem where families and friends can enjoy this wonderful winter sport together. Besides skating, various winter festivals and events are often held here, enriching local cultural life.

Artificial practice ski slope

For beginners interested in skiing, there is an artificial ski slope in Balatonfüred. It is an ideal place to learn the basics, especially for children. In a safe environment and with experienced instructors, the basics of skiing can be learnt quickly. (https://forrassportpark.hu/si/)

Eplény Ski Arena

The Eplény Ski Arena, just a short drive from Balatonfüred, is an excellent option for skiing and snowboarding fans. The ski arena has slopes of varying difficulty, so both beginners and advanced skiers can find the right challenge. Modern lifts and well-maintained slopes ensure that everyone can enjoy the fun. (https://siarena.hu/)