Winter Carnival Extravaganza: Lake Balaton’s best events revealed!
Lake Balaton offers exciting activities beyond the summer season. This winter, tourists will find numerous carnivals, gastronomic festivals, and colourful events. According to the Balaton Tourism Association, more than 30 to 40 events are planned in the coming weeks to keep the area buzzing after the Christmas period.
Year-round tourism: the new face of Lake Balaton
The aim of the Balaton Tourism Association is to make the region a vibrant tourist centre throughout the year. With the “1,000 Reasons for Lake Balaton” campaign, they aim to demonstrate that the lakeside offers a wealth of experiences even in winter. The campaign seeks to create many permanent jobs and reduce seasonal fluctuations.
According to Péter Princzinger, CEO of VisitBalaton365, the region will offer more than 1,500 services and 80 festivals by 2025, proving that Lake Balaton has something new to offer in every season. The autumn and winter programmes will help transform the lakeside into a lively destination even after the summer.
Gastronomic festivals and traditional programmes
According to Világgazdaság, traditional events will be held in several towns across the region, including the Torkos Tomaj Carnival on the 8th of February in Badacsonytomaj, where a traditional pig slaughter will take centre stage. Meanwhile, the 12th Fonyód Sausage Festival, one of the most important culinary events on the south coast, will take place from the 7th to the 9th of February. Visitors to these events can enjoy fresh sausages and other local delicacies.
On the 15th of February, the 16th Révfülöpi Rianás will be held in Révfülöp, which last year featured a spectacular pig slaughter and a mulled wine competition. Similar traditional events are planned for this year.
On the 22nd of February, Keszthely will host the 24th Keszthely Municipal Carnival, one of the region’s most enjoyable and colourful events. Carnival revellers dressed in vibrant costumes will fill the streets. On the same day, the 6th Balaton Bringa Carnival will take place in Balatonfüred, featuring a special costume-themed bike ride.
Also on the 22nd of February, the 5th Flúgos Race will be held in Balatonlelle, where cars and other vehicles will be decorated in special costumes. Kishegy in Lelle will also take part, offering culinary experiences, wine tasting, and local gastronomic specialities.
The villages around Lake Balaton are providing more and more opportunities for ice-skating enthusiasts. The first artificial ice rink opened in Balatonlelle on the 30th of November, and eight other villages have since followed suit. These rinks are popular with both locals and tourists, especially in recent years, as skating tourism has boomed. Although natural ice has not formed in many years, artificial ice rinks continue to attract visitors with a variety of activities and quality services.
Lake Balaton in winter offers countless opportunities for those seeking a different kind of experience. Whether it’s carnival festivities, gastronomic delights, ice skating, or simply exploring the winter charm of the lakeside villages, Lake Balaton has something for everyone. The ever-expanding range of activities ensures that the region remains an attractive destination all year round, not just in summer.
Read also:
- 5+1 reasons why Lake Balaton is a must-visit destination in winter
- Cold front shifted Lake Balaton: the water level difference was unbelievably high
Featured image: depositphotos.com