ski season

PHOTOS: Amazing ski park opened “on the top” of Hungary!

Amazing ski park opened in Mátraszentistván

The 2024/2025 ski season officially opened yesterday in the Mátraszentistván Ski Park, “on the top” of Hungary. The ski park celebrates its 20th anniversary with small gifts for its first guests, sparkling sunshine, Hungary’s only newly-built four-seater chairlift, extended hours and evening skiing, frozen prices, and fresh snow.

According to the official Facebook page of the Mátraszentistván Ski Park, the place opened for visitors yesterday morning. They wrote that “brilliant sunshine and an authentic alpine atmosphere greeted visitors on the season’s opening day at the Mátraszentistván Ski Park! To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Ski Park team surprised the first guests with Christmas cookies and a small gift as they kicked off the 2024/25 ski season”.

Amazing ski park opened in Mátraszentistván
Photo: FB/Mátraszentistván Ski Park

The Ski Park welcomes skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter break, offering extended opening hours and night skiing opportunities. However, due to safety reasons, sledding is not permitted.

What’s more, ski pass prices remained unchanged since the last season. They can be purchased with SZÉP cards.

Mátraszentistván Ski Park reopens with multiple services

Six out of the eight ski lifts are in operation, including Hungary’s only newly-built four-seater chairlift. Meanwhile, four of the ten ski slopes are ready to welcome skiers. The total skiing distance available for guests is 1,665m out of the 3,990m.

Amazing ski park opened in Mátraszentistván
Photo: FB/Mátraszentistván Ski Park

The following services are also available at the Ski Park:

  • the rental shop is open, offering skis, boots, poles, snowboards, snowboard boots, and helmets for hire;
  • the Hóhatár Hut & Restaurant and the sun terrace welcome guests with their usual offerings and alpine atmosphere;
  • ski and snowboard lessons are available with professional instructors.
Amazing ski park opened in Mátraszentistván
Photo: FB/Mátraszentistván Ski Park

You can check out the prices HERE. Normal-priced full-day tickets start from HUF 9,000 (EUR 22), but there are discounted half-day tickets and discounted tickets for children (for kids under six, the entrance is free), students, and seniors. Moreover, families raising three or more kids also get considerable discounts. On the weekends, ticket prices start from HUF 13,500 (EUR 33).

On Saturdays and Sundays, arrive early for a bonus 1-hour ski session starting at 8:30 AM. Night skiing will begin on 27 December.

Amazing ski park opened in Mátraszentistván
Photo: FB/Mátraszentistván Ski Park

According to the ski park’s Facebook page, “over the past two weeks, the Ski Park team has worked tirelessly to prepare the slopes, overcoming challenging weather conditions to bring you snowy adventures.” The ski slopes include beginner-friendly runs for families and children, plus the 1-kilometre-long slope connecting the top of the four-seater Panorámalift to the valley.

Snow production continues as weather allows, with snow cannons operating even during opening hours, the ski park wrote.

Amazing ski park opened in Mátraszentistván
Photo: FB/Mátraszentistván Ski Park

HERE you may check out some live streams from the ski park.

Read also:

Tragedy: Hungarian skier dies in Austria

Austria guest workers hungarians

A 68-year-old Hungarian skier died in Austria on 8 January while skiing in open terrain from Hochkar to Lassing.

A 68-year-old Hungarian skier died in Austria on 8 January while skiing in open terrain from Hochkar to Lassing, rtl.hu reports. According to local police, the man took off his skis to walk downhill in a wooded area, but fell off a rock face about 20 metres high and lost his life.

According to the local press, two hours after the accident happened around 4 PM in the Ybbstal Alps, at around 6 PM, mountain rescue workers from the nearby village of Göstling were alerted and went in search of the man. Following the skier’s tracks, they finally found the cliff and the body.

The rescue workers and the town council thanked the 16 people who took part in the night rescue operation, which proved too late to save the man’s life. The town of Göstling has expressed its condolences to the family.

Read also:

Stunning places where you can go sledding and skiing in Hungary

Ski park Hungary

Winter is not over yet, so in the coming days, you will still have the opportunity to go sledding and skiing in Hungary. Here are some stunning places to enjoy winter sports with your friends or family. 

Sledding at Normafa

Over the weekend, the operators of Normafa Park were able to start the snow cannons, therefore, you can go sledding and skiing again. Both tracks can be used with lighting until 10 PM. According to the information of Normafa Park, the classic and skating tracks have also been laid. The tennis court also has the usual practice strips, and the court is illuminated until 10 PM. However, everyone is asked to use the cross-country skiing track only in cross-country skiing equipment. The toboggan run under the playground can be used with sleds and slides.

Normafa Park Skiing
Normafa Park. Photo: FB/Normafa Park

No skiing but sledding at Dobogókő

Dobogókő has been struggling with a lack of snow for years, and the possibility of skiing could only be recreated with intensive snow bombardment, writes hellovidek.hu. It is currently in a temporary state, the old lift has already been removed, but the construction of the new one has not yet started, so there will definitely not be a ski season here this year. However, there is an area where you can go sledding. A suitable slope for this is, for example, the approximately 200 m long section leading from the relay station beyond the ski slope to the top of the ski slope and the slope starting from Ady Endre Street.

Dobogókő snow
Dobogókő. Photo: FB/Dobogókő Sícentrum

Skiing in Eplény

The Síaréna Vibe Park in the heart of Bakony welcomes sport lovers in the winter season. The Vibe Park located in Eplény is Hungary’s largest and most modern ski complex. Skiers and snowboarders can indulge their passion on a total of 7,908 meters of track system and 16 different ski slopes in the park area. A 100-meter-long, blue-marked piste is available for beginners, while experienced skiers can choose the red or black piste. In Eplény, you can ski even after dark, as a 4-kilometer-long illuminated ski track awaits visitors.

Síaréna Vibe Park, Eplény
Síaréna Vibe Park, Eplény. Photo: FB/Síaréna Vibe Park

Mátraszentistván

Good news for ski-lovers, the FIS 1 ski slope opened on Wednesday, 8 February. The Mátraszentistván Ski Park is located in Upper Mátra, 6 km from Galyatető and less than 100 km from Budapest. The length of the ski park’s 6 slopes is 4,300 meters in total, which are spread over an area of more than 9 hectares. One of the best advantages of the ski park is that it offers an extremely wonderful panorama to the skiers, and it also has night lighting. In the Mátraszentistván Ski Park, an adult daily ticket costs HUF 7,500 (EUR 19,45), and a child daily ticket costs HUF 5,500 (EUR 14,26).

Mátraszentistván Ski Park
Mátraszentistván Ski Park. Photo: FB/Sípark Mátraszentistván

Hungary’s most famous ski park in danger? Price rises do not cover costs

Snowboard and Ski Park Mátraszentistván Hungary1

The Mátraszentistván Ski Park, the highest and most popular ski resort in Hungary, has had an above average season so far. Although prices have risen considerably, the situation is still bearable, at least as the heavy tourist flow proves.

COVID-19 has been replaced by galloping inflation

With many neighbouring countries in total closure, the Hungarian ski resort at 822 metres above sea level has seen record levels of visitors for two years and last year, despite the pandemic. Czechs, Slovaks and Poles had nowhere to ski but in the Mátra. Even ski tourists from distant, exotic countries such as Israel came to Mátraszentistván.

The 7 degrees Celsius temperature down in the valley did not scare off visitors, as the 30 snow machines in the ski park ensure zero temperatures up there, Tamás Erbeszkorn, the sports centre’s press officer, said to Index.hu.

Snowboard and Ski Park Mátraszentistván Hungary2
Photo: Facebook/Sípark Mátraszentistván

The ski park is running at almost full capacity. The hut has everything you could possibly want, as long as you have a big budget. Prices have certainly gone up since 2021. Back then, 0,2 litre of mulled wine cost HUF 800 (EUR 2.05), and 0,3 litre was HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.57). Now it’s HUF 1000 and 1450 (EUR 2.57 and 3.72). A plate of bean goulash HUF 2950 (EUR 7.58), a fried pork cutlet with a side dish costs HUF 4400 (EUR 11.30).

“Last season was our best yet, we welcomed skiers for 107 days without a break, a record since 2004, when the ski park opened. In 2021, for example, the season only had to end in April, when the snow vanished”

said Tamás Erbeszkorn.

The closures of the Ski Park are part of the deal

The season started on 19 December 2022. They were open for 20 days, then a fierce heat front arrived and they had to close. They reopened last weekend. The fact that the park had to be closed for two weeks this year is part of the deal, the press officer points out, two out of ten years there is a break.

Snowboard and Ski Park Mátraszentistván Hungary1
Photo: Facebook/Sípark Mátraszentistván

Now the snow cover has a thickness of between 40 and 80 centimetres, of course only part of it is natural snow, the rest is made up from the snow cannon, adds Tamás. Next week, when the temperatures drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius, the snow will be at its best.

The water needed for snowmaking is provided by four small reservoirs. The melting snow is not wasted, it flows back into the lower pond and is then cannoned again, so the recycling process is in full rotation. One snow cannon costs roughly HUF 7 million (EUR 18,000), and the old ones are being replaced with digital new ones.

The price increase only covers a fraction of the cost

According to Index, a one-day ski pass costs EUR 53 in Obertauern, Austria’s top ski resort. In Mátraszentistván, a full-price day pass costs HUF 13,500 (EUR 34.67), up from HUF 10,000 (EUR 25.68) last year – a 35 percent increase, although electricity prices have risen tenfold, so the ticket price increase only covers a fraction of the cost. They are trying to bring prices in line with increases in ski parks of similar category and conditions in other countries, mainly in Slovakia and Slovenia.

A daily ski lift ticket costs HUF 13,500 (EUR 34.67), renting a pair of skis for a day costs about the same, HUF 13,000 (EUR 33.38), says a guest. If you hire a personal trainer, it’s another HUF 13,000, but if you join a group, it’s only HUF 7,000 (EUR 17.97).

Snowboard and Ski Park Mátraszentistván Hungary1
Photo: Facebook/Sípark Mátraszentistván

There is one chair lift, built at a cost of no less than HUF 900 million (EUR 2,311,057) a few years ago, and the others are so-called “chock ski lifts”, where skiers tow themselves to the top while standing.

There are ten trails, the steepest of which, which is suitable for FIS races, is closed for now. The longest track is 1,200 metres long, the red track is now open, and the Lovers’ track is now also in operation, where the lights add to the special atmosphere. The Ski Park, open every Friday and Saturday until 8 PM, is for those who come specifically for romantic night skiing, but for early arrivals on weekends, the slopes open at 8 AM to allow for uncrowded skiing.

Do Hungarian ski resorts have a chance for survival?

ski resort hungary

This winter has brought hardly any snow to Hungary, and this mild weather is also affecting the ski resorts. Due to the higher temperatures, it is difficult for ski resorts to maintain their slopes. For this reason, several of them have been forced to close temporarily. This, of course, has left skiers concerned about the future of the resorts in Hungary.

In order to find out more about the current situation of ski tourism, pénzcentrum.hu contacted Gyula Fehér, chairman of the István Chernel Ski and Tourism Cluster.

How can the remaining ski resorts maintain themselves?

According to Fehér, in recent years, the ski season in Hungary, as well as in the Alpine countries, has been extended. He points out that two years ago, for example, it was still possible to ski until Easter.

In this regard, he particularly stresses the importance of snowmaking and four-season availability. Without these, it is impossible for ski resorts to operate economically on a long-term basis. On the one hand, artificial snow melts more slowly, and the snowmaking equipment can achieve high snow thickness. On the other hand, what four-season availability means is being able to attract tourists with a variety of attractions in both winter and summer.

Chair lifts are great because they allow a four-season use, and they are also environmentally friendly,

he argues.

Is there any reason for concern?

As for the recent particularly mild weather, the expert says this is not the first winter like this. Anyone who runs a ski resort is well aware of the variability of the weather. He also points out that while there are few ski resorts in the country, there are plenty of skiers. This means that when the ski lifts are operating, the resorts are so busy that sometimes it can lead to long lines for the ski lifts. Therefore, when the ski resorts are up and running,

they can operate at quite a high profit, so they can exploit the holes that they have at the moment for instance. Of course, it hurts a lot that there is no snow, but those who run the resorts include this in their calculations.

Although many people were worried about the skiing season already in the fall,

the fear was greater than the actual problem.

In general, Fehér does not see the situation of ski tourism as alarming. Despite the rising energy prices and other factors, there has been significant growth in ski tourism this season globally. As for Hungary, more and more people are skiing here as well. The expert believes that although most people want to go to the Alps or the Tatras, Hungarian ski resorts still remain a popular destination.

Hungarian snowboarder takes down skiers in Austria — VIDEO

ski winter

A Hungarian snowboarder ventured by himself to the K section of the Austrian Rosenkranz Ski Centre. However, the unlucky man fell and slid back down, dragging many skiers along with him.

Sielok.hu has spotted what an 18-year-old Hungarian snowboarder did at Austria’s Kreischberg Ski Centre. He wrongly clinged with both hands to the ski lift to get up a steep section. As a result, he fell and then slid back down, crushing several skiers.

The man left the scene without assistance. The incident was recorded at 11 am on Wednesday morning. According to the local newspaper, the Hungarian man had an accident with the pickaxe, which slipped from his feet. This caused him to fall and sweep away the people behind him. Some managed to avoid him, but several were mowed down. The incident was also recorded on a video.

Four of the skiers behind him were injured, one of them was taken by ambulance while three of them made it to hospital by themselves. The Hungarian who left without assistance was caught by the police later on.

Winter in Budapest: Normafa snowsports, new Light Curtain Tram

Now that the energy crisis has closed many of the indoor facilities for the winter months, Budapest offers a great opportunity for free-time activities: outdoor sports such as sledging and cross-country skiing in Normafa and riding the Light Curtain Tram.

Taking advantage of the snowfall

Normafa awaits visitors with snow suitable for sports. For those who want to go sledging or cross-country skiing, this is a great opportunity. The snow-covered parts are free of charge, but in the future, the skiing trail near the chapel of St. Anna will be subject to a fee. The ticket will include changing and showering facilities in addition to the maintained and lit trail in the evening, said the Municipality of Hegyvidék.

Hegyvidék, Slide Trail, Budapest, Hungary, XII district, winter, snow
Photo: Facebook – Hegyvidék

The Anna Field sledge trail, located under the popular playground, will continue to be free of charge. Unfortunately, the downhill ski trail is not yet open this year, but we hope that it will be renovated in the next few years and will be open to skiers all season long.

Here are some additional photos of the sledge and skiing trail:

Attractions in the Hegyvidék include the Elisabeth Lookout on János Hill, the highest point in Budapest, as well as the Glider, the Cogwheel and the Children’s Railway. Visitors can also visit the Advent fair of Hegyvidék, ending on 23 December.

Hegyvidék, Advent fair, Budapest, Hungary, XII district, Advent, winter
Photo: Instagram – Hegyvidék

Winter Light Curtain Tram for the energy friendly

Instead of BKV’s popular Light Tram, this time, a more modest vehicle decorated with a light curtain will be operating in Budapest during the festive season. Between 16 December 2022 and 8 January 2023, the Light Curtain Tram will be on tram line 2 on weekdays and on other lines at weekends.

Light trams have been lighting up the capital during the festive season since 2009, but this year is different: the energy crisis has focused BKV’s attention on more conscious solutions. With the Light Curtain Tram, an energy-efficient yet festively lighted vehicle will be running in Budapest again this year. A KCSV-7 vehicle has been chosen to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then circulated back into the system and battery so that the light curtain falling from the top of the vehicle can be lit without using extra energy, wrote the Budapest Transport Centre, BKK.hu.

tram, Budapest, Hungary, Advent, winter, Ligh Curtain Tram, Lighttram
Photo: Facebook – BKV Zrt.

PHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter destinations in Hungary

frozen, tarn, Hill Megyer, Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem, winter, destination, cold, Hungary

There is always something special about winter trips. You, the cold and the scenic view. Even if you are by yourself or in the company of family or friends, whether it snows or not, the magical scenery will amaze you each and every time. Get your mittens and scarves ready, it is time to hit the road! Here are some of the most beautiful winter hiking spots – with the collection of Szálláskérés.hu.

1. Tarn of Hill Megyer (Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem)

The Tarn on Hill Megyer near the city of Sárospatak, is titled Hungary’s most beautiful natural wonder. The Tarn has been shaped by human hands since the Middle Ages, but today the former millstone quarry and nature form an impressively harmonious unit, wrote Kirandulastippek.hu. Visitors can also approach the tarn by car since there is a parking lot near the hill. It is ideal for families with children who look for a one-day trip.

frozen, tarn, Hill Megyer, Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem, winter, destination, cold, Hungary
The frozen Tarn of Hill Megyer
Photo: Facebook, Vanilia Travels

2. Lake of Felsőtárkány (Felsőtárkányi-tó)

The village of Felsőtárkány is a real hideaway in Mount Bükk, with a lot to see and do. You can recharge your batteries just by wandering through the streets of Felsőtárkány and admiring the traditional houses and the picturesque landscape, writes Szálláskérés.hu. In addition, you can also visit a Baroque church, a castle ruin and a natural spring. Apart from these sights, the reason many people come here every year is the lovely nearby lake.

3. Somló

Mount Somló stole many hearts, as it is the smallest wine region in Hungary with many hidden surprises. The rows of vines lead up to the castle. The castle offers a stunning view of its surroundings, regardless of whether they are covered by snow or not. Three old chapels are tucked in the dunes as well, along with a hiking trail.

castle ruin, Somló, winter, destination
Photo: szallaskeres.hu

4. Mountaintop of Kékes (Kékes-tető)

The highest point in the country is a must-see destination for everyone, with something new to show in every season. It is best to spend at least one weekend in Mountain Mátra. You can go skiing, sledging, snowballing, taking long forest strolls, or just visiting Kékes – the opportunities are endless. Hikers will also love this place for the numerous tracks, available for all fitness levels.

snowy, winter, destination, Kékes, mountain, mountaintop
Photo: hetedhetorszag.hu (MTI/Komka Péter)

5. Vácrátót Arboretum

No winter destination list is complete without mentioning one of the local Hungarian arboretums. The National Botanical Garden in the village of Vácrátót is a must-visit destination. The 120-year-old water mill along Lake Rocky (Sziklás-tó) and the Sződ-Rákos stream invite you for a special walk. Within a few kilometres, visitors will find wineries, a lookout and a chapel.

botanic garden, winter, cold, destination, Vácrátót
Photo: Facebook, National Botanic Garden Vácrátót

6. Lázbérc Reservoir

The hidden treasure of Mount Bükk, the most beautiful artificial lake in our country is located between Uppony and Dédestapolcsány. The part of the reservoir towards Uppony, where the lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and caves, has a fairytale view, writes Csodahelyek.hu. If you are looking for a place where silence has power and the surroundings will make your jaw drop, check out this reservoir.

7. Pityerszer

The geographical region Őrség is a wonder to behold. Hills, forests, lakes, churches, monuments, and wonderful old houses await visitors. Although the buildings are closed in winter, you can still discover the area on foot. Visitors can find Pityerszer near Szalafő, where the bison reservation is, supplying the buffalo and wild horses that live here.

national park, Örség, buffalo, winter, destination, snow, Hungary
Photo: Facebook, Őrségi Népi Műemlékegyüttes – Őrségi Nemzeti Park

Hungarian ski resorts that will stay closed

ski winter

It probably does not come to anyone as a surprise that the increase in energy prices will take a toll on this year’s ski season as well. The Hungarian ski scene will indeed go through some unfavourable changes. However, the sharp rise in energy prices is not the only reason behind the nationwide closures. While we have no information on the ski pass prices, we compiled a list of the venues that will remain closed for winter sports enthusiasts this year. Ski slope situation in Hungary: 

Currently, there are 9 ski resorts equipped with lifts in Hungary, which include Szilvásvárad, Dobogókő, and Kékestető. However, these three resorts are all affected by either operational or economic challenges, therefore, they will stay closed this season, sielok.hu reported.

Kékestető facing technical issues

Probably one of the biggest losses of the Hungarian ski community is that the Kékestető Ski Center will not open this winter due to technical difficulties. Thanks to its scenic backdrop, it is normally a very popular destination among ski lovers. This season, however, the ski slopes will not welcome visitors because the water supply for snow cannons could not be ensured. Sadly, this ski resort was unable to welcome guests the previous season either, only the learning track was in operation.

Lack of snow in Dobogókő

The Dobogókő ski resort has been currently under complete renovation. Now, they are in a transitional state so they will definitely stay closed. The project includes the revamp of the hilltop restaurant and the revival of the old ski slopes. In addition, the installation of a new lift, a new snow cannon system and building forest bike tracks are also in the plans. Despite all that, the main reason why the ski resort will remain closed this year is the lack of snow, which is a recurring problem. A possible solution for this would be continuous snow cannoning, but this can not be carried out with the renovations still running.

Szilvásvárad keeps its door shut

According to sielok.hu, Szilvásvárad will also remain closed this ski season. The operators of the venue have not disclosed information on their decision.

Accessible ski resorts

The good news is Eplény, Mátraszentistván, Visegrád, Sátoraljaújhely, Bánkút, and Pécs will still await visitors. Skiing is an excellent option among the outdoor sports that can be participated even during the winter. Due to the extended winter break, ski resorts are expected to have a positive turnaround this season after all the challenges of the past three years.

These ski resorts will open this year in Hungary!

skiing

Hungary is famous for many things from its gastronomy to the great variety of cultural, culinary and historic experiences Budapest can offer. But many visit the country for its ski resorts. Since the forint is weak against the euro, such trips become more and more cost-effective for foreign tourists. Of course, energy prices affect even the skiing industry. Therefore, a Hungarian website collected where you can start your winter sports program in Hungary this season even though there is no news yet about the new season ticket prices.

At the moment, nine ski paths in Hungary have operational lifts. However, three of them will not open.

Kékestető is the highest peak in Hungary, with 1014 metres above sea level. Probably the most famous ski centre is there, but it will not open due to technical reasons. According to sielok.hu, the owners cannot supply the snow guns with water. Thus, they cannot produce enough snow for nine out of the ten ski paths there. The ski resort in the Mátra mountain could not welcome skiers in the 2021-’22 season.

Sielok.hu reminded us that Kékestető has the longest ski path in Hungary. Before, skiers could go past the Veronika rét and reach Mátraháza on their pair of skis.

Dobogókő has been struggling with snow shortage for years. Therefore, the ski centre could only open if the snow guns started to work day and night. The old lift is out of use, the new one’s construction has not started yet, the website cleared. Therefore, it will not open during this season. Sielok.hu did not write when the necessary developments will start in the ski centre.

The small ski path of Szilvásvárad will not open during the winter of 2022/2023.

Thankfully, the ski resorts of Eplény, Mátraszentistván, Visegrád, Sátoraljaújhely, Bánkút and Pécs are preparing for the winter season. Winter break will be longer in Hungary because of the soaring energy prices (22 December – 8 January), so there is ground to hope for higher revenues during the season.

During the energy crisis, options for outdoor sports are becoming more important. That is because running such facilities is much cheaper than heating gyms, sports halls or swimming pools.

A reader of sielok.hu under the name of ‘skioutlet’ added some further information to the article. In Kékestető, only the learners’ ski path will operate, but the ski school and the catering facilities will also be open. In Dobogókő, the renewed Zsindelyes restaurant awaits guests.

In Budapest Szaniszló-rét, near Normafa, a ski path was completed with 15 snow guns, and there is a track for sledges as well. In Sopron, the Vasfüggöny ski path is also ready to welcome enthusiastic skiers, skioutlet wrote.

10 things to do at Balaton during winter – PHOTOS

Lake-Balaton-New-Years-Eve

When we hear the name Balaton, most of us think of the lake itself. But Balaton as a region holds much more than just the Hungarian sea. Here are 10 reasons why you should not forget about Balaton even during the winter months.

Of course, when there are sub-zero temperatures outside, it is not the beach and the waves we dream about. There are many more things that Balaton can provide us with if we open our eyes. Check out these recommendations, and you might find something you want to try this winter.

lake balaton winter
Lake Balaton in winter, source: pixabay.com

1. Go ice skating

ice skating
pixabay.com

It is one of the most popular winter sports and programme alternatives for the cold days. Even though the lake itself is not always safe enough to go ice skating on, there are a number of ice skating rinks in the vicinity of Balaton. If you love sliding along on the ice, do not hesitate to go.

2. Go skiing

skiing
pixabay.com

In the Síaréna (ski arena) in Eplény, snow cannons are used to provide the necessary snow for skiing. If you decide to visit the arena, it is important to note that from this season on, you cannot pay with cash but only by card.

3. Visit a patisserie

patisserie dessert
pixabay.com

Nothing is better than a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate in this freezing cold weather – especially if you have just finished at the skating rink. Get warm in a cute patisserie while relaxing with a slice of cake of your choice. Here is a list of the best patisseries around Lake Balaton, compiled by Szallas.hu.

4. Discover Veszprém’s newest shops

wine shop
pixabay.com

Veszprém is one of the most well-known towns in the region. If you are there, do not forget to visit the town’s Óváros Square. There are a number of authentic shops, like Wine & Vinyl, where you can buy wine and vinyl – obviously. You can also visit the newly opened Füge Fagyiudvar, Kedvencem Wok & Bar, and Pekedli.

5. Try some delicious wine

wine
pixabay.com

The “valley of volcanos”, as Badacsony’s official website calls the region, is famous for its amazing wine. If you are an oenophile, this region is the perfect choice for you. Check out this page to see all the alternatives available.

6. Go cycling

cycling winter
pixabay.com

If the weather is not too cold, you can go for a cycling tour around Lake Balaton. However, do not forget that if you want to stop and eat or drink something, many places are not open at this time. Do check the restaurants and bars you would want to stop by before setting off.

7. Live next to lake Balaton for a little while

small table and chair
pixabay.com

Have you ever thought about living right by Lake Balaton, say, in winter? Have you ever dreamed about experiencing one of the calmest atmospheres in the country? Now your dream can become a reality. Rent a small weekend house and rest as much as you need to.

8. Go hiking at Lake Balaton!

snowy mountain
pixabay.com

If you are a fan of staying fit even during winter, we are sure you would love hiking there. For example, the Szent György Hill Basalt Organs Trail is a circular route that is almost 4 km long. It might not sound like too much, but when it is zero degrees Celsius out there, every step is harder to take.

9. Enjoy thermal baths

thermal bath
pixabay.com

Thermal baths and Balaton? The perfect combination. Héviz is one of the most popular thermal baths in Europe. Book a place or two in Thermal Hévíz Health Spa and Hotel and forget any problem of yours that has ever existed.

10. Visit some beautiful towns near Lake Balaton

city
pixabay.com

Whether you are more interested in trying some exquisite wines, going sightseeing or visiting museums, you will find the perfect choice. From Siófok and Keszthely to Balatonfüred and Tihany, there are countless beautiful places waiting for you to discover them.

Budapest Parliament Hungary Danube
Read alsoRenewed Budapest – You can visit these architectural projects in early 2022