Designer items á la Balaton
We love the retro side of the lake, but we are also hungry for new-wave solutions. That’s how we came upon Balaton Air, stored in a stylish metal tin: anyone who knows the feeling of getting out of the car or train and getting a whiff of that unique “Balaton scent” will appreciate this gift. Pop the tin open, and prepare yourself for a nasal orgasm. You can pick up this exceptional present at three Budapest stores: Mono Art & Design, Balatonízlelő and Projekt Showroom.
Retro ideas aren’t banished from our list, though: Judy Posters has a wide assortment of Balaton themed posters and fridge magnets – that’s in fact the first theme the company came out with at the beginning, and it was an instant success at Balaton markets. Some of the creative images are targeted specifically at sailors, surfers and people who are fans of either sport. The stylish items are available in the brand’s webshop, the Christmas market in Veszprém, at WAMP, taking place next on December 20, and at Liliomkert Market in Káptalantóti, held every Sunday.
ReSailCle, another cool brand to check out, produces colorful wallets, laptop and tablet cases, as well as gym sacks out of used windsurf sails. These gifts will not only bring a smile to the faces of surfers and sailors all over the country, but they are a delightful gift option for eco buffs and enthusiasts of unique designer creations.
The taste of Balaton on the spot
If you have a family member or a friend who is not discouraged by all the Christmas dinners and lunches to eat some more, we have a foolproof suggestion. Balaton has recently experienced a surge in the number of restaurants that stay open all year round, offering exquisite cuisine made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Foodies will no doubt find the idea of a great meal at Balaton during wintertime absolutely enticing. Find some of the best restaurants open in the fall here and here – most of them are prepared to welcome Balaton gastronomy lovers in winter as well.
The taste of Balaton at home
If for some reason you don’t feel like going out to a restaurant or confectionery, and you’d prefer munching on a bunch of Balaton goodies at home, here’s a tip for you. Just like Balaton air, the flavors of the Balaton region are also exceptional, and some local producers have decided to bottle up this one of a kind experience, and market it in a variety of containers. Delis all over Balaton and Budapest sell award-winning wines and pálinkas, syrups, jams, vinegars, cheeses, cold cuts, and local spice mixes. Many of the producers sell their products themselves for a fragment of the price you’d have to pay in stores. Gifts made with lavender, like beauty products, soaps, and creams, are an especially good choice this time of year. The majority of these handcrafted presents come in organic versions as well.
Ideas for bookworms
Released this November, Big Káli Book (Nagy Káli Könyv) is a wonderful gift and great for weightlifting, too. The 5-kg, 500-page volume contains 780 photos of the Káli Basin’s most beautiful buildings and landscapes, as well as some intimate portraits and one of a kind aerial shots. The book is grand in every aspect, featuring the pictures of György Darabos and the related stories in writing by Iván András Bojár. Káli Basin fans will definitely adore this brilliant piece, but those who like to curl up on the couch, dreaming about future travels are also in for a treat.
Another one of this year’s releases has been designed for bikers. Penned by Henrik Zsiga, Balaton by bike (Balaton bringával) is available in paperback, and features 25 lively and diverse tour descriptions on a total of 272 pages.
The turquoise little booklet called Little Balatonopedia is our favorite out of all the items in the Little Hungaropedia series, launched last year. The designer books are perfect stocking fillers not only for Hungarians, but also for friends from abroad, as they come in English and Italian as well. This item is an exciting way of reigniting the enthusiasm of long-time Balaton fans, as it shows the lake from a brand new perspective. Click here to find out more about the Balaton themed volume of the series, check out the list of stores stocking the books, and stay tuned for a new addition to the collection.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) gear
For surfers, yoga fans and everyone who likes to wander around the reed beds of Balaton. Off-season prices are considerably lower, so now’s the time to stock up for windless days. SUP is an awesome complementary sport to go with windsurfing or sailing, for example, and SUP yoga might be an interesting option for open-minded yogis. Some of the boards are inflatable (definitely get these for your yoga guru friends), and they are just the most convenient things to use: all you have to do is get them out of the car, blow them up and head straight for the water. You’ll need one more tool to complete the SUP set: a paddle designed specifically for this purpose. Get the kind that is adjustable in size, very light and doesn’t sink too fast in the water.
There are plenty of manufacturers and distributors on the market, but if you’re planning on using your equipment for a longer period of time, go for a more famous, professional brand. Some of the places to check out: SUP Center Balaton, windsurfing.hu, KiteLine, Vento windsurf store, Bic Surf.
For hedonists
Several of Balaton’s jacuzzis and saunas await visitors all year round with sweeping vistas over the surrounding landscape. Any of the splendid spas in the Balaton region are great day trip destinations. If you don’t feel like going all the way home after a draining sauna session, you can stay the night at your wellness hotel of choice. Most hotels offer unbeatable rates outside the Christmas and New Years period.
