Balaton can offer the perfect gift: from wines and local products to experiences and weekend getaways, here’s how to put the best of Balaton under the Christmas tree.

A weekend getaway at Lake Balaton

A springtime getaway at Lake Balaton could be the perfect gift – throw in lovely accommodation and culinary delights, and the package is complete. Great options include:

  • Exploring the area around Badacsony, from its hilltop to its wineries and restaurants.
  • A hike around Keszthely or Tapolcai-medence.
  • Visiting the cellars of Balatonlelle and Kishegy, while enjoying the calm before the storm that is the high season.

Delicious local products

There’s still time to visit one of Lake Balaton’s farmers’ markets to purchase locally made produce, especially since edible gifts are always a good idea. You'll find amazing jams, spreads, syrups and oils, not to mention all the things made from lavender and chili. The herb vinegars of Susanne Daucher last for months, while the cordials of Zsusska or the green-walnut jams of Tibor Vrancsik make unique gifts. Some delis, confectioneries and coffeeshops, such as Karolina SPEIZ, Pörc Hungarian Delicatessen and Tündérsziget in Tihany, also carry these local products.

Quality local products don’t stop at food: Zador soaps are made in Pécsely with natural ingredients and divine scents such as fig and pear or almond and clementine. These fragrant bars make great gifts.

Balaton prints

Give someone a piece of Lake Balaton with a canvas print of breathtaking drone and landscape shots by professional photographers. Images by Péter Orbán, Norbert Varga and Ákos Vörös (Redphoto) would look great on any wall.

Festival passes

A ticket for one of MOL Nagyon Balaton’s festival is a great present for those who want something to look forward to:

  • Balaton Sound has day tickets, and 3-, 4- or 5-day passes, with the likes of Marshmello, Armin van Buuren, DJ Snake, Future, Paul Kalkbrenner and Timmy Trumpet in its lineup.
  • Strand Festival still has early bird discounts for tickets to shows by John Newman, Bastille, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike or Anne Marie.
  • VeszprémFest ticket holders will have the chance to see Caro Emerald, UB40 featuring Ali & Astro and Katie Melua.
  • Valley of Arts has a Christmas sale, while Paloznak Jazz Picnic offers tickets for two with a bottle of Homola wine as a bonus.
  • Although Kultkikötő’s 2019 schedule is yet to be announced, open passes are available until December 24 – pass holders can book tickets to shows five days ahead. 

Wines and champagnes

Our recently published guide suggests the best Balaton wines and champagnes to give as a gift. With more and more Balaton wineries launching web shops, including Dobosi, Bujdosó, Zelna and Istvándy, it's getting easier to grab a bottle of Balaton's best.