Hunguest Hotel Helios

Programs

Hévíz

Hévíz offers visitors a wide range of cultural and leisure activities. Among other things, there are concerts, exhibitions, annual festivals, theatre performances and other colourful programmes.

As the seasons change, the city always shows a new face. Its colourful programmes ensure that there is always something to do in Hévíz, whether it's the Pentecost Festival in June, the famous Wine Festival in August, the Egregyi Harvest in September, literary meetings and concerts, dance festivals or operetta nights. The town is also home to special artistic groups such as the Musica Antiqua antique music ensemble and the Hévíz Dance Studio.

The immediate surroundings of Hévíz offer tourists a wide range of leisure activities. Its unique natural values, the protected flora and fauna of Lake Kis-Balaton, including the area's bird population, have been a nature reserve since the 1920s, as part of the Balaton Highlands National Park, together with the Keszthely Hills. The Festetics Castle in Keszthely offers a lasting experience with its architectural and cultural monuments and its unique atmosphere. The Balaton Congress Centre and Theatre offers a year-round programme for dance and theatre lovers.

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Attractions around Lake Balaton

Keszthely (12 minutes drive from the hotel)

Keszthely is the capital of Lake Balaton, with a history of more than 750 years, located 8 km from Hévíz. It is a university town and the most important cultural centre of the region. The town has a rich historical and cultural heritage and offers a wide range of attractions and programmes. Keszthely is famous for the beautiful Helikon Park and the promenade along the shores of Lake Balaton, as well as for the town's greatest treasure, the magnificent Festetics Castle, a remnant of Baroque architecture.

The castle was first built in 1745 and was restored to its present form between 1884 and 1887. The 101-room building is now a museum and conference centre. Its most valuable room is the library, built between 1799 and 1801, with original furnishings and 86,000 volumes.

The pedestrian street in the centre of the town offers cosy restaurants and cafés where visitors can enjoy the flavours of Lake Balaton and the relaxed atmosphere. The Balaton Congress Centre and Theatre offers colourful programmes for dance and theatre lovers all year round.

Badacsony (35 minutes drive from the hotel)

Badacsony is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, a village with stunning panoramic views and unique natural beauty. The Badacsony hill, which has become the symbol of the town, is attractive not only for its wineries and unparalleled views, but is also an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers. The terrace of the Kisfaludy House, built into the mountainside and the former press house of the poet Sándor Kisfaludy, offers a breathtaking view of Lake Balaton.

Badacsony is famous for its wines, especially its white wines, which come from local vineyards. Visiting wine festivals and wine cellars gives visitors the opportunity to learn about local winemaking and the wine culture of Balaton. The best known wine of the Badacsony wine region is Szürkebarát.

The settlement also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The nearby churches, unique buildings and promenades along the shores of Lake Balaton all contribute to the special atmosphere of the town. Badacsony is an excellent place for recreation, but there are also plenty of opportunities for water sports, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Szigliget (35 minutes drive from the hotel)

Szigliget is situated on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, between Badacsony and Keszthely, and is one of the most romantic and beautiful spots on the lakeshore. The peninsula, now a peninsula, was for a long time an island, accessible by boat or boat. In the 19th century, Central Transdanubia was finally regulated, including the draining of Lake Balaton. As a result, Szigliget was transformed from an island into a peninsula, and the water disappeared from its north-western parts. The peninsula has a uniquely beautiful Mediterranean landscape, with wooded, bushy and flowery meadows, vineyards and fruit trees in blossom in spring. Figs are grown here, thanks to the abundant sunshine, and it is also the land of the best wines of the island of Liguria.

The main attraction of the village is the Szigligeti Castle, which offers a magnificent panorama of Lake Balaton and the surrounding countryside from the top of the hill. The castle's centuries-old history and the surrounding natural environment provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The area has a number of hiking trails that offer the opportunity to explore the Lake Balaton highlands. The beaches and water sports facilities on the shores of the village also attract many visitors.

Balatonederics (26 minutes drive from the hotel)

The special attraction of this Balaton village is the famous African Museum, which presents the culture and fauna of the continent with its unique collection. The museum offers many interesting exhibitions and programmes. It was founded by Dr. Endre Nagy, a renowned African hunter. His valuable and unique trophies and Tanzanian ethnographic collection are housed here. A visit to the museum offers a suitable programme for young and old alike. The museum also has a small safari park, where visitors can meet camels, zebras, ostriches and antelopes. The observation tower offers an unrivalled view of the Szigligeti Bay. The quiet atmosphere of the village, the fresh air and the rich flora and fauna of the area are guaranteed to recharge the batteries of visitors.

Csodabogyós Cave, Balatonederics

Near Balatonederics, on the eastern edge of the Keszthely Hills, is the specially protected Csodabogyós Cave, the seventh longest cave in Hungary and the third longest in Transdanubia.

The cave, which is located 393 metres above sea level in the specially protected area of the Balaton-Highlands National Park, is named after the evergreen shrub called the prickly miracle berry, which can be seen near the entrance. In some sections (Függőkert, Meseország, etc.), which are also covered by the hikes described here, there are many and varied formations (stalactites, etc.) in Transdanubia. Its huge, spectacular fissures are a natural geological section of the Upper Triassic Ederichi Limestone Formation, which includes the cave. Due to its size, its spectacular form and its relatively easy accessibility, it is an excellent cave for learning the techniques and practices of caving and cave exploration, as well as for demonstrating tectonic processes and the various formations.

Kányavári Island, Lake Kis-Balaton (27 minutes drive from the hotel)

Kányavári Island, one of the most beautiful and important islands of Lake Kis-Balaton, attracts visitors with its rich fauna and fascinating vegetation. The island is a protected area as part of the Lake Balaton Upland National Park, and the only place in the Little Balaton Water Conservation System that is open to the public.

The island is accessible on foot via a wooden bridge, with walking paths, bacon-grilling areas and play areas. Visitors can learn about the area's bird life by following the Búbosvöcsök nature trail. You can see egrets, grey herons, wild geese and other rare species. The area's rich marshland, reed beds and meadows provide a favourable environment for wildlife, making it a perfect location for nature photographers and nature lovers.

A visit to Kis-Balaton and Kányavári Island is a unique experience, offering the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature while being recharged by the tranquil, unspoilt landscapes of the area. The excursions and walks offer the opportunity for active relaxation as well as natural values, as the area offers numerous hiking trails and cycling paths.

Sümeg (30 minutes drive from the hotel)

The town's most famous and impressive building is the Sümeg Castle, built in the 13th century and one of the most important fortresses of medieval Hungary. Built on cliffs rising 87 metres from the surrounding cliffs at an altitude of 270 metres above sea level, the castle remains in an impressive state of preservation to this day. Visitors can learn about local history and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Sümeg also plays an important role in preserving culture and traditions. Local events, festivals and museums offer an insight into the history of the town and the culture of the Balaton region. The castle also houses a museum of antiques, weapons and carriages. Visitors can also visit the castle's historical theme park, where medieval jousting can be enjoyed in the summer. The market in Sümeg and the shops of local producers offer Balaton flavours and handicraft products.

Tapolca (35 minutes drive from the hotel)

One of the town's most unique attractions is the famous Tapolca Iron Cave, a unique underground world where visitors can explore narrow passages filled with stalactite formations and crystal clear water by boat. The cave's warm, humid air is good for respiratory ailments. The cave is a unique experience for young and old alike.

Tapolca attracts not only nature lovers but also those interested in history and culture. The narrow streets, atmospheric squares and old buildings of the historic town centre tell the story of its past. Near the town is the Szent György Hill, famous for its volcanic landscapes, wineries and beautiful views. The area offers a number of hiking trails, where hikers can enjoy the local wines and the unrivalled panoramic views while wandering through the vineyards.

The protected natural areas around the town, such as the Káli Basin, are home to unique wildlife, making them ideal for hiking and nature walks. And the proximity of Lake Balaton offers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, beaching and boating.

Zalaszántó (15 minutes drive from the hotel)

Zalaszántó is famous for the enchanting landscapes and unique geological formations of the surrounding Káli Basin. The beautiful hills, vineyards and meadows of the area offer excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling or even visiting the local wineries. A special feature of Zalaszántó is the Kőtenger, a unique natural phenomenon located near the village. This rocky, volcanic area is a must for nature lovers.

The Buddhist peace shrine in Zalaszántó, built in 1992, is a unique building in Hungary. In 1991, the Buddhist churches of South Korea, Tibet, Switzerland and Austria and their followers set up a foundation to establish a shrine of their religion in Hungary. The foundation found the Világosvár hill in Zalaszántó suitable as the site of the shrine. The stupa built here is the largest in Europe and the first of its kind in Eastern Europe.