10 REASONS WHY BADACSONY IS WORTH VISITING!

Badacsony is a truly special place when it comes to sights and experiences. It is not only unique on Lake Balaton for its wine and gastronomy, but also for its geographical and geological formation, landmarks, and the many opportunities offered by the lake itself.
Mysterious, captivating, and full of energy – a place you long to return to for a lifetime.

I. GASTRONOMY & RESTAURANTS

Badacsony and its surroundings now offer a wide selection of high-quality restaurants. This was not always the case: even today, many seasonal eateries operate only in summer, but fortunately, more and more restaurants are now open year-round.
These are our personal favorites, which we wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.

Our favorite restaurants in the area

- Badacsonytomaj – Borbarátok
Reimagined Hungarian cuisine with pleasant local wines

- Salföld – Káli Fecske Restaurant
Surprise dishes, a lovely atmosphere, and regular programs

- Zánka – Bamboo – Zen Garden
Asian fusion cuisine – a pleasant surprise at Lake Balaton

- Kékkút – Kőkút Kert Restaurant
Traditional Hungarian dishes, a cozy setting, family-friendly atmosphere

- Badacsonyörs – Váli Winery & Restaurant
Organic, home-style oven-baked dishes and hearty platters

- Zánka – Neked Főztem
Modern Hungarian cuisine, a pleasant environment, authentic local flavors

- Fövenyes – Kalóz Bistro
A reimagined lakeside beach bistro with excellent food – a real surprise

- Folly Arboretum Winery & Restaurant
Beautiful surroundings, Hungarian dishes, and fine wines

Our favorite pastry shops

- Badacsony – La Téne

- Mindszentkálla – Kőfagyi

II. LOCAL WINERIES

This is a sensitive topic, especially in Badacsony. Let us note first that we have not tried every single place (we are not complete alcoholics 😊), but we do have a few recommendations where we have personally had wonderful experiences.

You can choose between winery tours (visiting wine cellars) or tasting wines at local wine bars that curate selections from several wineries.
This list is based purely on our personal taste and experiences, and we do not intend to offend anyone.

Our favorite wineries

- Badacsony – Altinger Winery
We placed this first because we especially love small, family-run wineries. Krisztián Altinger and his wife are locals from Badacsonytomaj – fantastic hosts, warm, sociable, helpful, and flexible. A must-visit!
https://altingerbadacsony.hu/

- Káptalantóti – Sabar Winery
Wonderful wines with one of the most beautiful sunsets in the area. Friendly hosts, frequent programs and concerts – a true gem.
https://www.sabar.hu/hu/

- Badacsonyörs – Váli Cellar
The Kéknyelű wine is a must-try here. Péter Váli and his family are a great example of how hospitality and gastronomy can be perfectly combined. The atmosphere is unique – advance booking is recommended.
https://www.valibor.hu/

- Badacsony – Éliás Estate
A great stop during a hike. Lovely outdoor seating, stunning views, welcoming hosts, and regular tasting events.
https://www.eliasbirtok.com/

- Badacsonytomaj – Fata Winery
The winery behind our favorite restaurant, Borbarátok. Friendly staff and refined flavors.
https://fatabadacsony.hu/

- Badacsony – Istvándy Winery
The Istvándy restaurant and wines offer a truly unique experience for visitors. Local wines, excellent hospitality, and beautiful views.
https://www.istvandy.hu/hu/

- Badacsonyörs – Sípos Winery
A genuine small family winery, now also offering gin – with a truly homely atmosphere.
https://www.siposbor.hu/

- Badacsony – Borbély Family Winery
Tamás Borbély was named Winemaker of the Year in 2020 and is actively involved in the local wine community. Reliable quality wines and welcoming hosts make it worth a visit.
https://www.borbelypince.hu/

- Badacsony – Laposa
For us, production is a bit more industrial, but it cannot be left off a Badacsony wine list. Their restaurants (Hableány and Laposa Restaurant) offer premium gastronomic experiences at higher prices. They actively support local wineries through regular events.
https://www.laposa.hu/hu

- Hinta Badacsony
Not a winery, but a unique wine-route experience featuring wines from several local producers.
https://www.facebook.com/hintabadacsony

III. CYCLING TOURS IN THE AREA

There are many cycling routes nearby, which we would divide into amateur and professional options, depending on whether you ride a mountain bike or a road bike.
As an Ironman athlete, I personally prefer road cycling in the Káli Basin, but mountain bikers also have plenty of opportunities – even inside the mountain, if you don’t mind carrying your bike up some stairs.
For those who prefer flatter terrain, the Balaton Cycle Path is ideal, allowing you to ride to Keszthely or Tihany within a few hours.

IV. HORSE RIDING IN THE AREA

Few people know that Badacsonytomaj hosts an award-winning children’s program originally created for locals. For several years now, our own children have been spending at least one week here every summer.

At Marshmallow Camp, both adults and children can ride horses by appointment. They mainly operate riding camps during summer, and our kids absolutely love Vanessa’s camp 🙂
The ranch is only a 5-minute drive from Casa Mido.

Slightly farther away (about 15 minutes) is the Gyula Vezér Equestrian Ranch in Gyulakeszi, which has grown into a full complex since 1991 and is open year-round.

In Balatonederics, you will also find the Idrányi Puszta, a high-quality, family-friendly equestrian complex, well known for its riding camps and developed under the leadership of Péter Idrányi.

V. SAILING FROM BADACSONY

Badacsony has its own harbor, and you can even cross to the southern shore (Fonyód) by boat or water taxi in about 30 minutes. Boat rental is also available at the Badacsony marina.

In special cases, we can organize private sailing programs (2–3 hours) on our own boat for groups, for an additional fee.
The 8-person sailboat is docked at the Badacsony harbor.

VI. THE KÁPTALANTÓTI MARKET

The Káli Basin and the Káptalantóti market are only a 5-minute drive from the house.
If you enjoy market vibes, local farmers’ products, and handmade goods, Sunday morning is the perfect time for a visit. Shop, taste, then explore the countless natural wonders of the Káli Basin: Hegyes-tű, the Rocking Stones, and the Dörgicse Lavender Garden.

VII. FOLLY ARBORETUM

Open all year round, the arboretum is far more than just a collection of trees. It represents four generations of dedicated work, perseverance, and passion.

Folly Arboretum is an ideal family destination. The large, shaded garden is perfect for families with children, and the unique wooden playground offers joyful, experience-filled entertainment.
For seasonal programs and offers, we recommend visiting the official Folly Arboretum website.

VIII. SZIGLIGET CASTLE

Szigliget Castle is a fantastic full-day program not only for families with children, but also for history enthusiasts.
Be sure to check the castle’s official website before visiting. Next to the castle, you’ll also find the Gastro Courtyard, where you can satisfy both hunger and thirst.

IX. THE KÁLI BASIN

Although listed second to last, the beauty of the Káli Basin is overwhelming. Countless activities await visitors: animal farms, restaurants, wine bars, and hiking opportunities.
It’s worth reading recommendations on csodasmagyarorszag.hu before setting off, as there are many possible directions to explore.

X. HIKING IN BADACSONY

Last but not least, hiking is our absolute favorite. We prefer family-friendly hikes so that children can enjoy them as well.

From Casa Mido, you can walk uphill along marked trails and reach the Badacsony crater in about 20–30 minutes.
We usually choose the uphill route, as we don’t like hiking along the Roman Road at the foot of the mountain. Although the buildings are beautiful, it can be dangerous with children due to heavy traffic, especially in summer. This road is better suited for cycling.

Our favorite hiking destinations

- Kisfaludy Lookout Tower
Located at the highest point of Badacsony, the 18-meter tower offers near 360-degree panoramic views. Built in 2011, it rises above the 438-meter peak and features a spiral staircase inside a pinewood-clad steel structure.

- Kőkapu (Stone Gate)
From the edge of the Badacsony plateau, you can admire stunning views of the Tapolca Basin and its witness hills. The area’s unique basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity, creating spectacular rock formations – among them the impressive Stone Gate.

- Bujdosók Stairway
Built in 1936, this staircase of 464 steps climbs the western side of Badacsony and is part of the National Blue Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass massive basalt towers and resting spots. The stairs were named during the 1935 Rákóczi Memorial Year.

- Rózsakő (Rose Stone)
On the Balaton-facing side of the mountain lies a large detached basalt rock. According to legend, lovers who sit on it hand in hand, facing away from the lake, will marry within a year. The stone is linked to the love story of poet Sándor Kisfaludy and Róza Szegedy.

- Pope John Paul II Memorial Site
Located on the eastern side of Badacsony near the former Pauline monastery, the memorial site was blessed on March 30, 2008. It is located along a hiking trail and cannot be accessed by car.

If you would like to hike a bit farther, we recommend exploring the witness hills along the Blue Trail – each mountain offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

If you are interested in available dates at Casa Mido Guesthouse, please visit our booking page to view our current calendar.

We look forward to welcoming you!
Until then, follow us on facebook, or instagram and we’ll keep sharing the Badacsony lifestyle with you 🙂

Casa Mido Badacsony