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Gyenesdiás is a lovely resort village only 100 kilometres from the western border of Hungary, in the West Balaton region 15 kilometres from the Hévíz-Balaton Airport. The towns of Keszthely, known for its fascinating Festetics Palace, and Hévíz with its world famous spa are only a few kilometres from here.

Understand

Gyenesdiás – with its 4000 inhabitants – is the perfect holiday resort especially for those who want to spend their holiday at the Lake Balaton actively and joyfully. Gyenesdiás has a lot to offer for every age and interest from relaxation to entertainment and a wide variety of recreation.

  • 1 Tourinform Gyenesdiás, Hunyadi János utca 2, ☏ +36 83 511-790, . Sep 1–Jun 30: M–F 08:00–16:00; Jun 1–Aug 31: M–F 09:00–17:00, Sa Su 09:00–13:00. Tourist information. Event and program recommendations, tips for trips, reasonable accommodations, attractions, restaurants, discount cards. Spoken languages: English, German. (updated Jan 2019)

Get in

By train

Trains are available in every two hours from Balatonszentgyörgy to Győr via Keszthely, Tapolca, Ukk (junction point to Veszprém and Zalaegerszeg), Celldömölk (junction point to Szombathely) and Pápa. The journey from Keszthely takes 5 minutes and costs 250 Ft. From Budapest, you have to transfer in Balatonszentgyörgy. The whole journey from Budapest takes less than 3 hours and costs 3675 Ft.

Other direct connections are:

At the summer, direct trains are available from Pécs and Szombathely.

1 Gyenesdiás Train Station, ☏ +36 1 349-4949, . There is no ticket office, tickets can be purchased on the train. Gyenesdiás railway station (Q22117165) on Wikidata (updated Feb 2019)

By bus

Balaton Bicycle Road

Buses are available from Budapest-Népliget five times a day. The journey takes 3.5–4 hours and costs 3705 Ft. More frequent buses are available from Keszthely. The journey takes 10–15 minutes and costs 250 Ft.

Get around

There is no local public transport or taxi service. You can use the regional buses operated by Volánbusz.

By bike

Balaton Bicycle Road is a good way explore the beaches and other attractions in the area.

There is a bike rental network. Bikes can be pick up and hand down in any Tourinform offices in this region (Keszthely, Gyenesdiás, Vonyarcvashegy, Balatongyörök and Héviz). Bike rental: 1500 Ft for two hours, 2200 Ft for one day.

See

Gyenesdiás

Darnay's Wine Cellar
  • 1 Avar History Exhibition (Herdsman's House, Avar Történeti Kiállítás, Pásztorház), Kossuth Lajos utca 97, ☏ +36 83 314-507. May–Sep: Tu–F 09:00–12:00; Oct–Apr: only by appointment. A typical item of rustic architectural traditions, it was built in the middle of the 19th century for the current local herdsman’s official quarters. The building now owned by the Municipality, archeological relics of local history are on display in the two rooms at the rear. In ended of the '80s, – in the area, – found a intact tomb of the greatest leader of Avar (around AD. 660). The Avar was a Caucasian native ethnic group, the most predominant of several ethnic groups living in the Russian republic of Dagestan. Huns was one of this ethnic groups. The exhibit shows the contemporary burial customs and the tomb of the leader in its original form. Free entrance. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 2 Berzsenyi Observation Tower (Berzsenyi-kilátó). Observation tower on the top of Pető Hill. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 3 Darnay's Wine Cellar (Darnay-féle boronapince), Darnay utca 10, ☏ +36 20 938-1588, . Th–Sa 16:00–20:00. A wine cellar from the 17th century is a typical item of original rustic architecture. Its main girder beam carries the date of 1644 engraved. Log cellars used to be built as long as landowners let people cut and use oaks, which used to grow in neighbouring woods in abundance and offer a useful building material. The wine exhibition renovated in 2012 offers its visitor wine tasting opportunity as well. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 4 Festetics Observation Tower (Festetics-kilátó). Observation tower on the top of Varsás Hill. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 5 House of Nature (Természet Háza), Szent Erzsébet út, ☏ +36 30 656-0830, . Sep–May: 09:00–17:00; Jun–Aug: 09:00–19:00. Visitor center. Exhibition of Keszthely Hills wildlife. There is also a cafe, a bar and a gift shop. Adult: 600 Ft; senior, student: 400 Ft; children: 200 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 6 Our Lady of Snow Chapel (Havas Boldogasszony-kápolna), Kossuth Lajos utca 45. It was erected in the place of a former chapel, to the design of Ákos Radits, an architect from Budapest, in 1894. Most of the building costs were covered by the estate of deceased Mihály Dornyai. Some of the building material was provided by Count Tasziló Festetics, while the costs of equipment were borne by the inhabitants of Diás. The polychromic altar of Renaissance style was made by József Runggaldier, a sculptor from Gröden, Tyrol. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 7 Saint Helena Chapel (Szent Ilona-kápolna), Temető utca 1. As early as 1807, the inhabitants of the vine-growing village decided to erect a chapel for God. To this end, they demolished the ruins of the Saint Elizabeth's Church of the former village of Falud. Since Count György Festetics, the then owner of the land, did not approve of the construction, the stones from demolition were sold and the capital obtained this way was deposited at interest. After Count Festetics died, his son, László Festetics, encouraged the construction of the chapel and allotted an area for this purpose. The classical church was completed in a matter of a year and dedicated to Saint Helena on 18 August 1826, commemorating Count Laszló’s daughter, Helena, as well. This is the only church in Hungary named after Saint Helena. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 8 Saint John of Nepomuk Spring (Nepomuki Szent János-forrás), Malom utca. There is a statue about Saint John of Nepomuk, which was erected by János Talabér in 1828. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 9 Vadlány Hole (Vadlány-lik). A simple wind-carved, room-sized cave. The cave opening is actually a stone cabin formed by wind erosion, which was further extended in artificially. Around 1900s most likely used as a secret distillery site. Free to visit. Gyenesdiási Vadlány Hole (Q25458768) on Wikidata (updated Feb 2019)

Further afield

Peace Stupa in Zalaszántó

In Rezi:

  • 10 Rezi Castle (Rezi vár), Rezi. Built in the 14th–15th century. Rezi Castle (Q1248740) on Wikidata (updated Jan 2019)
  • 11 John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church (Keresztelő Szent János római katolikus templom), Petőfi Sándor utca 29, Rezi. Built in 1756 in Baroque style. (updated Jan 2019)

In Várvölgy:

  • 12 Saint Dominic Roman Catholic Church (Szent Domonkos római katolikus templom), Kossuth Lajos utca 80, Várvölgy. Built in 1899 in neo-Gothic style. Based on the ruins of the Gothic church ruins from the 14th century. Saint Dominic church in Várvölgy (Q680021) on Wikidata (updated Jan 2019)

In Zalaszántó:

  • 13 Gingerbread House (Mézeskalács-ház), Fő utca 102, Zalaszántó, ☏ +36 30 589-7934, . Mar 12–Jun 30: Tu–Su 10:00–17:00; Jul 1–Aug 22: 10:00–18:00; Aug 23–Nov 1: W–Su 10:00–17:00. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 14 Heritage House (Tájház), Vadász utca 20, Zalaszántó. Built around 1850. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 15 Kotsy Watermill (Kotsy-vízimalom), Ádám utca 2, Zalaszántó, ☏ +36 83 572-010, . Closed in 2018 due to reconstruction. Adult: 500 Ft; senior, student: 400 Ft; children: 300 Ft. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 16 Peace Stupa (Béke-sztúpa), Világosvár 13, Zalaszántó, ☏ +36 30 864 8067, . Oct–Mar: F–Su 10:00–16:00; Apr–Sep 10:00–18:00. Buddhist sanctuary on the summit of the Virágosvár Hill (313 m a.s.l.), it is 30 m high and 24 m wide. Free entrance. Peace Stupa Zalaszántó (Q1456671) on Wikidata (updated Jan 2019)
  • 17 Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic Church (Szent Kozma és Damján római katolikus templom), Fő utca, Zalaszántó. Built in the 15th century in Gothic style. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 18 Tátika Castle Ruins (Tátika várrom), Zalaszántó. Medieval castle ruins. Tátika Castle (Q1326433) on Wikidata (updated Jan 2019)
  • 19 Wendelin of Trier Roman Catholic Chapel (Szent Vendel római katolikus kápolna), Fő utca, Zalaszántó. Built in the 18th century. (updated Jan 2019)

Do

Beaches

Grave goods from the Avar cemetery of Gyenesdiás

There are two beaches available in Gyenesdiás for the lovers of bathing, swimming and sunshine.

  • 1 Beach in Diás (Diási Játékstrand), Strand utca 3, Gyenesdiás, ☏ +36 83 316-007. Jun 15–Aug 31: 08:00–18:00; Dream Beach Cocktail Bar: May–Sep: M–Th Su 09:00–01:00, F Sa 09:00–03:00; Komáromy Pizzeria: Jun–Aug: 10:00–20:00; Napfénylagúna Restaurant: Jun–Aug: 10:00–20:00; BisztRóka Food Bar: Jun–Aug: 09:00–19:00. Services: playground, natural paddling-pool, once free slip on the giant water slide; animation: kids’ programmes, sport championships, mini disco. Sport fields such as beach volleyball courts with lights, beach football field, table tennis, streetball field, chess, water polo, heading goals, basketball, volleyball, water aerobics. Spacious lawn for sun seekers. Rentals, free internet, restaurants, snack-bars and free parking. Adult: 850 Ft, children: 500 Ft, average meal: 1590 Ft, hamburger: 990 Ft. Beyond of the opening hours, the beach can be visited for free. (updated Jan 2019)
  • 2 Beach in Gyenes (Gyenesi Lidóstrand), Oppel Imre sétány, Gyenesdiás, ☏ +36 83 316-008. Jun 15–Aug 31: 08:00–18:00. It is preferred by families with kids and sun seekers due to its cosy and intimate atmosphere. In addition to bathing the beach attracts the active guests with beach volleyball and beach football. Adult: 550 Ft, children: 400 Ft. Beyond of the opening hours, the beach can be visited for free. (updated Jan 2019)

Leisure

  • 3 Balaton Escape, Kossuth Lajos utca 79, ☏ +36 30 486-6202, . M–Th 16:30–21:00, F 13:30–21:00, Sa Su 09:00–21:00. Escape game. 6000–10000 Ft per team. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 4 Gyenes Paintball, Balaton utca, ☏ +36 20 802-8647, . 08:00–12:00 14:00–18:00. 6000 Ft. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 5 Nagymező. Excursion place. Good place for picnic and bacon roasting. Good starting point for hiking and Nordic walking tours in the Keszthely Hills to viewing towers, springs, caves etc. The National Blue Hiking Route leads through Gyenesdiás, along with other designated tracks it leads you into the heart of the Keszthely Hills, to Büdöskút. Free to visit. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 6 Dino and Adventure Park Rezi (Dinó- és Kalandpark Rezi), Ibolya utca 13, Rezi, ☏ +36 83 555-025, . 09:00–17:00. Moving, life-size, sounding dinos, rope track, climbing wall, trampoline, gripping machines, boating lake, balls, treasure washers, bouncy castles. Entrance fee: 4000 Ft. (updated Jan 2019)

Events

Official events:

Buy

J&A Kerámia
  • 1 First Fish and Small Farmers’ Market of Balaton (Első Balatoni Hal- és Termelői Piac), Kárpáti korzó, ☏ +36 20 911-0344, . Apr 7–Jun 17 Sep 3–Sep 30: Sa Su 10:00–21:00; Jún 18–Sep 2: M–F 16:00–21:00, Sa Su 10:00–21:00. Buy products of small farmers like flat bread, stove cake, homemade marmalade and syrup, fruit and vegetables, honey etc. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 2 J&A Kerámia, Kossuth Lajos utca 103, ☏ +36 83 316-504, . 10:00–18:00. A souvenir shop in a folk house. Here can you see and buy potteries. Usage and decorative objects are from the most important Hungarian pottery regions. Provides to the guests the opportunity disc modeling by appointment. The finished pieces are fired upon request. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 3 Liget Plaza, Kereskedők útja 4-6, ☏ +36 83 314-561. Pláza Bistro: M–F 10:00–15:00. Shopping center. Lunch menu in the bistro: 1390 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 4 Coop ABC, Kossuth Lajos utca 93, ☏ +36 83 312-474. M–F 06:30–18:00, Sa 06:30–13:00. (updated Feb 2019)

Eat

Saint John of Nepomuk Spring

Hungarian cuisine with famous wines. Family-friendly restaurants provide for the kids, so that everybody can enjoy their lunch.

In Gyenesdiás:

  • 1 Anita Restaurant, Béke utca 2, ☏ +36 83 200-177. Tu–Su 11:30–21:00. Traditional restaurant. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 2 Giuseppe Pizzeria, Ibolya utca 1, ☏ +36 83 316-155, . 12:00–22:00. Italian restaurant and pizzeria. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 3 Jaffa Büfé, Szechényi István utca 46, ☏ +36 20 233-4178, . 11:00–21:00. Food bar. 1990 Ft, hamburger: 1190 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 4 Nádas Csárda, Kossuth Lajos utca 79, ☏ +36 30 936-0907, . 11:00–22:00. Traditional restaurant. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 5 Piroska Csárda, Faludi utca 7 (North of Hwy 71. About a km North of Alsógyenes Train Station), ☏ +36 83 316-301, . Tu–Th Su 11:00–15:00, F Sa 11:00–22:00. Richly carved Transylvanian gate in front of the lovely, shingled house. The menu includes Hungarian, and international dishes plus some Sekler specialties can be found. BBQ night on Thursdays. A dozen different main dish made from turkey breast, trout, sirloin, Knuckle, porkchop, duck, venison. Spoken languages: Hungarian, German. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 6 Szent Ilona Csárda, Lőtéri utca 36, ☏ +36 30 556-2969. Apr 15–Sep 30: 12:00–23:30. Traditional restaurant with local cuisine. 50 kinds of high-quality Hungarian wine selection. Fresh bread from the oven. 2790 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 7 Torony Csárda, Napfény utca 1, ☏ +36 83 316-847, . 12:00–22:00. A roadside restaurant. Wide choice, delicious game and fish dishes,Hungarian and international cuisine.Light Meals, Fish, Beef, Pork, Poultry, Game dishes. (updated Feb 2019)

In the surroundings:

Drink

Cafes

Rezi Castle

Pubs

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
BudgetUnder 13000 Ft
Mid-range13000–20000 Ft
SplurgeOver 20000 Ft

Private accommodation have a tradition for approximately 30 years in the village, but tourism has a history of 100 years. Hotel, B&B places with their own swimming pool and different wellness services are here, as well as over half hundred private accommodation.

Budget

Mid-range

House of Nature
  • 5 Borbála Guesthouse, Kossuth Lajos utca 56, ☏ +36 30 202-2414, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. 8 rooms. Single room: 8100 Ft, double room: 13000 Ft. (updated Apr 2020)
  • 6 Katalin Guesthouse, Csillag utca 1, ☏ +36 30 411-0497, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. 7 rooms. Single room: 11000 Ft, double room: 13000 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 7 Lavia Guesthouse, Béke utca 38 (North 15min walk from both train stations), ☏ +36 83 317-038, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. 9 rooms. All room with shower (toilet, hair-dryer) wardrobe, room safe, minibar, TV, radio with alarm clock, telephone, WiFi, big balcony or terrace. A 8×4 meters pool with sun beds in partly shady garden. Single room: 15900 Ft, double room: 18900 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 8 Sportház Guesthouse and Restaurant, Kossuth Lajos utca 89, ☏ +36 20 479-9566, . Restaurant: M–Th Su 08:00–22:00, F–Sa 08:00–00:00, Su 08:00–22:00. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. 6 rooms. Traditional restaurant and pizzeria. Billiard, bowling and squash. Double room: 18200 Ft, average meal: 2190 Ft, pizza: 1790 Ft. (updated Feb 2019)

Splurge

Connect

Saints Cosmas and Damian Church in Zalaszántó

Gyenesdiás' postal code is H-8315, and its telephone area code is 83.

Go next

  • Hévíz – town with natural thermal lake 9 km west
  • Keszthely – town with historical downtown 3 km west
  • Pacsa – small town 27 km west
  • Sümeg – town with castle 25 km north
  • Tapolca – town with cave lake 23 km northeast
  • Vonyarcvashegy – resort village 2 km east
  • Zalaszentgrót – town with thermal bath 32 km northwest
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