Garabonc

Garabonc is a small, friendly village in Zala County, which is a perfect choice for those who are looking for peace, close-to-nature experiences and traditional Hungarian hospitality. The village’s proximity to Zalakaros and Lake “Kis-Balaton” offers many opportunities for relaxation, whether it is wellness, gastronomy or active relaxation.

The village is easily accessible, as it is located close to the main road “7” and the “M7” motorway.

Please allow us to introduce some of the attractions in the area and, without claiming to be complete, to recommend some program options.

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Attractions

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Zalakaros

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Zala wine region

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Kis-Balaton

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Keszthely

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Hévíz

Programs

When you don’t have to do anything, that’s true luxury. We hope that our guesthouse and its surroundings will provide you so much experience and relaxation. Enjoy the comfort of the massage pool and sauna. Visit the vineyards, taste delicious wines, discover the wildlife of the surrounding forest and enjoy its silence.

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Hiking trails

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Cycling routes

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“7 Vezér” Historical Adventure Park and Garabonciás Farm

Gastronomy

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Cézár Winery

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Kránicz Winery and Restaurant

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Green Elephant Restaurant

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Szilágyi Cukrászda

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Zalakaros

The most famous attraction of Zalakaros is the Medicinal and Adventure Bath, which is one of the largest and most popular bathing places in Hungary. The medicinal waters provide solutions to many health problems, such as joint and musculoskeletal problems, but the bath complex offers experiences for all ages, such as slides, various saunas, pools and wellness services. The area around Zalakaros is also rich in historical and cultural attractions. In nearby Zalaszántó, you can find the famous Stone Sea, which is a geological wonder, and the Church of St. Michael. In addition, the city offers many events, festivals and cultural programs, such as gastronomic festivals and art shows.

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Hiking trails

However, if you are looking for a more active vacation, the hiking trails around Kis-Balaton offer opportunities for exploration at different levels of difficulty.

Kis-Balaton Nature Trail

Kis-Balaton Nature Trail is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors around the most important ecological and natural values of the area. The nature trail is divided into several sections and introduces the different habitats of Kis-Balaton, such as reedbeds, wetlands and nearby forests. During the tour, visitors can get acquainted with the characteristic flora and fauna of Kis-Balaton, and various information boards help to understand the wildlife.

Kányavári-Island

Kányavári Island is another important hiking destination, located in the northern part of Kis-Balaton and can be reached by an easy, short hike. The nature reserve around the island is particularly rich in waterfowl and also offers visitors a boating experience. Upon reaching the island, a beautiful nature trail leads around it, where hikers can get acquainted with the island's flora and fauna.

Vörs and its surroundings

Vörs hiking trail is located on the southern side of Kis-Balaton and encompasses the local marshland, reedbeds and fields. Along the route, hikers can see numerous species of birds, amphibians and other animals associated with wetlands.

Zalakaros–Garabonc–Nagyrada–Zalaszabar–Orosztony–Kerecseny–Kilimán–Gelse hiking trail

This approximately 25.5 km long hiking trail starts in Zalakaros and also touches Garabonc. Along the route, participants can get to know the natural and cultural values of the area, including the local vineyards and cellar rows.

Buruczki Ferenc Nature Trail

You can find the Buruczki Ferenc Nature Trail near Garabonc, which leads to Kovácsi Hill. This route introduces the natural rarities of the area and the areas belonging to the Balaton-Felvédéki National Park.

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Cycling routes

Kis-Balaton is ideal for cycling tours, as it offers a variety of routes for nature lovers. Below we would like to recommend some cycling routes around Kis-Balaton:

Kis-Balaton round (47 km)

This hiking trail introduces the Kis-Balaton region and its main attractions. Along the way, we can travel through untouched natural environments and authentic villages, while passing through vineyards and small village cellars. The tour starts from the Kis-Balaton House and includes several detours, so it is worth planning it as a full-day program.

Kis-Balaton Family round (33 km)

This easy, 33 km long hiking trail is ideal for families. The elevation gain on the trail is only 50 m and can be completed in about 2 hours. During the hike, participants can get to know the natural beauties of Kis-Balaton and the surrounding villages.

Kis-Balaton adventure tour to Kányavári Island

This cycling route is the most varied cycling tour around Kis-Balaton. On the western side, we can choose the flat trail leading between the villages, but it is also worth to climb-up a vineyard hill, for example to the Nagyrada lookout. During the tour, we can visit both smaller wine cellars and larger wineries, where we can taste quality wines and local specialties. It is also worth to stopp in Garabonc, at the 7 Vezér Historical Adventure Park.

Kis-Balaton Bike Tour (58 km)

This hiking trail shows one of the most beautiful faces of Lake Balaton. The length of the route is 58 km, but with the sights and mountain additions it can be extended to 75 km. Along the way we can also discover birdwatching, Matula's hut and mirror-smooth bike paths.

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Zala wine region

Zala wine region is one of the smallest wine region of Hungary, stretching from the southern shore of Lake Balaton, from the Zala River valley to the Drava River. The wines produced in the Zala wine region often have a fresh, elegant and minerally-rich character, especially the white wines. The red wines are generally full-bodied, spicy, tannic characters and ripe fruit flavors.

Many wineries in the Zala wine region offer tastings and tours, while in the restaurants you can also taste local specialties, such as the traditional "Pörkölt", or "Túrós csusza" and cheeses that harmonize perfectly with the local wines.

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Kis-Balaton

Kis-Balaton is one of the most unique nature reserves in Hungary, outstanding not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich wildlife. The area has unique ecological significance and attracts nature-loving visitors, especially due to the diversity of birdlife, plants and wetlands. In the spring and summer months, marsh plants such as reeds, sedges and various aquatic plants (such as seaweed) characterize the landscape. In addition to shady forests and linden groves, marsh grasses, blue lilies and various wildflowers can be found, demonstrating the rich biodiversity of the area. The area is part of the Central European Bird Migration Route, so thousands of birds rest and feed here every year, including several protected species such as the grey heron, the spoonbill, the white grey heron and the cricket bird. In addition to the waterfowl living here, Kis-Balaton is also an important habitat for other animal species, such as lakeside amphibians such as frogs and newts, as well as various insect species.

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Keszthely

Keszthely and its surroundings are full of attractions that offer excellent destinations for history, culture and nature lovers alike. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Festetics Castle, one of the most impressive Baroque castles in Hungary. The building also houses several museums and exhibitions. Among them is the famous Helikon Castle Museum, where we can learn about the history of the Festetics family and the lifestyle of the aristocracy of the time. The castle also has a huge park, which is the perfect place for a pleasant walk. The city center of Keszthely also has interesting things to see, such as the Main Square, which is full of cozy cafes, restaurants and historical buildings. From here, it is a short walk to the Balaton shore and the pier, which offers a wonderful view of Balaton. From the pier, you can even take a boat trip to explore the area around Lake Balaton. The Balaton Museum in the city is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history and wildlife of the lake. Another special attraction is the Snail Parliament, where you can admire models made of small shells and snail shells.

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Hévíz

6. Hévíz is world-famous for its healing thermal lake, which is the largest natural thermal lake in the world suitable for bathing. Lake Hévíz covers an area of approximately 4.4 hectares and is a unique natural formation. The lake’s water is fed by a spring cave located 38 meters deep, from which 410 liters of 40°C water erupts every second. The water temperature reaches 33–36°C in summer, while it does not drop below 23–25°C in winter, so bathing is possible every day of the year. The lake’s special composition of water – which contains carbon dioxide, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate and sulfur compounds – and the microorganisms living in it contribute to its healing effects.

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“7 Vezér” Historical Adventure Park and Garabonciás Farm

“7 Vezér” Historical Adventure Park and Garabonciás Farm is a unique adventure park in Garabonc. The park aims to provide visitors with an interactive opportunity to learn about the most important events and figures in Hungarian history, while participating in fun and adventurous programs.

Main attractions and programs:

  • “7 Vezér” Yurt Camp: Permanent exhibitions in seven Mongolian-style yurt tents present the era of the conquest, with period objects, tools and clothing.
  • Princess Hanna's Castle: A 240 m² brick castle, with four watchtowers, a stage and a fighting arena, where you can also see the Portrait Hall of the Hungarian Kings, with portraits of 52 Hungarian kings.
  • Horse riding: There is an opportunity for horse riding, obstacle course riding and show jumping in the open air.
  • Archery Range: Four-position range with different bows, where you can try the art of archery.
  • Show Kitchen and Cheese Factory: Visitors can gain insight into the cheese-making process and taste freshly made products.
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Cézár Winery

Cézár Winery is an outstanding winery that combines its commitment to quality wines with the natural beauty and rich winemaking traditions of the region. The winery's wines reflect the character of the Zala wine region, while also paying attention to sustainability and the technological achievements of modern winemaking. The winery's most popular wines include white wines, especially the Italian Riesling, which is often found in the Zala Valley areas and is one of the winery's flagships. Chardonnay and Riesling Szilváni are also important players in the winery's wine selection.

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Kránicz Winery and Restaurant

Kránicz Winery and Restaurant: For lovers of local gastronomy, Kránicz Restaurant is a must-visit destination. The winery is located among the vineyards of Bajkos-tető, where visitors can taste locally produced wines and enjoy the flavors of traditional Hungarian cuisine.

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Green Elephant Restaurant

Green Elephant Restaurant and Guesthouse is located in Zalaapáti. The restaurant is renowned nationwide among those interested in gastronomy. The restaurant's menu includes soups, appetizers, and specialty meat dishes, such as Argentinean Angus sirloin. Guests can also choose from vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

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Szilágyi Cukrászda

Szilágyi Cukrászda has been welcoming guests in Zalakaros for over 40 years. The pastry shop offers homemade flavors, cakes and pastries made from natural ingredients, which are refreshed daily. Their specialties include the Csoda Csoki Torta, made from a secret family recipe, and the unique Caramel ice cream.

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