We are delighted to introduce a remarkable new travel destination — Lake Balaton Wine Country, located just 90 minutes from Hungary’s vibrant capital, Budapest.
At Balabella, we curate journeys that showcase the natural beauty of Lake Balaton—exploring its volcanic landscapes, rich culture, and timeless charm.
To craft unforgettable wine and culinary journeys, where exceptional flavors, heritage, and the beauty of Lake Balaton come together in perfect harmony.
EXPEDITION
VOYAGES
a word from the founder
NAPA-BALATON
Dear Future Traveler!
My name is Endre Nagy, and as the founder of the NAPA–BALATON regional partnership initiative, I would like to personally invite you on a journey that brings together two of the world’s most inspiring wine regions—Napa Valley and Hungary’s Lake Balaton Wine Country;
I was born in Hungary and spent more than three decades living in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I developed a deep appreciation for Napa Valley’s vibrant wine culture, collaborative spirit, and ability to create unforgettable experiences rooted in place and tradition.
Today, my home is Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, a region rich in history, natural beauty, and exceptional winemaking heritage, which inspired me to create the NAPA–BALATON initiative as a bridge between these two remarkable regions.
Together with a distinguished network of partners representing some of the Balaton region’s most iconic landmarks, we are dedicated to welcoming American travelers visiting Budapest by offering curated Danube River cruise extensions and immersive experiences in the Lake Balaton Wine Country, where you will discover outstanding wines, breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and traditions preserved for generations, bringing a piece of Napa’s inspiration full circle back to the place where my story began.
EXPEDITION
VOYAGES
featuring
Resort Hotel
In the heart of Hungary’s celebrated Balaton wine region, within the elegant lakeside town of Balatonfüred, the Golden Lake Resort Hotel offers an experience where refined hospitality meets timeless charm. Here, guests are invited to indulge in authentic Hungarian gastronomy while embarking on a curated culinary journey across Europe — each dish thoughtfully paired with award-winning wines from the region’s most distinguished vineyards.
Perfectly positioned along the iconic Tagore Promenade, the hotel enjoys one of the most prestigious addresses on Lake Balaton. Just moments away, the Szántód–Tihany Ferry Port provides effortless passage between the lake’s southern and northern shores, opening the door to further discovery.
A short distance from the hotel rises one of Hungary’s most revered landmarks — the 1,000-year-old Benedictine Abbey of Tihany. Set gracefully atop the Tihany Peninsula, this historic masterpiece overlooks the shimmering waters of Lake Balaton, offering breathtaking panoramic views and an atmosphere steeped in cultural heritage.
Golden Lake Resort Hotel is more than a destination — it is an invitation to savor elegance, heritage, and the unmistakable beauty of Lake Balaton.
EXPEDITION
VOYAGES
featuring
Pisky Promenade
Breathtaking views of Lake Balaton!
Echo Hill and the Pisky Promenade are among the most iconic and scenic attractions on the Tihany Peninsula, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and breathtaking views over Lake Balaton.
Echo Hill is famous for its unique acoustic phenomenon, where sounds reflect back from the Tihany Abbey, a charming feature that has delighted visitors for generations.
Just steps away, the Pisky Promenade provides a beautifully maintained walking path lined with panoramic viewpoints, inviting guests to stroll at a relaxed pace while taking in sweeping vistas of the turquoise waters, surrounding hills, and the distant shoreline.
Together, these landmarks create a memorable experience that captures the timeless charm of Tihany.
vista points,
and terraces
- Echo Hill is known for its echo and panoramic views.
- Pisky Promenade offers a scenic walk and viewpoints.
- Echo Restaurant pairs fine dining with iconic vistas.
- Lavender Shop features local lavender products.
- Pisky Terrace offers a relaxing spot with lake views.
EXPEDITION
VOYAGES
featuring
Restaurant
Fine dining overlooking Lake Balaton!
Echo Restaurant is a premier culinary destination in Tihany, offering a refined fine dining experience that celebrates both innovation and tradition.
Known for its commitment to locally sourced, organic ingredients, the restaurant crafts seasonal dishes that highlight the rich flavors of the Balaton region while maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation.
Guests are invited to dine on some of the most scenic panoramic terraces overlooking Lake Balaton, where breathtaking views of the shimmering waters and surrounding landscape create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Combining exceptional cuisine, elegant ambiance, and one of the most iconic vistas in Hungary, Echo Restaurant delivers a truly memorable and elevated dining experience.
the Balaton region
- Fine dining experience with locally soured ingredients.
- Panoramic terrace views overlooking Lake Balaton.
- Elegant ambiance with exceptional service.
- Creative dishes inspired by regional flavors.
- Memorable dining in Tihany’s most iconic settings.
EXPEDITION
VOYAGES
featuring
Confectionery
Over 60 Years of World-Class Hospitality!
Abbey Rege Confectionery has long been a cherished destination for both Hungarians and international visitors, offering one of the most iconic panoramic views of Lake Balaton from its exclusive terraces. Guests are invited to indulge in the finest Hungarian pastry classics, gourmet breakfasts, and artisan pizzas, all crafted with care and tradition.
Set beside the historic Tihany Abbey, this elegant terrace café is a true landmark of Tihany. Since the golden era of Balaton tourism, Abbey Rege has been a favorite gathering place for discerning travelers seeking exceptional patisserie paired with breathtaking views across the Tihany Peninsula.
Whether you stop in for a house-roasted Abbey coffee or sample one of the signature lavender specialties, every visit offers something memorable. Relax, unwind, and enjoy a timeless, luxury-infused experience in the heart of Tihany.
the monks of the Abbey
- Signature lavender specialities crafted with precision
- Iconic cakes and complimentary dessert selections
- All desserts made with care in our own showroom
- Gourmet breakfast, crispy artisian pizzas offerings
- House-roasted Abbey coffee for a truly
EXPEDITION
VOYAGES
featuring
Experience Center
Over 100 Years of Lavender Cultivation!
The Lavender Tihany Experience Center is a distinctive destination that captures the spirit of the Tihany Peninsula by blending tradition, nature, and craftsmanship into an engaging visitor experience.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Balaton, the center highlights the region’s rich lavender heritage, which dates back nearly a century, through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that showcase the journey from cultivation to artisanal production.
Visitors can observe skilled artisans creating lavender-based products such as essential oils and cosmetics, all rooted in local tradition and sustainable practices.
Beyond its educational appeal, the center offers a calming, sensory experience where the fragrance of lavender and the natural beauty of the surroundings come together to create a truly memorable visit.
lavender products
- A unique lavender destination in Tihany.
- Combined manufactura and experience center.
- Showcases artisanal lavender product production
- Offers high-quality, locally made lavender goods.
- Features interactive exhibits on lavender heritage.
Located on the slopes of Somló Hill in the village of Somlójenő, celebrates the rich volcanic wine heritage of one of Hungary’s most distinctive wine regions. Dedicated to the legacy of the Tornai family and the traditions of Somló viticulture, the museum offers insight into centuries-old winemaking techniques, historic tools, and the unique terroir that gives Somló wines their celebrated character. Set amid dramatic basalt landscapes and sweeping vineyard views, it provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into the history and spirit of this iconic Hungarian wine hill.
One of Lake Balaton’s most distinctive landmarks, rising above the southern shore in the shape of a striking geometric globe. Originally built as a water tower and later transformed into a panoramic lookout, the structure offers sweeping 360-degree views of the lake, surrounding vineyards, and distant hills. Especially captivating at sunset, the Sphere Lookout combines modern architectural character with breathtaking scenery, making it a memorable stop for visitors exploring the Balaton region.
Hévíz Thermal Lake, located near the town of Hévíz close to Lake Balaton, is the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in the world. Fed by a powerful underground spring, its mineral-rich waters remain warm year-round, making it a renowned destination for relaxation and therapeutic wellness. Surrounded by lush forest and often dotted with blooming water lilies, Hévíz offers visitors a uniquely tranquil experience where nature, healing traditions, and gentle luxury come together in perfect harmony.
The solarium and gardens of Festetics Palace offer a serene extension of the palace’s aristocratic elegance. Bathed in natural light, the solarium provides a refined space that once served as a place of leisure and quiet contemplation, seamlessly connecting the grandeur of the interiors with the beauty of the outdoors. Beyond it, the expansive landscaped gardens unfold in manicured lawns, ancient trees, and ornamental pathways, reflecting centuries of careful design. Together, they create a tranquil setting that captures the romantic spirit and timeless charm of noble life by Lake Balaton.
The Library of Festetics Palace is one of Hungary’s most treasured historic collections, preserving the intellectual legacy of the Festetics family. Established in the 18th century, the Helikon Library houses tens of thousands of rare volumes, manuscripts, and early prints within an exquisitely crafted Baroque hall lined with carved wooden bookshelves and an elegant gallery. Remarkably intact and still arranged in its original order, the library offers visitors a rare glimpse into the scholarly world of Hungary’s aristocratic past.
The Festetics Palace, located in the historic town of Keszthely near the shores of Lake Balaton, is one of Hungary’s most magnificent 18th-century Baroque landmarks. Built by the influential Festetics family, the palace reflects the grandeur and cultural ambition of the aristocracy, with its ornate façade, richly decorated interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Today, it stands as a symbol of noble heritage and refinement, inviting visitors to explore its historic library, elegant halls, and the timeless atmosphere of Hungary’s aristocratic past.
Lavender is the unmistakable emblem of the Tihany Peninsula, celebrated for its fragrance, beauty, and tradition. At the Lavender Tihany Experience Center, visitors are invited to create their own lavender hand cream using an authentic recipe — a memorable, hands-on activity that includes a personalized souvenir to take home.
Guests may also explore the Lavender Tihany Boutique, where a curated selection of lavender-inspired products offers the perfect keepsake from this timeless destination.
Set on the scenic Tihany Peninsula, the timeless town of Tihany is one of Lake Balaton’s most enchanting destinations, celebrated for its natural beauty and rich heritage.
Its internationally renowned lavender tradition began in the 1920s, when botanist Gyula Bittera introduced French lavender to the peninsula’s volcanic soil and gentle lakeside climate. Today, the fragrant purple fields remain a defining symbol of Tihany’s charm and enduring character.
Its elegant terrace opens to sweeping panoramic views over Lake Balaton, where classic Hungarian pastries and artisanal ice creams are served against one of the peninsula’s most iconic backdrops — creating a timeless, luxury-infused experience in the heart of Tihany.
Perched atop Echo Hill, Echo Restaurant & Café is one of the region’s true culinary gems. With sweeping panoramic views over Lake Balaton, it offers an exceptional dining experience where landscape and gastronomy meet in perfect harmony.
The menu celebrates locally sourced, organic ingredients, crafted into refined Hungarian and European dishes, complemented by an award-winning wine selection from the Balaton region.
A destination where flavor, elegance, and unforgettable views come together.
Echo Hill is renowned for its legendary echo — said in local folklore to be the voice of a lonely princess calling across the hills. For generations, visitors have paused here to test the famous echo themselves, adding a sense of charm to this unforgettable viewpoint.
For centuries, the abbey cultivated vineyards around Lake Balaton, a tradition continued today through Ikon Winery and the Konyári family. Inside the church, the magnificent Baroque organ and its unique 15-member “angel orchestra” stand as extraordinary works of art.
A visit to Tihany Abbey is a journey into history, heritage, and timeless beauty.
BALATON WINE REGION
Balabella is the #1 wine and culinary destination in the Balaton wine region. Explore and connect with the finest winemakers and wineries in the area. Savor award-winning wines crafted by internationally acclaimed winemakers, all in stunning, picturesque settings.
Stretching along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, the Balatonboglár wine region is the lake’s largest wine-producing area and home to celebrated estates including Konyári Estate, IKON Estate Winery, and Kékajtó Winery and Vineyards.
Rising along the northern shore of Lake Balaton, the Badacsony wine region is one of Hungary’s most iconic volcanic terroirs, celebrated for its full-bodied white wines and dramatic basalt hillsides. Centered around the historic Badacsony Hill, the region is home to renowned estates such as Pátzay Wine Estate, Laposa Wine Estate, and Folly Arboretum & Vineyard all known for crafting distinctive, mineral-rich wines—particularly from the native Kéknyelű grape—that reflect the unique volcanic soils and sun-drenched slopes.
Stretching along the northern shore of Lake Balaton, the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region is one of Hungary’s most historic and prestigious wine areas, renowned for its elegant white wines and distinctive terroir. Anchored by the vibrant town of Balatonfüred, the region is home to acclaimed estates such as Figula Winery, St. Donát Organic Winery, and Petrányi Winery all contributing to its reputation for producing refined, mineral-driven wines that reflect the unique limestone-rich soils of the area.
Rising from the northwestern edge of Lake Balaton, the Somló Hill wine region is Hungary’s smallest yet most distinctive volcanic appellation, famed for its powerful, mineral-driven white wines. Dominated by the solitary basalt butte of Somló, the region is home to respected estates such as Tornia Winery, Kreinbacher Estate, and Kancellar Estate all producing concentrated, long-aging wines—particularly from native varieties like Juhfark—that express the unique character of its volcanic soils and historic winemaking tradition. Notably, Kreinbacher Estate has also gained international recognition for its exceptional traditional-method sparkling wines, further elevating Somló’s reputation on the global stage.
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