Badacsony-Badacsonytomaj

The greatest sight of Badacsony is Badacsony hill itself, an extinct table-shaped volcano, also forming a little peninsula in the Lake. The shape and geological relics of the hill clearly show how volcanic mountains have developed. The upper 'basalt cap' protected the soft parts of the hill from the effects of wind and water so only the surroundings of the hill have become thinner in the course of millions of years. Edges of basalt deposit have been continuously destroyed by erosion; this way the spectacular basalt organs and stone sacks have been created.

It is worth visiting the cottage and studio of the Hungarian painter, József Egry, at the quay on the promenade named after him; today the home of the "lover of Balaton" is a memorial museum where his paintings are on display. One room of the museum is entirely devoted to his Balaton landscapes.

The famous vineyards of Badacsony producing the excellent wine (pinot gris) of the Pauline monks called Grey Monk (Szürkebarát) are located along the hillside, on rich sedimentary ground. Among the two hundred-year-old press houses, the two finest are the House of Róza Szegedy with a porch and a thatched roof (the home of poet Kisfaludy and his spouse), housing the Literary Museum with memorabilia of literature and viniculture, and the Kisfaludy House, one of the most popular wine cellars and restaurants nestled almost atop the hill overlooking the lake.

Address:
Szegedy Róza Ház Irodalmi Emlékmúzeum
8261 Badacsony, Szegedy Róza u. 1.
Phone: (+36 87) 701-906

By climbing a steep hiking trail from the Kisfaludy House you will reach Kisfaludy Look-out Tower (437 m high) on top of the hill. It is worth walking round the hilltop to descend on the “Staircase of Fugitives” (Bujdosó-lépcső) to the shore.

An educational path starting from next to Kisfaludy House provides opportunity for a nice excursion: the path goes around the hill and explanatory panels call the visitors' attention to interesting geological and botanical phenomena. In the neighbouring village of Badacsonyörs the Folly Botanic Garden with great conifers (mainly cedars and cypresses) offers recreation. The surrounding hills (St. György hill and Gulács) and the Castle Hill of Szigliget with its fortress and the ruins on the top of Csobánc are also worth an excursion.

From summer to autumn a wide variety of programmes awaits visitors in Badacsony. Outstanding events are the Wine Weeks of Badacsony starting at the end of July and the Badacsony Vintage in the middle of September: a two day festival with a spectacular procession, an open market and a vintage ball.