Inspiring autumn programmes at Lake Balaton

You wouldn't believe how many special experiences there are on the shores of Lake Balaton in the off-season! The bustle of summer is slowly winding down, the lake area is more peaceful, the air is fresher, and the autumn programmes at Lake Balaton offer plenty of new opportunities for relaxation. At this time of year, it feels great to soak up the sunshine, linger over a glass of fine wine, explore the harvest festivities, run along the waterfront, or take a ferry and enjoy the sound of the waves. Visit Zamárdi in the autumn season and draw inspiration for your daily life, work, and creativity from this endlessly liberating Lake Balaton atmosphere.

In the quiet garden of Platán Hotel, you can plan without interruptions, envision your big goals for the upcoming period, and recharge your energy – perfect preparation for the challenges ahead. If you feel even a little that summer wasn’t enough, that you didn’t fully unwind, or that you need a bit of rest before the busy autumn-winter rush, it’s time to take a step for yourself. Get out and get a taste of the autumn programmes at Lake Balaton and waterfront atmosphere. At Platán Hotel, you can now enjoy the comfort you need at much more favourable off-season prices. So, what will give you a boost here? Which moments can motivate you even when you’re completely exhausted? We’ll show you – pay attention!

Find the most beautiful autumn moments at Lake Balaton!

Sunset at the Zamárdi Beach

Did you know that autumn sunsets shine in even more golden colours? At this time, the sun’s rays hit the earth at a different angle, making the orange and purple skies appear even more intense. In the evenings, take a walk down to Zamárdi’s public beach and let your thoughts drift away for a while. In the off-season, the beach feels more open and there are no crowds. Take stunning photos to look back on during gloomy days, or simply sit on a bench and savour the moment.

In Zamárdi, one of the most beautiful panoramas of Lake Balaton unfolds before your eyes, with the Tihany Peninsula on the horizon. The waterfront is just a few minutes’ walk from Platán Hotel.

Ferry Trip from Szántód to Tihany

If you’re looking for programmes at Lake Balaton, make the most of the water’s possibilities! Whether it's a cruise or a sailing trip, bobbing on the waves can transport you to a calmer, more relaxed state. Even just the proximity of the Szántód Ferry makes it obvious to include a ferry trip in your programmes at Lake Balaton, and the experiences on the other shore will not disappoint either.

The Szántód Ferry is less than a 15-minute bike ride from our hotel. Explore the area on two wheels – at Platán Hotel, you can rent bicycles on-site for your excursion days!

From September 1, ferries depart from Szántód every half hour between 7:00 and 21:00. It’s a romantic programme for couples, but also a real treat for families and dogs. Your four-legged friend can travel with you on the ferry too – you just need to buy a dog ticket.

Among the programmes at Lake Balaton, you can find something to suit your taste even in the off-season. In autumn, Tihany offers wine tastings, harvest festivals, cultural programmes, charming walks and viewpoints.

• Tihany Harvest Days – 20–21 September 2025
  Wine, music, dance, parade – everything you need to dive into the harvest festivities is here. At Mádl Ferenc Square, wineries line up one after another, with special programmes for children and a glass in hand for the adults. In the evening, the spectacular harvest parade winds through the village all the way to Visszhang Hill, where the day concludes with a blessing.
• The Benedictine Abbey and Gallery of Tihany - all year round
  If you're looking for quiet or a cultural experience, you'll find it here.
• 19 September 2025 – Rooftop Evenings at Porta Pacis: Lecture by Professor Károly Minya – Where is the Hungarian Language Headed?
• 28 September 2025 – Concert: Performance by the ELTE Bartók Béla Choir and the University Concert Orchestra.

Local flavours, traditions, programmes at Lake Balaton

One of the town’s strengths lies in its local gastronomy. In Zamárdi it's easy to be tempted by a good lunch, a light dinner or the flavours of the farmers' market. You’ll need that energy, as the autumn programmes at Lake Balaton encourage active pastimes.

Have a great start to your day!

There's no better way to wake up than when you're lured out of bed by a table set for you. Give yourself a few days to enjoy the programmes at Lake Balaton and the fact that we take care of you every morning.

At Platán Hotel, breakfast is included in the room rate. We offer a served buffet, and if you let us know when booking, we can also provide gluten-free, lactose-free, and sugar-free options.

Sundays are best started at the Zamárdi Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find only the finest products from local Somogy producers and regional delicacies.

• Zamárdi Farmers’ Market: Sundays from 8:00 to 12:00, in the courtyard of Patkó Buffet.

After a hearty mid-morning snack, take a short trip to the Szántódpuszta Majorság, where 19th-century life comes to life. Interactive exhibitions, a petting zoo, playful attractions, and relaxation areas await – perfect for a family outing.

For a hearty lunch, stop by the Főzelék Faloda, where you can taste classic Hungarian flavours prepared fresh and homestyle.

The Főzelék Faloda is located right next to Platán Hotel. Just a few steps and you'll be taking a siesta in a green garden.

Where would you most like to relax after lunch?

On a sun lounger by the pool? In the quiet garden under the old plane trees? In your air-conditioned, heated and cooled room, in an extra comfortable bed?

And where would you wake up and ease into the morning? On your room's private terrace or at the poolside? Would you like to play a game of pool in the event room? Or continue relaxing all afternoon in the hotel's private Finnish sauna?

At Platán Hotel, you'll find tranquillity, a little green paradise and extra services to make you feel in total luxury.

Autumn Wildness – 26–28 September 2025

If you enjoy wild game culinary delights, add the Autumn Wildness in Zamárdi to your programmes at Lake Balaton! What you can be sure of: excellent food, matching wines and an autumnal atmosphere.

Zamárdi’s gastronomy owes its reputation partly to its excellent, long-established restaurants, but you’ll see that it offers even more than that. The Autumn Wildness was created through the Zamárdi Open! initiative, which offers exciting programmes at Lake Balaton even outside the high season.

Active experiences and momentum

If you're into sports, Zamárdi is the place for you this autumn.

Running along the shore on fresh mornings, cycling along scenic bike paths, hiking the surrounding nature trails, or simply climbing up to the Kőhegy Lookout to take in views of the northern hills, the lake’s reflection, and the endless landscape – all of this can be part of your autumn experience package. And if you take running or cycling seriously, among the programmes at Lake Balaton you’ll find the first big event of the autumn season: the Maratonman Zamárdi – dm Balaton Run Day and the Kellys Bike Tour.
The race kicks off on 20 September 2025, with Lake Balaton as the backdrop, and you giving your absolute best. They say the medal is beautiful – but nothing beats the satisfied smile when you tell your colleagues about it back home.

And if you still crave a bit of adrenaline afterward, head to the Zamárdi Adventure Park, where rope courses, climbing walls, and other exciting challenges await. Perfect for children, adults, groups of friends, and corporate teams alike.

The autumn Balaton is calling!

And do you know the best part? You don’t just have to read about it – you can experience it yourself. Plus, in the off-season, almost everything is the same as in summer: the sunsets, the flavour of the local wines, and Lake Balaton still ripples before you – only the prices are more favourable. So, if you want to enjoy the programmes at Lake Balaton in autumn and experience a freer way of life, check out our website, where you’ll find the best prices. There are no agent fees or hidden costs. Your wallet will thank you.

A special autumn getaway awaits you, with comfortable rooms and the unique tranquility of Platán Hotel. Our cosy, family-friendly hotel is very popular even in the sunny September. Book now before all available rooms are gone!

You will always find the best offers on our website!

Book directly here!