Discover Somlószőlős

Somlószőlős can be explored through two distinct themes: wine and castle history. At KABOR Somlói Borbirtok, a tasting package includes four wines, including Olaszrizling, Furmint and Juhfark. The selection of wines included may vary. This makes the tasting a concrete introduction to the local wine scene.

Wine and castle history in Somlószőlős

Count Manó Zichy had Zichy Castle built. The castle is in a severe state of decay, and its surroundings are somewhat neglected. History and state of preservation go hand in hand here: visitors who include Somlószőlős in their travel plans for its castle history will encounter a building whose condition is markedly different from that of an intact castle complex.

Doba lies near Somlószőlős. The English landscape garden of Erdődy Castle covers 91 hectares and is well maintained; visitors were able to walk around freely. The Neoclassical castle served as a healthcare facility and could not be entered. The garden and castle therefore differ in terms of visitor access: free walks were possible in the garden, while the castle itself was not accessible.

More things to see in the wider North Balaton destination

In the wider North Balaton destination, Tapolca Lake Cave combines a natural experience with interpretation: boat rides are offered there, and there is also a guided exhibition, “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”). The cave is part of a cave system beneath the town, whose explored length is currently 14.6 kilometres. The boat ride and exhibition offer different ways to explore the subject of karst.

Hegyestű is a 337-metre-high mountain between Zánka and Monoszló. The inner side of a basalt volcano that was active about eight million years ago is exposed there. At the western edge of the quarry site, visitors can identify the surrounding hills from a lookout point using a panoramic information board. A rock garden displays characteristic rock types from Transdanubia, the western half of Hungary. Geology, finding one’s bearings in the landscape and a view of regional rocks come together in one place.

The volcanic mountain Badacsony lies in Veszprém County on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, opposite the town of Fonyód. Hiking trails and panoramas appeal to hiking enthusiasts; distinctive geological formations are known as basalt organ pipes. Wine-growing is also part of the mountain’s character: special grape varieties are grown on its slopes to produce Badacsony wine. By comparison, Hegyestű draws particular attention to the exposed volcano and its rock types.

Sümeg Castle offers a different kind of cultural heritage: it is a relatively well-preserved medieval fortress on a bare hill rising above the surrounding area. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2022, and an interactive exhibition opened there in spring 2023. Its state of preservation stands in marked contrast to the severely dilapidated Zichy Castle in Somlószőlős.

In Herend, the Herend Porcelain Museum presents a permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions on the history of the manufactory. The visitor centre explains porcelain production, the techniques involved and the traditions of applied arts. At the workshops in the mini manufactory, visitors can handle porcelain clay and a paintbrush. At Levendula Ház in Tihany, an interactive exhibition covers the formation of the Tihany Peninsula and lavender cultivation; the centre also offers a craft workshop and a discovery garden. The Pannon Csillagda in Bakonybél adds an interactive exhibition on space exploration and astronomy to this selection.

Veszprém Zoo also brings together a range of themes: it offers year-round experiences across six continents and welcomes visitors of all ages. The Dinosaur Park features lifelike models of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago; children can take part in a real archaeological excavation there. The African Savannah Playground has zip lines, climbing frames, bouncy castles and a safari-striped aeroplane.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether wine tasting and castle history in Somlószőlős should be your main focus, or whether you would like to include different places and themes across the wider North Balaton destination. This way, your search can be guided by your preferred local or regional focus.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Úrkút, Ajka, Halimba, Nagyalásony, Somlóvásárhely, Kislőd, Városlőd, Magyarpolány.

Back to the wider travel overview: Ajkai.