Vonyarcvashegy on Lake Balaton

Fishing history and places of remembrance

The Szent Mihály Fogadalmi Halászkápolna stands on the 136-metre-high Szent Mihály-domb. The chapel commemorates the rescue of 40 ice fishermen. Its history makes fishing more than just a topic on Lake Balaton: it is also part of the local memory preserved here. Those interested in local history will find a tangible connection here to the people and events associated with the lake.

At Érték vagy! Park és Halászkert, the history of fishing on Lake Balaton is presented in a distinctive way. The interactive attraction is located in the Süllő II, a fishing boat converted into an exhibition space. The boat itself thus provides the setting for exploring fishing. Nearby, the A 40 halász emlékhely monument also commemorates the fishermen’s rescue: a relief by ceramic artist Németh János tells the story in artistic form.

Another notable name to look out for on a tour exploring the town’s history is Fénykereszt. The 7.38-metre-high cross stands on the summit of Csándor-hegy in Vonyarcvashegy. The chapel and the monument each offer a distinct perspective: one rooted in religious remembrance, the other a sculptural depiction of the rescue. You can decide for yourself which of these places speaks most strongly to your interests.

Sailing, cycling and water sports

Vonyarc Marina is one of the newest marinas on Lake Balaton and can accommodate nearly 100 boats longer than 40 feet. The Balatoni Bringakörút cycling route passes right by the marina. Sailing and cycling therefore each have their own distinct appeal in Vonyarcvashegy.

At Lido Beach, the focus is on water sports. The beach offers a wingfoil and windsurfing school, a water-skiing course and a diving platform. The choice ranges from activities on the water to jumping into it. If you are travelling together with people who have different preferences, you can treat these options as separate focal points and plan your stay around the experiences that matter most to you.

Winegrowing, travel interests and holiday apartments

The history of winegrowing is also part of the town’s character. At the Festetics Helikon Taverna Múzeum, visitors can learn about the history of winegrowing and winemaking. At Zenit Balaton Étterem, above the cellar, historic grape varieties are available for tasting. Those who wish to include regional culture and winegrowing alongside activities on the water will find further topics to explore on their trip.

The experiences mentioned are different reasons to explore the town; they do not all have to matter equally to you. For families with varied interests, it can be helpful to discuss your preferred priorities together without structuring the whole stay around a single programme. You can then search for accommodation in the town based on your own travel plans.

The 40 Fishermen’s Memorial Day, also known as Balaton Fishermen’s Day, is held every year in early August with the participation of the Balaton Fishing Company. If you want to plan your travel dates around it, this annual event offers a special connection to Vonyarcvashegy’s fishing heritage. It complements the chapel and monument with a day of remembrance that returns each year.

Discover other places

Other places to discover include: Zalavár, Zalaszántó, Balatongyörök, Esztergályhorváti, Várvölgy, Keszthely, Karmacs and Vindornyalak.

For the broader travel overview: Keszthelyi.