Vonyarcvashegy: Fishing History, Marina and Wine

Vonyarcvashegy can be explored through several specific interests: memories of the Balaton fishermen, a sailing harbor with a cycling route right alongside it, and themes related to water sports and wine. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these highlights can help you consider the town in light of your own travel interests. The following aspects show how many different ways there are to discover Vonyarcvashegy.

Fishing History and Memorial Sites

The Szent Mihály Fogadalmi Halászkápolna stands on the 136-meter-high Szent Mihály-domb. It commemorates the rescue of 40 ice fishermen. Another memorial site is the memorial to the 40 fishermen, where a relief by ceramic artist János Németh recalls the story of the fishermen’s rescue. Here, the theme of fishing is represented both at a place of worship and in the visual arts.

This commemoration also has a permanent place in the annual calendar. The Memorial Day of the 40 Fishermen, also known as Balaton Fishermen’s Day, is held every year in early August with the participation of Balaton Fishing. If you would like to combine your trip with the commemorative day, check the dates for the year in question. Another distinctive landmark is the Fénykereszt: the 7.38-meter-high cross stands on the summit of Csándor-hegy in Vonyarcvashegy.

Exhibitions and Wine

Érték vagy! Park és Halászkert has an interactive attraction about the history of fishing on Lake Balaton. It is located in the Süllő II, a fishing boat that has been converted into an exhibition space. The attraction opened in 2026. This adds another way to explore the history of the fishermen: here, the history of fishing on Lake Balaton is presented interactively.

Wine is also among the town’s cultural themes. At the Festetics Helikon Taverna Múzeum, you can learn about the history of viticulture and winemaking. Another approach is offered by Zenit Balaton Étterem, above the cellar, where historic grape varieties are available for tasting. The museum and the tasting thus offer different perspectives: one focuses on the history of cultivation and production, the other on historic grape varieties.

Sailing Harbor, Cycling Route and Water Sports

Vonyarc Marina is one of the newest sailing harbors on Lake Balaton and can accommodate nearly 100 boats longer than 40 feet. The Balatoni Bringakörút passes right by the marina. The sailing harbor and cycling route therefore offer two distinct points of interest in the same place: you can consider the harbor as part of your stay or factor the cycling route that passes it into your plans.

Lido Beach has a wingfoil and windsurfing school, a water-skiing course and a diving platform. These activities are seasonal. If you would like to include one of these water sports in your plans, check opening times before your visit.

A Broader Look at the Zala Destination

Within the broader Zala destination, the Zalai Borvidék provides a distinct regional context for wine. It developed on the slopes and plateaus of the Zalai-dombság and on the northwestern slopes of the Keszthelyi-hegység. The wine-growing region comprises two wine districts and 38 settlements. This regional perspective is distinct from the individual wine offerings in Vonyarcvashegy.

The Kis-Balaton, Zala’s largest body of water, is also part of the broader Zala destination. It is strictly protected, covers 14,745 hectares and serves as the setting for István Fekete’s classic novels Tüskevár and Téli berek. Another regional highlight is the Kotsy-vízimalom in Zalaszántó, where a 390-centimeter overshot waterwheel mechanism can be seen in operation. These examples broaden the picture of Zala to include landscape, literature and technological history.

Discover more destinations: Gyenesdias, Vindornyalak, Várvölgy, Keszthely, Zalavár, Esztergályhorváti, Zalaszántó, Karmacs.

View the broader travel overview: Keszthelyi.