This October, GastroHill is back with more venues, guided food tours, and cycling offers than ever before. Entering its 8th year, the initiative was created to support the autumn-winter season with themed weekends. The concept remains the same: seasonal ingredients, local cuisine, dedicated hosts, and active exploration. This year, there's an added bonus of discounted e-bike rentals and guided tours.

First Themed Weekend: October 26-27 “This is real autumn,” says Dóra Budavári, the communications director of GastroHill. “We’ve titled it ‘Head to the Forest’, encouraging guests to explore the region either on foot or on the top-notch electric bikes from BalatonBike365. After hiking a section of the Kéktúra or biking up the hill, guests can enjoy the dishes of GastroHill, featuring wild game such as venison, deer, pheasant, mushrooms, and forest fruits.”

Five Themed Weekends in 2024/2025 “This year, there will be five themed weekends, with chefs preparing seasonal tasting dishes that align with each theme,” adds Laposa Bence, one of GastroHill’s founders. “The tasting portions are deliberately small so that guests can explore as many venues as possible, perhaps even with the four-tasting discounted GastroHill pass. Back in 2018, we started with 5-6 venues; this year, we're kicking off with 13. I’m proud that we’ve carried the program forward, and this year, it’s gained new momentum."

Venues for 2024/2025 In total, there are 7 main venues and 6 additional ones on this year’s map. At the main venues, you can taste the themed GastroHill dishes, while the additional venues will offer wines, brunches, and thematic programs.

Main Venues: Hableány, Laposa Birtok, Borbarátok, Bonvino Borbár, Tilia Borvendéglő, Nefelejcs – Sike Balázs Winery (new), Folly Arboretum and Winery (new)

Additional Venues: Istvándy Borműhely, Pláne Badacsony Borterasz, Gilvesy B-üzem (new), LaTéne Dessert Workshop (new), Válibor Vinotéka (new), Hinta Badacsony (new)

The Unique GastroHill Experience GastroHill has been setting regional trends since 2017, and while similar initiatives have launched elsewhere, it remains unique in Hungary. Before each weekend, there’s a communal food workshop and pre-tasting, so guests can see photos of what will be on offer during the upcoming weekend. This year, we’ve condensed the program into five weekends to make the experience more streamlined and enjoyable for guests.

Cycling Tours Cycling is undoubtedly the best way to explore the venues. The distances between the locations are manageable, offering the perfect opportunity for a pleasant bike tour, especially with the addition of three new, more remote venues: the Gilvesy B-üzem near the Szent György Hill, Nefelejcs in Badacsonytördemic, and the Folly Arboretum in Badacsonyörs.

Balaton Bike Tour will also bring in its latest high-quality electric bikes, which will be available for guided e-bike tours. You can even rent bikes at a 10% discount during the GastroHill weekends using the GASZTROHEGY2410 coupon code. Make sure to reserve your bike rental in advance!

A Boost for the Balaton Region “We’re thrilled to support GastroHill as it aligns with our goal of promoting Balaton year-round,” says Péter Princzinger, head of Visit Balaton365. “This program has proven its appeal, attracting both loyal guests and new visitors every year. This year, we’re giving it a fresh boost! It's worth signing up for one of BalatonBike365’s guided bike tours or renting a bike at a discount. These bikes will take you all the way up the hill!”

Themed Gastro Weekends 2024/2025:

• October 26-27: Head to the Forest!

• December 7-8: GastroHill Advent

• February 8-9: GastroHill Carnival Weekend

• March 29-30: Cycling Weekend – “One-handed” Cyclist Foods and Snacks

• May 10-11: GastroHill Tapas Weekend
   

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