Vonyarcvashegy brings several specific interests together in one place: the history of Balaton fishing, sailing and cycling by the water, seasonal water sports, and connections to wine. On Szent Mihály Hill, a chapel commemorates the rescue of ice fishermen; the Balatoni Bringakörút passes directly by Vonyarc Marina. The options range from a memorial site to water sports and cultural activities. You can plan your trip around your own interests: fishing history, water sports, cycling or wine.
Fishing history: chapel, memorial site and exhibition boat
The Szent Mihály Fogadalmi Halászkápolna stands on the 136-metre-high Szent Mihály Hill. It commemorates the rescue of 40 ice fishermen. The hill and chapel provide a clearly identified place for this memorial.
At the 40 halász memorial site, a relief by ceramic artist János Németh depicts the story of the fishermen who were rescued. The relief gives the memorial site its own artistic dimension. The Érték vagy! Park and Halászkert also has an interactive attraction about the history of Balaton fishing. For this, the fishing boat Süllő II was converted into an exhibition space; the attraction opened in 2026. The chapel, relief and boat each offer a different perspective: commemoration of the rescue, an artistic depiction, and an interactive exploration of fishing history.
The same theme is reflected in the memorial day for the 40 fishermen, the Day of Balaton Fishermen: held every year in early August since 1994, it involves the Balaton Fishing Company. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the event date for the year in question.
Sailing, cycling and seasonal water sports
Vonyarc Marina is one of the newest marinas on Lake Balaton and can accommodate nearly 100 boats that are longer than 40 feet. The size specified therefore refers to larger boats. The Balatoni Bringakörút passes directly by the marina. The harbour and cycling route offer two different ways for travellers to enjoy sailing and cycling.
At Lido Beach in Vonyarcvashegy, there is a wingfoil and windsurfing school, a water-skiing course and a diving platform. These activities are seasonal. If you plan to try one of them, it is worth checking whether it will be operating on your travel dates.
Wine connections and other cultural points of interest
At the Festetics Helikon Taverna Museum, visitors can learn about the history of viticulture and winemaking. The Zenit Balaton Restaurant, above the cellar, offers a different experience: historic grape varieties are available for tasting. The focus differs: the museum explores the history of growing grapes and making wine, while the restaurant offers tastings of historic grape varieties. Vonyarcvashegy therefore offers two distinct approaches for wine enthusiasts.
The 7.38-metre-high Fénykereszt stands at the summit of Csándor Hill in Vonyarcvashegy. Together with Szent Mihály Hill, these are two different hills that are home to cultural landmarks: the fishing chapel stands on one, and the cross on the other.
Discover more destinations: Esztergályhorváti, Zalaszántó, Gyenesdias, Balatongyörök, Zalavár, Keszthely, Vindornyalak, Karmacs.
For the wider travel overview: Keszthelyi.
