A Lovely Weekend in a New European Capital of Culture Veszprém-Balaton – 2023
Following my visit to the region, I’m happy to prepare the 4th post together with creative practitioners of the region about must-visit places in Veszprem-Balaton on my blog!
This time my text is inspired by Katinka Hasparai, an amazing tour guide and passionate storyteller. This year, her home region is holding the prestigious status of the European Capital of Culture Veszprém-Balaton – 2023 and experiencing a huge interest of tourists from all over the world.
The secret of her skillful guidance – her stories and tours always leave lasting impressions because she continues creating long-weekend tours for herself and her friends.
Katinka studied Tourism and Catering at the University of Pannonia in Veszprém, and has been working as a licensed tour guide since 2015 in her spare time.
She organised tours for fellow students and smaller groups in her hometown, Veszprém.
Usually she takes sightseeing tours for the Tourinform Veszprém and for the Idegenvezetők Veszprém organization.
'What I love most about this profession is the diversity and miscellaneousness, - says Katinka. - The tourists never have the same interest, age, or cultural background. It’s challenging to create the route for the group that fits everyone's needs. I prefer organizing personalized trips for smaller groups.
3 must-visit places in Veszprém-Balaton
According to the opinions of most Katinka's guests, the following three places should become the obligatory part of one's cultural programme.
The Fire Lookout Tower’s garden
Located next to the center of the House of Arts, the Fire Lookout Tower’s garden is a hidden jem the historic castle district.
The art scene in Veszprém has always represented freedom and intellectual heights, where contemporary artists and painters take turns in presenting new exhibitions.
The garden is a scene for many cultural occasions, perfect for opening ceremonies, music-, dance-, and theater performances, writer-audience meetings and so on.
This venue has a special atmosphere, where you can simply sit down, pause a little bit, enjoy the moment and take a breath.
The Tihany Peninsula of Lake Balaton
Tihany, a picturesque village, can be reached by car within 30 min from Veszprém. It is one of the most attractive destinations among tourists.
Visitors are attracted by the extinct volcanoes, turquoise Hungarian Sea, fabulous lavender fields, authentic village, and the Benedictine Abbey with Mediterranean landscape filled with white sailing boats.
What to begin with?
'I highly recommend getting up early in the morning so as not to miss the breathtaking sunrise.
Badacsony and its surroundings
Badacsony is a lovely, small village situated on hills. According to Katinks, locals consider it one of the most beautiful hills in Hungary.
Its characteristic shape has a symbolic significance, representing at the same time the Lake Balaton.
Vine-lovers particularly praise the local wines. One of the favorite places among visitors is the famous Laposa estate. They make wine tasting a really authentic experience.