Forever associated with summer, Hungary’s prime holiday destination of Lake Balaton south-west of Budapest is gearing more and more towards autumn. Along with the gorgeous colors of the season, and a string of resorts with guesthouses and restaurants well versed in catering to visitors, cellars and vineyards surround the lake. One of Hungary’s leading regions for wine production comes into its own in the fall, with tours, visits and themed meals. There’s also plenty of outdoor adventure, with hiking, animal reserves and sightseeing by rowboat.

In the English-subtitled video below, provided to We Love Budapest by the Hungarian Tourism Agency, a new promotion spotlights Lake Balaton with specific focus on autumn. We follow the camera as it sails over russet landscapes and shimmering waters before popping into a contemporary restaurant where wine is a main feature. Hikers can follow paths along the Tihany peninsula that head down to Sajkod bay, a lovely concealed spot, while animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Kápolnapuszta Buffalo Reserve. The Tapolca Lake Cave is unique in that you experience its otherworldly atmosphere by paddling around it. The thermal waters of Hévíz are globally famous but other spa destinations of Zalakaros and Kehidakustány also await.

How to get there from Budapest:Trains leave from the Buda stations of Déli and Kelenföld, each with their own metro stop, on red line M2 and green M4 respectively. The journey to Siófok takes 1hr 20min, and to Hévíz/Keszthely, 2hr 45min via Balatonszentgyörgy.