Only a 2-hour train ride from Budapest, the hills of 'The Hungarian Sea' offer a romantic getaway. That is especially true this season, with the Balaton Uplands and the southern shore covered in lavenders waiting to be harvested. So grab a basket (or get one on the spot), and escape the city for a day. We've collected the best lavender spots, with some of them also offering syrup tastings and a variety of handcrafted lavender products.
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Kőröshegy Lavender Field
Kőröshegyi Levendulás is the largest flower field on the southern shore, with 8 hectares of lavender colouring the landscape purple. Flowers can be picked up until the end of August, every day, from 9 am to 5 pm. You can choose from a range of harvest bags and baskets of different sizes (starting from HUF 2,200), which include pruning shears for a deposit of HUF 1,000. Visitor tickets are also available (HUF 1,800, for children HUF 800), so those accompanying you can enjoy the lavender vibes and choose from various handicrafts.
More details here.
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Lavender Labyrinth - Aszófő
Harvest from the labyrinth of lavender bushes on the outskirts of Aszófő, on road 71, at any time until 9 July. You will also find pruning shears and a harvest bag on site, and you are welcome to deposit your contributions in the honour box. Located on private land but open to the public, the labyrinth is designed to allow families to spend some quality time together.
More details here.
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Terbe Estate - Aszófő
While in Aszófő, also visit Terbe Estate. This programme not only includes the harvesting of lavender, but some optional crafting, too: you can make lavender picture frames, vases, and boxes. Appointments are required for the lavender picking though, call the following number to book your slot: +36 20 9749258.
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+1 Tihany
Tihany is the lavender capital of Hungary. The harvest on the fields lasts until 2 July this year, but the town is showered with its aftermath. Pop into Lavender Tihany to learn about the herb's origins, get your hands on cool lavender gifts (such as bouquets, wine, honey, shampoo, or cosmetics), or see how lavender oil gets extracted in their distillery. Try lavender-flavoured ice cream at Levendula Ice-cream Parlour, and visit Levendula Ház Visitor Centre to learn about the local flora and fauna before downing a refreshing glass of lavender cordial.
Trains leave from Déli Railway Station (Déli pályaudvar) daily. Check the timetable here.
