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Lake Velence is the third largest freshwater lake in Hungary. It is situated halfway between Lake Balaton and Budapest near the highway M7 connecting the Hungarian capital and Lake Balaton. The lake which is always different in appearance captivates the visitors in every season. In summer it offers great opportunities to bathe, provides an ideal place enthusiastic surfers and waterski lovers. It attracts with numerous programmes taking place near the lakeshore. Due to its low level, the lake freezes up nearly every winter so wintersport lovers can easily find the leisure activity which suits them best.
Useful links, portals about Gárdony and Lake Velence, program offers:
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Schnapps distiller of Agárd: Different kinds of schnapps produced in the world-famous manufacture of Agárd invite you to an exciting expedition in the versatile world of flavours and scents - with presentation and schnapps-tasting. By appointment, groups consisting of minimum 4 persons can be offered special lunch or dinner which include special food prepared in a stone oven.
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Boat trip at sunset: At Lake Velence sunset is a fascinating sight which provides an unforgettable experience. You can take part in scheduled boat trips at dusk from 1th May to 18th October. In case of groups consisting of a certain number of participants non-scheduled trips can also be organized. Boats depart from the port next to the hotel.
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Arboretum of Pákozd-Sukoró: It is situated within walking distance from the boat station of the Mosquito-Island (Szúnyog-sziget) and has a large collection of plants. From its look-out tower there is a marvellous view of Lake Velence which captivates with its unique beauty. The Arboretum awaits visitors with its nice pond, areas arranged for family picnics and a huge „experience castle” for children.
Address: Pákozd, Mészeg-hegy, Opening hours: from 1st April to 31st October between 10:00 and 18:00, except for Mondays.
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Vörösmarty Mihály Memorial Museum: The exhibition presents life and lifework of the famous Hungarian poet as well as the history of the Vörösmarty-cult which dates back to Vörösmarty’s death. The most important documents relating to Vörösmarty’s life are also shown at the exhibition.
Address: Kápolnásnyék, Vörösmarty Mihály u. 31.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00, except for Mondays. |
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Wine tasting, wine tours: By appointment, you can taste wine in wine cellars belonging to the Etyek-Buda wine region. On request, rural dishes and bread spread with lard are offered to our guests on these occasions. In the wine-cellar of our hotel groups consisting of at least 8 visitors are given the opportunity to taste different kinds of wine produced in this region. |
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Csákvár: The wonderful Esterházy-castle and the park next to it can be regarded as the pride of the village. The castle is not only a health care centre, but a historical monument as well. It is worth visiting the Saint Francis chapel and the Pottery Memorial House.
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The Castle of Csókakő and Mór: The castle ruin of Csókakő is the only castle in Fejér County the history of which dates back to the Middle Ages. We recommend you to visit the Lamberg-castle in Mór. The baroque Capuchin Church, the statue of Blessed Giselle, the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, the Láncos-castle, the old wine cellars (wine press houses and wine cellars) and the wine museum are the most famous sights in Mór. |
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The Brunszvik Castle of Martonvásár: You can admire the huge shade-giving trees standing on an island of a small pond that is located in a nice English park. The Beethoven memorial exhibition has been organized to commemorate the great composer. In the Nursery School Museum situated near the park artefacts and toys are exhibited giving a fair picture of the history of the Hungarian nursery schools. At the exhibition children can try the toys which were used by their great-grandparents in their childhood. |
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Pákozd: The most well-known sights of the village are the monument of Mészeg-hill which has been erected to commemorate the Hungarian revolution of 1848, the memorial chapel commemorating those soldiers who were killed at the Don River in World War II and the Arboretum, Country Museum and Fishing exhibition of Pákozd-Sukoró. It is worth visiting the “rocking stones” (granite stones) which can be considered to be unique geological formations in Europe. The Lake Bella and the Anikó Spring are also highly popular locations with tourists. |
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Székesfehérvár: The town where Hungarian kings were crowned is rich in historic sights, including the beautiful town centre, the archaeological and fine art collections and the special and valuable monuments in public places. The Globus Cruciger, the Bishop’s Palace, the Ruin Garden, the Saint Stephen Basilica and the romantic Bory Castle provide an unforgettable experience like the colourful cultural events the aim of which is to preserve traditions. |
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The Arboretum of Alcsútdoboz: The most genuine English Park in Hungary is located on a 40 ha area where Váli and Vértesacsa brooks encounter. The reconstructed chapel and the doll house host various exhibitions; the castle park offers great entertainment facilities to visitors longing for leisure activities in the nature. Tourists seeking cultural attractions should visit the remains of the Habsburg castle of Alcsútdoboz with a stable and some manorial buildings. The castle ruins in Vál, the Vajda House and the tower built in the Middle Ages are also worth a visit. |
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Cruise: From 1 May to 18 October scheduled boat trips are available every day, between Velence and Pákozd, Szúnyog island. Tourists may also take part in a 50 minute boat trip every day and in summertime at agreed times. The boats depart from the port of Gárdony. Children are welcome aboard the fairy tale ship. |
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Bird reservation: The southern part of Lake Velence consists of large and coherent reedy areas. Unique nesting birds live in the prrotected reedy area and the marshland of the lake. Floating moors deserve special attention among the habitats. The floating moors are formed on dead water vegetation and comprise marsh fern, sedge Carex elanta, several species of peat moss, marsh nettle and the rare fen orchid. These slowly-moving quasi islands play a crucial part in maintaining water quality by filtering and acidifying the alkaline water of the lake. The Reservation can only be visited if the required permission has been obtained. Visitors should be joined by a trained guide. |
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Tác-Gorsium: The Archaeological Park is located in Fejér County in the huge excavation area next to Tác. The largest Archaeological Park in Hungary presents the remnants of the ancient Roman city called Gorsium. The remnants which have been reconstruated in their original form give an all-round picture of life and history of this ancient city. As for the programmes which are adjusted to the festive days of the ancient Romans, the season-opening Floralia and the Ludi Romani at the end of summer promote the dissemination of antique culture. Gladiator games, processions and some other programmes are organized at these festivals.
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Study tour on the lake: Between April and October canoe trips are organized for groups. These trips can be compared to environmental lessons at school. The participants paddle across the reedy area in the western part of Lake Velence for about one hour and a half. During this tour participants can see varied habitats: the open water, islands covered with reedy areas and mud as well as narrow, romantic paths. Fauna and flora of the study trail has many similarities to those of the Reservation. The study path does not cross into the protected areas. |
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The Nature Park in Vértes: Walking on the rugged surface of the dolomite mountain, visitors can discover flora and fauna of the area that is rich in rare species. Besides, hiker can see unique geological formations. The tour on a 15-20 person carriage departing from the Geszner House in Csákvár offers a unique journey to the past. The Nature Park includes two marvellous walking trails: the Vidrafű study route and the Haraszti Hill study path which have a lot to offer to those who long to see special natural values. The Gesztner House in Csákvár offers a popular science exhibition with presentations aiming to provide an insight into the world of natural attractions. Lying on the edge of the Vértes Mountain, Bolgártanya offers a wide range of programmes for children (including beckoning a puli-back [puli=small and shaggy black Hungarian shepherd], rabbit hunting, straw bale rolling, pottery workshop) |
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On our website and the official website of the town Gárdony you can find up-to-date information about places worth visiting and events taking place in this region.
www.gardony.hu
Squash: The hotel has an own squash court which is available for our guests. Reservations can be made at the reception desk of the hotel.
Tennis: Our guests who want to play tennis can pursue their hobby in the park of the hotel (but only during peak season)
Cycling: Cycle around Lake Velence and discover its surroundings using the bycicles that can be rent in our hotel! On request, we organize cycle trips at the date stipulated.
Surf: Indulge in the joys of watersport next to our hotel and place your surf in the surf store of our hotel at the end of the day.
Jogging: Guests wanting to pursue sport in the fresh air should go to the 1200 meter long running track located in the Park forrest of Agárd in breathtaking surroundings. If you want to cover longer distances, you should run round the lake covering 32 km!
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Golf: In the Pannonia Golf Club of Alcsútdoboz (lying at a distance of 35 km from our hotel) golf-player or those who only want to learn to play golf can choose between exclusive courts with 18 and 9 holes.
Hiking tours:
Pákozd–rocking stones–Angelika spring–Sukoró, distance: 10 km, altitude difference: 120 m
Sukoró–Angelika spring–Nadap, distance: 7 km, altitude difference: 125 m
Two hiking routes in the Nature Park of Vértes:
- Vidrafű study path: is 13,5 km long, it takes at least 6 hours to cover this distance. The walking tour includes visiting the Csíkvarsa meadow and Ülőkút.
- study path on the Haraszt-hill: is 3,5 km long; walking time: 1,5-2 hours.
This is one of the most spectacular routes in Vértes. At the seven stations of this study path you can get to know some geological specialities, flora and fauna which is rich in rare species and you can enjoy the marvellous view.
Angling: Anglers can pursue their hobby both on the lakeshore and in the tangled reedy area of the lake.
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Adventure playground: The adventure playground for elder children and the traditional playground for younger children are near the lake situated in the lower part of the Arboretum of Pákozd-Sukoró. Opening hours: 1st April - 31. October, between 10:00 and 18:00, except for Mondays
Kayak, canoe: You can rent 1 and 2-person kayaks as well as 3 and 7-person canoes in several places at Lake Velence.
Horse-riding: There are riding-schools in settlements (Nadap, Pákozd and Sukoró) located within spitting distance of Gárdony. In these riding-schools our guests can ride a horse or take part in cross-country riding or in therapeutic riding. Both adults and children have the possibility to take riding lessons.
Dragon boat: Larger and adventuresome groups are advised to rent a dragon boat – on request, a guide joins the groups.
Sailing: Our 4-person Amphora sailing boat and a 3-person Pirate sailing boat are available for shorter or longer periods.
Waterski, wakeboard: Waterski and wakeboard lovers can use the water ski track on the free beach from spring to autumn, every day from 10 a. m. to 6 p.m.
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