The Best Things To Do On A Day Trip To Etyek

Known as the Napa Valley of Hungary, Etyek is a must-see destination for wine lovers

Napa Valley-meets-Hollywood in the Hungarian countryside at Etyek. Located just 30-minutes outside of Budapest by car, the village is a tranquil oasis of vineyards and quaint houses, with the peace interrupted only by actors in the throws of filming a major movie. From sampling Hungarian wine grown in local vineyards, to exploring movie sets at Korda Studios, and our Hungaricum tour, here are our favourite things to do in Etyek.

Hungarian Wine Tasting

Etyek is at the heart of one of the youngest and fastest growing wine regions in Hungary. As such, it’s only natural that one of the most popular activities here is wine tasting. In Etyek, visitors are spoilt for choice with wineries that open their doors for tours and tastings. Located on the picturesque Öreghegy (Old Hill) is Hernyák, a family-run estate with eight hectares of vineyards growing grapes for still and sparkling wine, and Bačka fruits for fruit brandies. Another Old Hill favourite is Haraszthy, a winery producing award-winning wines using modern methods inspired by tradition. A place for true wine connoisseurs, here guests can indulge in tours and tastings where they can sample up to nine different wines at a time. Over on the ‘New Hill’, Rókusfalvy Winery produces a variety of predominantly white and rosé wines which guests can sip on while taking in stunning panoramic views of the Hungarian countryside from the terrace.

Korda Studios

Besides wine, Etyek is known for its filmmaking industry. It’s home to Korda Studios, a film studios which has been used to produce scenes for a surprising array of movies and TV shows, including blockbusters like Blade Runner 2049, Inferno, The Martian, The Last Kingdom and Hellboy II. It has got three key backlots, New York, Renaissance and Medieval, as well as soundstages, water tanks, and much more. Korda Filmpark runs tours that give film enthusiasts an insight into the world of filmmaking through interactive exhibitions and activities such as set walks and a dramatic live stunt show. If you’re lucky, you may even meet a few stars.

Exploring The Village

While wine and film may be Etyek’s most enticing attractions, the characterful village itself is worth exploring for a taste of traditional Hungarian life. Get back to Hungary’s roots by exploring the charming village, which is filled with quaint tiled roof houses, beautiful Baroque and Roman churches, and rounded wine cellars. Hire a bike and cycle around the village and the surrounding countryside or take it in your stride with a leisurely walk before heading on to the next vineyard.

Etyek Pikniks

Each season, families and oenophiles from far and wide come to Etyek for a ‘Piknik’ weekend of live music, dancing and, of course, wine. From the winter-themed event each January, where mulled wine and roast pork keep revellers warm, to the sun-kissed summer event each June, each season features a fresh concept. The Pikniks are a great opportunity to sample local fare and drinks, while enjoying Hungarian hospitality, culture and shopping at the crafts market that lines the picnic area.

Hungaricum Tour

With so much to discover in Etyek, let Corinthia Hotel Budapest take the pressure of planning out of your hands with our Hungaricum tour. Meet your guide at the hotel and be whisked into the Hungarian countryside for a day of wine tasting, local cuisine, cultural entertainment and stunning scenery. It’s an excellent insight into rural Hungary and a memorable add-on to a trip to the historical city of Budapest.