Summer 2020 is not cancelled – Three LGBT-friendly alternatives for a summer getaway in Hungary
We’ve been waiting for summer for a very long time. From the moment autumn started last year, we had all sorts of plans for summer 2020 being full of festivals, beach trips and lots of memorable moments… until Miss COVID-19 took the stage in March, said “This party is over”, and turned the lights off.
Fortunately, after 3 months of quarantine in Hungary and the respective precautionary measures, life seems to be coming back right on time for us to enjoy the warmer months. Maybe not in the usual ways we are used to, with big summer trips and festivals, but at least we can get out of our living room and explore other alternatives. We bring you three LGBT friendly destinations that you can visit in Hungary, so you can stay away from airports and difficult border controls that keep changing every now and then.
Destination: Sopron
Accommodation: Hotel Sopron
A harmonious 4-star hotel awaits you near the Austrian border, just a few steps away from the heart of town with real hospitality and an unmatched view to the historic town centre of Sopron.
Sopron is one of the most beautiful towns in western Hungary, famous for its exquisite wine thanks to the flourishing vineyards across the region, and its medieval Inner Town (Belváros) which is still intact and surrounded by cobbled streets that make a regular walk a real visual pleasure.
Sopron is also close to the famous Lake Neusiedl, or as Hungarians call it, Fertő-tó. It offers ample opportunities for sailing and windsurfing, while also being a great option to get in the water and refresh yourself without the usual big crowds that should be avoided at the moment. You can also enjoy a calm relaxing time at the wellness area of the hotel, sitting in the jacuzzi with a panoramic view of Sopron.
For more information visit their official channels:
Website – https://hotelsopron.hu/en
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hotelsopron
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hotelsopron_and_vinosseum/
Destination: Harkány
Accommodation: Dráva Hotel
Home of the thermal water renowned throughout Europe, Harkány is a town with a Mediterranean climate at the foot of the Villány Mountains. This area, along the Dráva River in Baranya County, is rich in historical and cultural assets, folk traditions and natural beauty. The impressive villages of the region, medieval Hungarian castles and picturesque churches enchant visitors.
While visiting Harkány, you are welcome to stay at the Dráva Hotel which can easily be reached by car in only 20 minutes from Pécs (25 km) and only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Budapest (220 km).
During the day, you can enjoy the beautiful sights the region has to offer, while in the late afternoon you can finish your day at the spa, equipped with an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, two Finnish saunas, a steam room, a salt room and a fitness room for cardio trainings.
For more information visit their official channels:
Website – http://dravahotel.hu/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dravahotel.harkany
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drava_hotel/
Destination: Balaton
Accommodation: Kristinus Wine Hotel
Lake Balaton is known for the outstanding vineyards around it, among other things. It is the heart of the Hungarian vacation season – the majority of Hungarians come here for quick weekend getaways. It’s a major holiday destination with beaches, volcanic hills, resort towns and high-rise hotels along its 197 km shoreline.
Kristinus Wine Hotel is the perfect destination for whine enthusiasts. In addition to comfort and premium services, sustainability comes first in their ten-room vinotel. The experience of perfect relaxation is completed by the closeness of nature, Lake Balaton, and an excellent kitchen.
Guests can take part in wine tastings at the estate’s winery, where they will get to know the different processes of winemaking. They can also take a leisurely walk in the vineyards, or simply enjoy the organic wines on the terrace. Another relaxing alternative is to enjoy private screenings in their recently opened cinema, combined with wine from the cellar and appropriate snacks.
For more information visit their official channels:
Website – https://www.kristinus.hu/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KristinusWineEstate/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kristinus_wineestate/
It is important to highlight that you will feel completely safe during your stay at any of these hotels, as they are LGBT friendly and they also welcome pets so you can bring your furry buddies with you.
No need to go very far to have a good summer while being conscious about the global pandemic, in addition to supporting small local businesses that also support the LGBT community. Let’s explore Hungary during summer 2020!
