Located 35 km from Zalakaros, Festetics Castle is one of the most significant landmarks in Keszthely. Its construction began in the mid-18th century, but its final form was achieved only in the late 1800s after extensive renovations and expansions. Today, as the third largest castle in Hungary, the baroque complex operates as a museum and visitor center, welcoming visitors year-round.
Located 35 km from Zalakaros, the Festetics Castle is one of the most significant landmarks in Keszthely. Its construction began in the mid-18th century, but its final form was achieved only in the late 1800s after extensive renovations and expansions. Today, as the third largest castle in Hungary, the baroque complex operates as a museum and visitor center, welcoming visitors year-round.
The Festetics family, of Croatian origin, moved their headquarters to Hungary in the 17th century, and in 1739, Keszthely became their permanent residence, with the estate owned by Kristóf Festetics at that time. The construction of the castle began in 1745, and thanks to the family, the city prospered, with pharmacies and hospitals established in Keszthely.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle underwent extensive renovations, nearly doubling its original size, faithfully reflecting the grandeur of the building. After extending the central and eastern wings, the northern wing was completed to accommodate ballrooms and guest suites. The building was equipped with central heating and plumbing, and the façades, interior spaces, and staircases were renovated.
Entering the castle park through an ornate main gate, visitors are greeted by a statue of Count Festetics György in the front garden. The entire castle park is under nature conservation, offering pleasant walks for visitors with its centuries-old trees, flowers, and fountains. The castle is surrounded by a French garden, and behind it lies an English garden, while a palm house has also been created in the park.
Keszthely hosts numerous cultural events every year, many of which are held in the Festetics Castle’s ceremonial hall, where various events, temporary, and permanent exhibitions can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Permanent exhibitions on the castle grounds include:
Further information can be found on the Festetics Castle website.
The quality of service was excellent throughout our four-day stay. The hotel staff were exceptionally courteous, the room was clean and comfortable, we enjoyed delicious food in the restaurant, and the wellness area was very relaxing.
István HorváthHarmadszor pihentünk a Belenus Hotelben, és ismét nem csalódtunk. Nagyon kellemes, kényelmes, szép hotel. Kiváló személyzet, akik figyelnek a vendég kívánságára. Az ételek finomak és változatosak, a felszolgálók nagyon figyelmesek, gyorsak.
Szabó KálmánAlles super. Zimmer, Essen vom feinsten. Ich kann dieses Hotel nur weiterempfehlen. Das Personal ist auch sehr nett.
Bochmann ThomasOne of the best hotels we've stayed at during our travels (worldwide!!!). Clean, spacious room (superior), excellent wellness area (we didn't even go to the large bath), and the breakfast and dinner offer a wide selection, with the food being incredibly delicious.
Marianna Glück-MolnárDas Hotel kann man ohne Bedenken weiterempfehlen! Vor allem die Verpflegung, Freundlichkeit und Aufmerksamkeit des Personal s, einschließlich Hotelleitung, ist kaum zu überbieten.
Birgitt Vandrey