On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Füzér (Füzér) Castle throws open its gates for an atmospheric, all-evening Saint John’s Night (Szent Iván-éj) celebration inside its ancient walls. Perched on Várhegy in postal code 3996, the fortress invites visitors to linger after sunset, wander its courtyards, and soak up views of the Zemplén Hills as lanterns and bonfires set the midsummer mood. It’s the kind of summer evening that turns a castle into a stage and the night sky into a canopy. The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and timing, so check for updates before you go.
Where and when
The festivities unfold at Füzér (Füzér) Castle, Várhegy, Füzér, 3996, on 2026.06.20. It’s one of the most striking hilltop strongholds in northeastern Hungary, and this is the night to experience it under the stars, with guided walks and castle corners glowing in the half-light.
Free guided tours inside the castle
If you want stories with your starlight, you’re in luck: free, expert-led tours are on offer in Füzér (Füzér) Castle on the same day. Guides spotlight architecture, legends, and the castle’s strategic perch above the village. Nighttime lends a different rhythm—expect longer shadows, quieter corridors, and a stronger sense of time travel as the evening deepens.
Stay close: guesthouse by the castle
There’s a quiet dead-end lane right at the foot of the hill where a newly built, standalone guesthouse welcomes travelers after the revelry. Designed for comfort and groups, it sleeps eight across two double rooms and two triple rooms, with two bathrooms to keep mornings smooth. Indoors, you get a bright communal space with an eat-in kitchen; outdoors, a covered terrace and a generous fenced yard fitted with garden furniture. Bring friends—the setup is ideal for kettle cooking over an open fire, grilling bacon skewers, and long conversations. Parking? Unlimited on-site space, so multiple cars aren’t a headache.
Eat, sip, repeat: bistros and cellars
Make it a full weekend with a detour through Zemplén and Tokaj-Hegyalja’s food-and-wine scene. Local bistros lean into seasonal, regional ingredients, pour standout Tokaji selections, and can even stage corporate tastings. Think custom-curated flights, smart little bites, specialty coffee, house-made coolers, and craft beers for the non-wine crowd.
Tokaj’s working cellars
Around Erdőbénye—a spot known by many as the world’s “center,” with a wink—you’ll find a proper working cellar focused on turning grapes into character-rich wines. Tradition counts: Aszú rests in new gönci oak barrels, while other bottles age patiently in the cool dark. Because most days are spent in the vines or with the wines, arrange your visit in advance if you want to see the magic mid-process.
Telkibánya taverns and heritage aging
Over in Telkibánya, a straightforward wine tavern keeps things relaxed. Across the region, family cellars carry on centuries-old methods: noble cellar mold lining the walls, seasoned oak, and that distinct Tokaji fingerprint. Expect a lineup covering multiple vintages with sweet, semi-sweet, and dry specialties—the kind of tasting that maps a terroir from glass to glass.
Béres Winery’s energetic edge
Béres Vineyard and Winery (Béres Szőlőbirtok) brings youthful energy to Tokaj-Hegyalja. The family aimed high—top-tier wines that burnish Tokaj’s reputation at home and abroad—and delivered from their first 2003 vintage. Credit the soils and microclimate, deliberately low yields, and gentle processing. Their motto “Every drop is Béres” telegraphs a commitment to quality, reliability, and staying power.
Bodnár’s blend of heritage and tech
Founded by horticultural engineer Dr. Sándor Bodnár and run with winemaker son-in-law József Repei, Bodnár Winery (Bodnár Pincészet) marries immaculate fruit and hands-on pressing with age-old craftsmanship and modern technique. Tasting programs can host up to 30 guests with advance booking, and they’ll handle corporate events, too. From late April to early October, find their Tokaj Wine and Gastro Terrace open in Zemplén Adventure Park—ideal for pairing fresh air with a crisp pour.
Czemiczki’s first-class vineyards
The Czemiczki family cultivates vines in Tolcsva’s historically first-class Rány, Csető, and Serédi vineyards, blending Tokaj-Hegyalja traditions with up-to-date tech. Book tastings on site, visit during one of their events, or grab bottles from the comfort of your sofa via their webshop. It’s a direct line to slopes that have shaped wine for generations.
Pool, sauna, view: Csillagfény
For a restorative base, the Csillagfény Guesthouse and Restaurant sits peacefully at the foot of Magas-hegy, flaunting big views and calm vibes. Ten air-conditioned rooms sleep 25 in comfort, and there’s a private swimming pool and sauna to complete the reset. The kitchen covers Hungarian staples, with vegetarian and diabetic-friendly options on the menu, so everyone eats well.
Pizzas, burgers, and quick bites
Craving something casual? El Bundi Pizzeria in Sárospatak delivers pizzas, burgers, gyros, and made-to-order mains right to your door. Perfect if you’re back from the castle late and want something hearty without leaving the sofa.
Hercegkút’s rustic feasts
In Hercegkút, a family winery weaves Tokaji traditions together with fresh ideas. Visit for a tasting, stay for wood-fired oven dishes, and, with prior arrangement, book wine dinners or music-filled evenings. It’s convivial, unpretentious, and everything you want from a countryside night out.
Mark your calendar for more
Midsummer night is just the start. On June 27, Füzér (Füzér) Village Day brings local color. From August 21–23, Füzér (Füzér) Castle Days pack the hill with history, performances, and pageantry. October 3 doubles up with the 17th Füzér (Füzér) Pálinka Festival and the Zemplén Free Pálinka Festival—fiery fruit spirits, live culture, and a crisp autumn backdrop. From summer into fall, the region keeps the invitations coming.
Final note
Dates and programs may change at short notice. Before you set off for Várhegy or book a tasting, confirm the latest info with organizers and hosts. Then let the night—and the wines—do the rest.
