Where it is easy to fall in love: romantic places with romantic stories

Legends about lovers go back to the very beginning of human history: they are not just fairy tales, but also cultural treasures that hold the promise of love and the realisation of dreams. While these legends take us back to the past, they also inspire us to look for love and happiness in the present. As they have been handed down through the centuries, these narratives become part of the milieu of a place, contributing to the mystical charm of the given area.

The area around Lake Balaton is a realm of mysterious legends, where the simple beauty of the landscape is interwoven with magical stories. The famous Rózsakő (Rose Stone), not far from Sándor Kisfaludy’s former press house near Badacsony, is not only a stone, but also the scene of a romantic story. It is named after Róza Szegedy, who is said to have often stayed here with Kisfaludy, enchanted by the beauty of the landscape.

This is presumably the origin of the legend attached to the stone, according to which if a couple sit down on the stone with their hands intertwined, back to the lake, they can ensure that their love will be fulfilled that year and they will never be separated. But it is not only couples who can enjoy the charm of the place; those who sit alone on the basalt block with their backs to Lake Balaton can conjure up their thoughts of love, and the story goes that it will come true. If you are willing to believe in the magical power of legends, it is worth a try in this fabulous location.

Superstition or not, it’s not worth sitting with your back towards Lake Balaton for too long, as Rózsakő offers a breathtaking panorama. If you fancy a hike, the 4.6-kilometre Tűzgyűrű trail starts from here, with ten stations showing the geological attractions of the region and the formation of Lake Balaton. You can relax at Villa Salvé in Badacsonytomaj, one street down. Talking about romance: in this stylish yet cosy accommodation, you can hide from the world, but the world can’t hide from you! The panoramic terrace of the estate offers a magnificent view of the landscape below. Picnic baskets are available on site, and you can enjoy the delicacies under the old walnut tree, while watching the sunset. A must for gourmets is the intimate wine tasting at the Nimfeum family winery.

Legend has it that the Tokaj region was once populated by fairies, happily living in a fairytale landscape, but a local volcano brought unrest to the area. One day, tragedy befell a pair of playful fairy lovers: the boy, as he and his partner were merrily chasing each other, fell into a crater and met his doom. His love, the fairy girl, huddled on the side of the mountain, weeping tears for her lover. These tears soaked the soil and since then, the wine has carried the sweet taste of Tokaj grapes.

Although we already know that the secret of Tokaj wine lies in the fertile, mineral-rich, volcanic soil, the inimitable climate, the indigenous grape varieties and the unique process, it never hurts to add a little romance. Whatever the case, we can have sweet moments with our sweethearts over a honeyed aszú wine!

According to the locals, the legendary spring of the Tihany peninsula is linked to St. Ladislaus, who, according to legend, discovered it himself. Its water has a special power: drinking it brings marriage to those who desire it. The story goes that if you drink from the spring and make a wish, it will come true. This legend creates an atmosphere around the Tihany peninsula that has made it a place of love and the search for happiness for locals and visitors alike, and has contributed to its mystical and romantic appeal over the centuries.

As you explore these romantic locations, you will get a glimpse into the legends that have shrouded the area for thousands of years. These tales are not only evocative of the past, they also carry real romance in themselves. It can be worth going on an adventure and exploring these places to inject a little romance into everyday life, or going on a journey to find true love with magical help. Remember, the magic of legends is all around us!