You won’t go home empty-handed: here is what farmers’ markets in the countryside have to offer

Markets are a way of life: wherever you travel, they give you the essence of the region’s atmosphere, and – of course – the finest produce and tasteful handicrafts. In the meantime, we chat, taste, exchange recipes and support the local community and small producers with our purchases. And there is always something happening at creative farmers’ markets, with new programmes and novelties every week. Let’s see some of the fairs that deserve to be in the running for the most prestigious title in their category.

Long gone are the days when the lake only offered exciting activities in the summer season! Every Saturday throughout the year, the colourful, bustling ‘PiacPlacc’ (Market Place), of national and international fame, awaits you next to the Tihany ferry terminal. It is worth bringing a big basket, as you can be sure that you will fill it with goodies: smoked sausages, juicy fruits, seasonal vegetables, jams, pickles, honey, homemade pastries, cakes and cookies. The market also offers themed events such as ‘HelloTök’ (Hello Pumpkin), ‘Rosehip Picnic’ or ‘Bio Búcsú’ (goodbye summer party offering organic products).

The Danube Bend is worth a trip for the scenery and proximity to nature alone, but every Saturday, there is one more reason to visit: the Nagymaros Farmers’ Market is held in the beautiful surroundings of the Main Square. The products of the farmers of the Danube Bend andBörzsöny Mountains are waiting for us at the stands – the organisers only welcome vendors who represent tradition, craftsmanship and quality. You can buy dairy products, meat, honey, eggs, home-made baked goods and cakes directly from the producers, as well as organic jams and juices from the surrounding villages.  It is worth a visit even if you are looking for a pleasant stroll and a family atmosphere – but you are sure not to leave without a fairing gift.

Tokaj-Hegyalja has both natural and man-made attractions, and it is undeniable that the region’s main attractions are its fine wines and delicious food. The gastronomic tour is perfectly complemented by the Tokaj-Hegyalja Market, which is held on the second Sunday of every month at the Disznókő estate, in the square around the Yellow Wine House, and was created by seven market and Hegyalja enthusiast ladies in 2012. In addition to quality fruit and vegetables from Tokaj-Hegyalja and the surrounding region, the booths will feature small quantities of handmade cheeses, meats, jams, syrups, oils, vinegars and bakery products. The specialties of the wine region can also be found here: you can buy Tokaj wine vinegar, grape seed oil, jams spiced with Aszú wine, soap made with Furmint, but you can also choose from a selection of handmade ceramics, wickerwork and jewellery. We can also enjoy the market’s function as a community space, where we can meet and talk.

Local producers offer their delicacies from special, yurt-shaped booths at the Hétvezér Market in the town of Nagygyimót. You will find all the local goods you can imagine: from an incredible selection of fresh, seasonal fruit to eggs, meat, baked goods, flowers and handicrafts. You can even buy a wicker shopping basket and quickly fill it up with all sorts of goodies, or even take part in joint breakfasts that bring vendors and customers closer together.

The alpha and omega of farmers’ markets, the Liliomkert Market in Káptalantóti opened in 2007 on the farmland of IldikóHarmathy. Since then, a real community has developed around it, which is now a meeting place for locals and visitors alike. On Sunday mornings, it is worth arriving and taking the time to explore every nook and cranny, soaking up the atmosphere. Freshly baked bread rolls, scones and pastries of all kinds, fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, meats and sausages, cheeses, jams, canned fruits and syrups are waiting to be added to our pantry. You can also expand your household with handcrafted crockery or exciting antiques.

The Kővári Goat Farm in Káptalantóti is another gem: the ‘Kinga Kamrája’ (the Pantry of Kinga) Farm Shop offers locally made goat cheeses and smoked meats. There are also many other local, farm-grown goods: eggs, sauces, jams, preserved food, dried pasta, tea blends, oils, spices, vegetables, fruit and fresh bakery products. If you are hungry, you can also order a hot meal made from fresh, local ingredients.