Embracing the Last Golden Days of Summer in Hungary

The calendar insists summer is nearly over, but I’ve always believed those final golden days are something special. When the air cools just enough to take the edge off the heat, when the school bells threaten to ring again, yet the afternoons still stretch out lazily—it feels like borrowed time.

For me, the end of summer has always been about Balaton. By late August, the lake is a completely different character compared to July. The beach towns fall quiet, streets no longer echo with the shuffle of flip-flops and children’s laughter. Instead, you find space to breathe, to walk, to sit on a pier and just listen to the gentle lapping of the water. The sunsets—oh, the sunsets—turn the entire horizon into a painter’s palette, with fiery oranges giving way to dusty purples. It feels like nature is reminding you: endings can be beautiful too.

One evening I wandered through almost-empty streets, Hana tugging on the leash with curiosity, as if she too noticed how different everything smelled and sounded. We passed only a handful of people, couples walking slowly with ice creams, or locals enjoying the calm after the storm of summer tourism. The lake mirrored the sky in soft ripples, and for a moment, it felt like the world had slowed down just for us.

And then there was dinner—an evening that deserves its own postcard. At il Mercato Ristorante e Gelateria in Balatonakarattya, the atmosphere was as exquisite as the food. I ordered my favorite: grilled calamari with parsley potatoes and garlic spinach, the kind of dish that makes you pause between bites just to appreciate how perfectly everything fits together. A glass of crisp local wine in hand, the terrace lights glowing softly around us, it felt like a secret celebration of summer itself. That meal wasn’t just dinner—it was the closing chapter of a season, savored slowly, every bite carrying the memory of sunshine.

And that’s exactly what I love about this time of year. End-of-summer isn’t about cramming in one more beach day; it’s about leaning into slowness. Whether you’re hiking in the Buda Hills, cycling around Balaton’s famous bike path, or just taking long evening walks through your neighborhood, it’s the time to let the season fade gently, instead of rushing into autumn.

So if you can, savor these last days. Go outside, even if it’s just for a short walk. Catch the last warm rays of sunshine on your skin, taste the late-summer peaches at the market, watch the shadows grow a little longer every evening. Because these are the memories that carry us into autumn—the reminder that endings can feel just as rich as beginnings. I’ll always love the end of summer in Hungary!

What’s your favorite way to say goodbye to summer?