Welcome to the picturesque village of Helesfa!
Nestled in southern Hungary, Helesfa is a charming village of 300 residents, ideally located between the historic towns of Pécs (25 km) and Szigetvár (22 km). Set in the rolling foothills of the Mecsek Mountains, within the Zselic National Park, the area offers breathtaking views and a peaceful, natural setting.
The surrounding hills are dotted with old wine cellars that overlook vineyards and orchards. A gentle freshwater stream flows through the valley toward the nearby Helesfa Lake, adding to the village’s tranquil charm.
Our traditional cottages offer a warm welcome—whether you're exploring rural Hungary by bike, horseback, or on foot; tasting award-winning regional wines; or simply looking to unwind with family or friends in an authentic countryside setting.
The cottages have been awarded the Three Sunflowers ⯑⯑⯑ certification by Hungarian Village Tourism, a mark of quality and comfort. The estate features a children's playground (with a tree swing and climbing ladder), a barbecue area, a picnic space, and an outdoor fireplace.
Depending on the season, you can also purchase fresh eggs, honey, fruits, and vegetables from the farm. Bicycles are available for rent (3 adult bikes).
Juniper Guesthouse
The thick-walled brick building once served as a barn and later as an agricultural outbuilding. Since 2006, it has welcomed guests with a renewed exterior, offering cool shelter within its walls on hot summer days.
The accommodation includes a terrace overlooking a leafy, flower-filled garden, as well as an outdoor (but covered) play area (swing, hammock, picnic corner) and a unique barbecue spot arranged around a traditional well.
The 80 m² guesthouse accommodates 6+1 people and features a bathroom, a kitchen, and a separate bedroom (with one bunk bed and two single beds), along with a 15 m² living/dining room. Above this, there is an open loft space that can be used as a bedroom, equipped with one double bed and one single bed.
The house is heated in winter, and in summer, the thick walls and shaded barn door help keep it cool—additionally, the bedroom has air conditioning for extra comfort.
Total capacity: 6 beds
Mushroom Cottage
A nearly one-hundred-year-old, traditionally built and renovated farmhouse with an arched porch and thick adobe walls that keep out the summer heat and retain warmth during the winter. The standalone guesthouse features a dining area, a well-equipped kitchen, a large room (serving as both bedroom and living room), a smaller bedroom, and a bathroom. The farmhouse also includes a private parking space and its own garden.
In winter, the small house is heated by a wood-burning fireplace.
Size: 42 m² – large room (with a double bed), kitchen, small room (with a bunk bed), bathroom (with shower). The bathroom is accessible from the arched porch.
Total capacity: 4 beds
Prices
Mushroom Cottage: 75 Euro / cottage / night (up to 3 guests)
Juniper Guesthouse: 100 Euro / guesthouse / night (up to 4 guests)
10 euros for extra guests or pets per night
Sights and Destinations
The area around Helesfa offers countless opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. Just 6 km away, tucked in the hills of the Zselic, lies Gyűrűfű Ecovillage. Here you can visit a bio-farm, stop by a small shop producing handmade goat cheese, go horseback riding, try horseback archery, or explore the open-air school—a great destination for a one-day bike trip.
One of the largest settlements in the Green Valley region is Bükkösd, home to a small supermarket, a fishing lake, horse riding facilities, and two beautiful castles. It also has practical amenities like a post office, medical center, bank, and a community center with internet access.
To the north of Bükkösd, nestled deep in the unspoiled Zselic hills, lies the tiny village of Gorica. Named after its 18th-century South Slavic settlers, Gorica today has no permanent residents—only weekend homes visited by owners from Pécs, Szentlőrinc, and even the Netherlands. Just north of the village, hikers can access the famous Pál Rockenbauer Blue Trail.
One of the most popular destinations in Southern Transdanubia is Lake Orfű, which attracts swimmers, athletes, anglers, and nature lovers. Near the lake you’ll find traditional restaurants, a mill museum, and an outdoor clay oven where fresh bread is baked. The area also features an equestrian center with riding lessons and trail rides, as well as opportunities for spelunking (cave exploration).
The Green Valley Experience
The Green Valley (Zöld Völgy) stretches between the Mecsek and Zselic mountains and is known for its pristine nature and fresh, clean air. Here you’ll find charming old rural homes and tranquil natural surroundings, far from the noise and stress of city life. Slow down and wake up to birdsong. Explore caves, forests, fields, hillsides, and streams by foot, bicycle, or horseback.
Along the educational trail, visitors can learn about local wildlife and plants, and connect to the Southern Transdanubian Blue Trail for longer hikes.
Local Produce & Experiences
Bükkösd is renowned for its delicious honey.
In Cserdi, Gyűrűfű, and Szentkatalin, you can visit working goat and cattle farms, and purchase organic products directly from the estates.
This hilly region is ideal for horseback riding. At Gyűrűfű Horse Farm, guests can attend riding lessons, enjoy horse shows, or try horseback archery. Szentdomján’s horse farm is popular for its children’s equestrian camps and gentle horsemanship demonstrations.
Anglers can enjoy fishing at three local lakes: Boda, Bükkösd, and Hetvehely.
Cultural & Educational Activities
The open-air school in the region plays a key role in teaching young people about sustainability and environmental awareness. In several once-abandoned but now revitalized villages, traditional crafts and rural customs come to life again. Visitors can learn pottery, wood carving, and even crafting with corn husks in hands-on workshops.
Explore the South Transdanubian Region
How to Find Us
Traveling from Austria to Hungary, you’ll cross the border at Hegyeshalom. Follow the M1 motorway toward Budapest. At Exit 16, merge onto the E60/E75/M0 ring road heading south toward Szeged/Budapest. Then, exit onto the M7 motorway and leave at Exit 23 – Pusztazámor. Continue on Halász József Street, then Dózsa György Street, and turn onto Fehérvári Street, eventually connecting to Road 6/E73.
Stay on Road 6 and pass through towns like Dunaföldvár, Paks, Dunaszentgyörgy, Kakasd, Bonyhád, and Hidas until you reach Pécs. From there, continue on Road 6 to Szentlőrinc, then turn right toward Cserdi and Helesfa.
Once in Helesfa, turn left toward the village center. At the church, turn right—the cottages are located on this street. Please note that GPS may only show one street in the village, so it’s easy to miss the turn. However, the village is small, and locals are happy to help. If needed, the owner (who speaks fluent English) is also available to assist you.
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Arrival time: after 2:00 PM
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Departure time: by 10:00 AM
