Zsanett Oláh, managing director of NÖF Nonprofit, tells the Budapest Business Journal about its reception and what awaits visitors.

BBJ: What has been the public response since you opened Tisza Castle to the public?

Zsanett Oláh: Since its opening on June 4, 2024, the Tisza Castle in Geszt has quickly become a beloved destination, almost a place of pilgrimage. The site attracts numerous visitors not only from Hungary but also from beyond the country’s borders. It is not just a historical monument, but a complex tourist destination that includes a heritage garden, guesthouse, sports fields, and one of the highest-quality interactive exhibitions in the country. It is the first heritage site in Hungary to offer accommodation, dining, and cultural experiences all in one place.

BBJ: Tell us more about the guesthouse.

ZsO: Within the grounds of the castle, the Arany János Guesthouse is a modern, minimalist-style accommodation that blends contemporary architectural solutions with its historical setting. The two-story structure is directly connected to the main building of the castle via a glass corridor, providing guests with easy access to the castle’s garden and park. The guesthouse features 20 twin rooms on the ground floor, as well as eight triple rooms and one five-bed apartment on the upper floor.

The guesthouse is an ideal venue for families, corporate team-building events, business meetings, student groups, and groups of friends seeking to relax and create memories together in the picturesque castle setting.

An à la carte restaurant connected to the building serves not only guests and tourists but also locals and workers from the surrounding area, offering a daily menu. A specialty of the house is the “Tisza Slice,” a modern reinterpretation of an ancient family dessert recipe. The café in the castle building is also open to all visitors.

BBJ: How is the restored castle connecting with the local tourism scene?

ZsO: Tisza Castle has already become a popular destination domestically. One of our main goals was to establish partnerships with experienced tourism centers. For example, we are working with the Gyula Castle Spa [42 km to the southwest by road], enabling our guests to enjoy the spa’s services at discounted rates during their stay in Geszt. Furthermore, thanks to its location near the border, Geszt serves as an excellent stopover for travelers heading to explore Transylvania.

BBJ: What programs can visitors expect in Geszt this summer?

ZsO: Throughout the summer, the castle and its surroundings will host a variety of programs for visitors. Cultural events, open-air concerts, themed days, and family-friendly activities will be part of the offer, ensuring that people of all ages can find something appealing. On July 12, an exclusive wine dinner will await culinary enthusiasts at the Arany János Guesthouse, where the finest summer flavors and carefully selected Hungarian wines will come together in an elegant, seasonal menu. The gastronomic experience includes four courses, each paired with a different wine. On July 26, a summer spritzer terrace will open on the castle café’s terrace, featuring refreshing drinks, artisanal snacks, and live jazz music. This free, family-friendly event provides the perfect setting for a summer evening, where the exquisite atmosphere of the castle, combined with fine flavors and music, promises an unforgettable experience. We are also planning to organize the Geszt Picnic at the end of August.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of June 27, 2025.