More than 75 years of community, experiences and renewal

The story of the Advent Holiday and Conference Center

The story of the Advent Holiday and Conference Center began with a shared vision – and it continues to be about community, cooperation and lasting experiences, right by Lake Balaton.

After World War II, from 1945 onwards, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hungary experienced rapid growth. New congregations were established, the number of young people increased significantly, and the need soon emerged for a place where they could regularly meet, recharge and build community.

In 1948, the leadership of the Transdanubian Church District decided to establish a youth retreat. During a service-related train journey, Brother Gyula Molnár noticed a small, ruined house near Lake Balaton through the train window. This property later became the foundation of the holiday center. The land was purchased shortly afterwards, followed by the acquisition of a neighboring plot with the so-called Fraenkel Villa.

Although the Church had very limited financial resources at the time, the strong sense of unity among its members made the impossible possible. On the site of the ruined house, the building now known as the Lenk Villa was constructed, and by 1949 Adventist youth were already camping here on the shores of Lake Balaton.

The final design of the Lenk Villa was created by Lajos Lenk, with construction supervised by him and Brother Koroknai. Since then, the building has continuously evolved to meet modern expectations. Most recently, the kitchen was completely renovated and modernized according to the plans of Ildikó Rajki.

Development continued in the decades that followed. On the site of the former Fraenkel Villa, a modern new building was constructed in the 2010s under the leadership of Sándor Tóth. This building was named the Halász Villa in honor of István Halász, who led the holiday center for many years and became a role model of dedication and service for generations.

The Advent Holiday and Conference Center is more than a collection of buildings. Since the very first camp, generations have grown up here. Some took their first steps here, others experienced their first love, formed lifelong friendships, and during the events of 1956, the center even provided temporary refuge for those in need.

Nature has always been an integral part of life here. The ancient tree park, rich birdlife and a family of red squirrels that has lived here for decades create a unique atmosphere. For guests who have been returning regularly for more than 55 years, this natural environment is just as much a part of the experience as the programs and community life.

Today, the Advent Holiday and Conference Center is a living, evolving community space. Under the leadership of director Ildikó Rajki and her dedicated, professional team, the center continues the vision of its founders while offering meaningful recreation and renewal for all generations – from young people to the “young at heart.”

We are consciously preparing for the future. Alongside the continuous development of our buildings and gardens, a mini wellness area will open in spring 2026, featuring a Finnish sauna and a wooden hot tub – all in the spirit of physical and spiritual renewal.

The past of the Advent Holiday Center is a value, its present an experience, and its future a promise.