Whatever the Hungarians call their beloved Balaton - the Magyar Sea or the European Sea, Balaton - big lake. But in order to avoid disappointment, it is better not to imagine a holiday on Lake Balaton in Hungary as similar to beach tours to Turkey, Greece or Spain. We will tell you what Lake Balaton is and how to organize a vacation on Balaton.
The Hungarians call Lake Balaton a sea and it is completely justified: its length is almost 100 km, and it’s the same 100 km from Budapest to the first beach on Balaton.
Balaton has its advantages - cool weather, fresh water in the lake, green grassy beaches and the absence of all-inclusive hotels.
Balaton is located in the western part of Hungary. The water in it is ordinary, not thermal. Therefore, the swimming season at Balaton is short - from mid-June to early September. A little earlier and a little later the weather may be excellent, or it may rain and it will become cold to swim. In winter, in the area of the lake, the temperature is below zero, the water freezes, everything freezes, and the resort “falls asleep” until summer.
Sometimes Balaton is confused with its neighbor, located 5 km away, where the thermal water remains warm in winter and the resort operates all year round. Although Heviz is tiny, hundreds of times smaller than Balaton.
How to get to Lake Balaton on your own
The nearest airport to Lake Balaton is Sarmellek (12 km from Keszthely). The airport operates from April 1 to October 31, it even has a page on its website in Russian, but there are no regular flights from Russia. Sometimes in the summer season charter flights are launched to Sarmellek for tourist groups. From Budapest Airport to Lake Balaton it is about 120 km.
By car
The most convenient option is to travel by train from Delhi railway station (Deli palyaudvar metro station on the M2 red line). From early morning (4.30) until night there are about 20 trains to Siófok on the schedule. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, tickets can be purchased at the box office.
Buses to different cities on Lake Balaton depart from several bus stations in the capital. Nepliget main station is located at the metro station of the same name. There are at least 5 flights per day. The ticket price for train and bus is approximately the same, 15-20 euros, but some buses have wi-fi. Bus schedule .
Travel between resorts on Lake Balaton
- A comfortable way to see resorts and visit different beaches is to rent a car. During the day you can ride around the lake with stops at beaches and attractions.
- The railway connects the cities on the coast, and it is convenient and inexpensive to travel between them by train.
- The most romantic transport is ships and ferries, which are available from April 19 to October 5. Water transport runs between 20 settlements.
For example, for a trip to Lake Balaton from Budapest for one day, the following route is convenient:
- come to Siófok by train or bus;
- cross to Tihany by boat;
- from there take a bus to Balatonfured;
- in the evening go back to Budapest.
If you plan to move every day, it is profitable to buy a card Balaton Mix for trains and ships. A one-day pass with unlimited travel for an adult costs 3,300 forints. They are sold at stations and marinas.
There is plenty of space around the lake for cyclists - there are special paths everywhere. There are rental points in all cities, in hotels.
Balaton Resorts
People come to Balaton to breathe fresh air, swim, drink mineral water, sailing, eating good food, having fun and tasting Hungarian wines. Doctors do not recommend combining a holiday at Lake Balaton and treatment at Heviz.
Where to stay on the south coast
In the southern and western parts the lake is shallow. To swim, you have to walk 500 meters from the shore. There is a gentle entrance to the water, a sandy bottom, good for children to splash around. The main resorts in the south are Siofok, Santod, Balatonföldvar, Fonyod.
You can also stay in the villages between them - housing for every taste is available everywhere on Lake Balaton. The beaches stretch for kilometers. In cities they are paid and equipped like everywhere else in Europe.
In Siófok, most beaches have a green lawn, shaded by trees. This city is called the summer night capital of Hungary. Festivals, concerts, tours of the best bands follow each other, nightclubs and bars await guests.
Northern coast of Lake Balaton
The northern part of the lake is deeper than the southern one, but the bottom here is rocky. From the green lawn of the beach or embankment there are steps leading into the water. They have railings and are comfortable for adults, but are not suitable for small children to swim in.
Popular resort areas are Keszthely, Badacsony, Tihany, Balatonfured and Tapolca. There are thermal springs in Keszthely, the Tihany Peninsula is enchanting lavender fields and views of the ancient abbey.
Balatonfured
The town of Balatonfüred on the northern shore is the star among Balaton resorts. The ancient aristocratic resort with baths and waters is now more democratic than a century ago, but also leisurely. There is no nightlife here like in Siófok.
People come here to a famous medical center to treat the cardiovascular system and recover from heart surgery. The city is not hot in summer, pleasant in autumn and spring; walks along the ancient streets and pedestrian paths outside the city help you feel stronger.
Vacationers try to come to Balatonfüred at the end of August, when the Borhetek wine festival begins.
What to see on Lake Balaton
Avid yachtsmen come to the lake to watch regattas, German pensioners come to play squash and drink mineral water. Active tourists conquer bicycles and walking routes around Lake Balaton. There is something for people of all ages to do.
The attractions of Lake Balaton are located near the resorts. You can get there on your own or take excursions to the underground lake in Tapolca, the Festetics Palace in Keszthely. Tourists are invited to winery tastings.
Families with children will find it interesting summer bobsleigh park in Balatonfüzfö, there are several obstacle courses and exciting bobsleigh tracks. Park website.
Between Tihany and Fured is Annagora water park, which is open from June to August. More information about prices and work schedule at
Lake Balaton in Hungary is often called the “Hungarian Sea”, since there is no sea in the country, but this body of water resembles it - both in its size and color. Depending on the sunlight, Lake Balaton takes on either a light green or an azure blue hue. Fresh Lake Balaton has long become a popular resort in Europe: people from different countries, with different levels of income, alone and with the whole family.
The “Hungarian Sea” captivates tourists with its picturesque views (from each town you can look at it differently), developed infrastructure and favorable climate. Parents love to come here on vacation with their children because the water in Lake Balaton is always warm (often heated to +21...+22 °C) and because the average depth of the lake is only 3.5 meters.
Panorama of Lake Balaton in Hungary - Google Maps
Holidays on the lake
Since Balaton is a long-developing tourist attraction, and local authorities cling to this status, a variety of recreational activities are presented here, which are in constant development.
Resorts
Many people come to Lake Balaton not only for fresh impressions, but also to improve your health. Here you can breathe fresh air and drink mineral water from healing springs all year round. The most popular resorts lakes: the cities of Balatonfüred, Siófok, Keszthely and the village on the Tihany peninsula of the same name.
Beaches
The beaches of Balaton are carefully arranged for those who are going to swim in the lake or sunbathe. For the most part, the shores of Balaton are lined with treated wooden boards - vacationers lay blankets and towels right on them, sunbathe or admire the view.
You can and should swim here. The water, of course, is not crystal clear (not worth drinking), but it is warm, the depth of the lake generally does not reach more than 3 meters (with the exception of the depression near the Tihany Peninsula, 12 meters). The bottom is not rocky, completely made of soft sand.
Cultural
You can spend time at Lake Balaton exploring local historical attractions. You can go down to underground caves, you can taste wine in the cellars. But the generally recognized cultural attractions are the Rabindranath Tagore Avenue and the Benedict Abbey.
Rabindranath Tagore, a famous Indian poet and author of beautiful poems, natural and philosophical, visited the resort in 1926 and planted a linden tree there. Over time, a monument was erected to him there, and other famous cultural figures of the country and the world began to plant their trees upon their arrival at Lake Balaton. Near each tree you can see memorial plaques in honor of those who gave them life.
The document on the founding of Benedict Abbey is considered the oldest monument of the Hungarian language. It is interesting that at the Benedict Abbey you can find a unique memory of Kievan Rus: a monument to Andrew I and Anastasia Yaroslavna, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise.
Active
The most popular ways to have an active holiday here are: squash, cycling, exploring long walking or running routes, swimming (sometimes in the summer there are tournaments for swimming across the Balaton), fishing, sailing. It’s exciting not only to travel independently on a sailboat, but also to admire others from the shore or from the ferry. A large number of small ships resemble butterflies resting on the surface of the water.
Winter
A winter trip to Lake Balaton has its pros and cons. Of course, you can’t swim there on such days (although if you like to harden yourself, then why not). You can't go skating or skiing on the lake either: even if the lake freezes, the thickness of the ice on it rarely exceeds 10-20 cm. However, at this time the surroundings of the resort towns acquire a special charm.
There is a thin layer of snow, small houses reminiscent of the appearance of Europe in past centuries. Closer to Christmas - more souvenirs, lots of charming decorations. Mineral springs continue to flow. You can try fishing, just like in the summer season.
It will also be interesting for many vacationers that in winter the entire tourist infrastructure continues to operate at Lake Balaton: intercity transport, cultural sites, souvenir shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, but there are many times fewer tourists here than in summer.
Reviews about Lake Balaton
People are happy to visit the Hungarian lake for the first time and come to its resorts again. The Balaton coastline is unanimously called a place to which you want to return. Basically, Russian-speaking tourists rate their vacation at the highest possible rating, sometimes noticing minor shortcomings. It's worth taking them into account.
Pros:
- Pleasant climate, warm water.
- Cozy streets.
- A varied, dynamic holiday in a quiet place.
- The opportunity to relax in comfort, even on a small budget.
- It’s easy to move between coastal cities: ferries run every 15 minutes.
- There are a lot of ducks, swans, seagulls, their very appearance lifting your spirits.
Minuses:
- Few Russian speakers.
- Sudden changes in weather are possible, especially unexpected in usually sunny areas.
- You need to be careful with water: you can swim, but you can’t drink.
- Not every corner in the area is admirable: there are unremarkable areas.
Some tourists exclaim: “Don’t expect any special beauties!”, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is better to explore the cities of the Lake Balaton coast comprehensively. After all, from the same reviews, it becomes clear that the main thing here is to find “your place,” your quiet streets, your own view of this majestic body of water.
Weather
Summer at Lake Balaton lasts a long time: from mid-May to the end of September. The weather in summer can be cloudy, but more often there are warm sunny days. The hottest month is August.
Average daily temperature by month (swimming season):
- May: +20…+22 °С;
- June: +24…+26 °С;
- July: +27…+29 °С;
- August: +28…+30 °С;
- September: +21…+23 °C.
Due to its shallow depth, the lake water quickly heats up and reaches temperatures of up to +22 °C. The wind is favorable for those who like to spend time on sailing ships. A special service warns vacationers about the days when they should not go sailing.
Winter is relatively mild, suitable for outdoor recreation. Average daily temperature by month (cold season):
- October:+14…+16 °С;
- November: +8…+10 °С;
- December: +3…+5 °С;
- January: +2…+3 °С;
- February: +3…+4 °С;
- March: +9…+12 °С;
- April: +16…+18 °C.
Hungary is warm: sub-zero temperatures only occur at night during the winter months. Nevertheless, Lake Balaton in winter is almost always (completely or zonally) covered with thin ice from 10 to 20 centimeters.
How to get to Lake Balaton in Hungary
You can try to get to the resort by direct flight. The nearest airport to Lake Balaton is Sarmellek (12 km from Keszthely). However, it operates only in the summer season and does not have regular flights from Russia. It's easier to get to the lake from Budapest. The resort and the capital of Hungary are separated by a distance of about 100 km. It can be overcome in different ways.
By car
You can rent a car or order a taxi. There are various taxi services in Hungary: 10 local and 1 international (Kiwitaxi). Travel time is about an hour. There is a road leading to the lake; you can follow the signs from the airport. The road is smooth, you will get there comfortably.
Route to Lake Balaton from Budapest by car - Google maps
By bus
Economical and no less convenient. Even in high season, there are enough seats on daily bus services: tickets for the nearest departure can be purchased at the bus station upon arrival in Budapest, earlier it is not necessary at all. Buses to different resort cities depart at least 5 times a day from several bus stations in the capital. The main one is Nepliget.
By train
From early morning (4.30) until night there are about 20 trains to Siófok on the schedule. Departure: Delhi railway station (Deli palyaudvar metro station). You will spend about 2.5 hours on the way. Here it is better to use the online ticket office and purchase a ticket in advance, as this is the most popular way to get to Lake Balaton.
Video about Lake Balaton, Hungary
This 77-kilometer lake with yellow-green water is called the “Hungarian Sea” in its homeland. This is Hungary's treasure, the largest lake in Central Europe and the most popular resort in the country. Its depth is about 3 meters, the deepest place is 12.4 meters, and the southern gentle banks are ideal for relaxing with the whole family. The North Shore is a popular area for active rest on the water.
Due to the shallow depth, the water warms up well, average temperature water in summer - 21-22 °C, sometimes up to 26 °C. The water is clean, but not transparent due to the plankton content in it. The color of the water is light green, but changes depending on the time of day and weather.
Sarmellek Airport
Hungarian Sarmellek Airport, also known as Fly Balaton, is located next to the village of the same name. Currently the airport is the second international airport countries after Budapest Ferihegy.
It was founded in the 1940s, and a 2,500-meter long concrete runway was built here in 1982. Now he has one passenger terminal, catering to customers who frequently travel to the nearby popular resorts of Zalakaros and Häviz.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the plane departs to check in. All brought baggage must be presented to airline personnel at check-in for further marking with a baggage tag. Items not exceeding the weight limit are carried free of charge.
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Mill Lake
Mill Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Topolec. This is an artificially created lake. The Romans designed the reservoir from hot springs found within the park. A mill was built on the shore, now it is a nice hotel. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful park. The reservoir itself is inhabited by huge carp.
The monument to the dead children, located on the shores of the Hungarian Lake Balaton, is dedicated to the 1978 tragedy.
In 1978, a ferry carrying schoolchildren on an excursion to Lake Balaton capsized for unknown reasons. Children died.
The monument is a granite block, on top of which there is a sculpture of a child’s hand stretched upward for help. There is a memorial plaque on the stone. The monument at Lake Balaton is considered one of the most soul-touching monuments in the whole world.
Lake Balaton is a popular excursion destination in the country, so the details of the 1978 tragedy are hidden from the public.
Tihany Peninsula
The Tihany Peninsula divides Lake Balaton into two basins - northern and southern. The unusual landscape of the peninsula was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions hundreds of years ago. The remains of the craters formed two small separate lakes - Belshyo-to and Kulso-to.
After volcanic eruptions, more than 100 hills with geysers were formed on the peninsula. One of the most beautiful is called the “Golden House” because its rocks are covered with an unusual golden-colored lichen. Thanks to its beautiful nature, in 1952 the peninsula received the status of a nature reserve.
Currently, the Tihany Peninsula is attracting an increasing number of tourists. Magnificent beaches, harbor with yachts, unique nature, ancient history Tihany and its attractions create a wonderful atmosphere for a relaxing holiday.
Hotel-palace FRIED CASTLE 3*
This castle is not one of the ancient ones - it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The wealthy Hungarian industrialist Imre Fried conceived the idea of building it on the eve of the anniversary of his married life, and upon completion of construction he presented the palace to his wife. The location for the castle was chosen very well: vineyards, forests, Lake Mislai, the Shio River - everything is conducive to leisurely walks and pleases the eye with beautiful landscapes. Natural wood was used in the interior decoration of rooms and premises: figured parquet made of valuable wood, wooden ceilings in the Louis style, a unique staircase decorated with figurines of dragons. The highlight and main decoration of the interior was the hand-carved furniture, made with great skill and imagination.
The hotel offers an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. For lovers of active recreation - table tennis, bowling alley, horseback riding in the surrounding area. Fishing lovers will be able to try their luck on Lake Mislai; they say there is always a good bite here.
And so that you are completely imbued with the unusual atmosphere, in the evening a carriage will be delivered to the hotel’s porch, which will take you to the hotel’s wine cellar. Home-made wines from local grapes are stored here. With a glass of dry wine, guests will taste real rich Hungarian goulash, prepared according to a special recipe.
Festecic Castle
In the center of the park in the Hungarian town of Keszthely, which occupies the northwestern shore of Lake Balaton, is the country’s largest castle, Festetics. The castle was created in the mid-18th century in the image of French palaces, which was reflected in the lush interior decoration and complex decoration of the facade.
Samples of Hungarian weapons from different eras are exhibited in the halls of the first floor. The library, located in the most elegant room of the palace, houses the only private aristocratic collection of books in Hungary that has survived in its original form, including the first printed books, rare engravings, and sheet music autographed by Haydn.
Since 1974, the castle has housed an independent museum, and a collection of carriages, carts and other equipment is displayed in the stables.
Today, the castle grounds host events of a wide variety of nature: international conferences, concerts, literary readings, balls and receptions.
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Tihany Abbey
Once upon a time, one of the oldest earthen fortresses in Hungary stood on this site. But in 1055, the Hungarian king Andras created an abbey here in the name of the Blessed Virgin and Saint Anjas. Exactly five years after this, András died from wounds received in the war for the throne and was buried in the monastery crypt.
The document on the establishment of the abbey is one of the oldest monuments of Hungarian writing - it is in it that for the first time among the Latin text about 100 words in the Hungarian language are found.
The defenders of the Benedictine monastery successfully repelled multiple Turkish assaults for a century and a half. But the fortress did not perish during battles, but at the beginning of the 18th century, when the Habsburg emperor ordered the demolition of all Hungarian fortifications. A new church was built by 1735, but a year later it burned down.
As a result, only the crypt, made in the Romanesque style, remained from the ancient monastery building. The building we see today was built in 1754. Many famous artists worked on its interior decoration. Particularly noteworthy are the luxuriously decorated carved altars, which are rightfully considered a masterpiece of Hungarian wooden sculpture of the 18th century. The master who created them, Sebastian Stulhof, worked on them for 25 years, and, surprisingly, completely free of charge.
The most popular attractions in Lake Balaton with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Lake Balaton on our website.
Basic moments
One of the main advantages of Lake Balaton is that it is a famous tourist attraction, popular not only in the republic itself, but also in other countries, especially neighboring ones. Around the lake is located resort area, and today it itself is a real center family vacation. Moreover, active recreation: in addition to traditional fishing, vacationers engage in sailing and surfing, rowing and water skiing. The presence of mineral and thermal springs makes this pearl of Hungary also a medical resort, where hundreds and thousands of people improve their health.
Due to its shallow depth, Lake Balaton warms up well in summer, up to almost 26° C. On average, its temperature during the season is 21-22 degrees. Thanks to such comfortable indicators, as well as to the highest level service and traditional Hungarian hospitality, Balaton ranks as one of the leading places among the most visited resorts of the Old Continent. A continuous strip of sandy beaches south coast and the picturesque landscape of its northern shores, where there are mountains, orchards, vineyards and the ruins of ancient fortresses, not only creates the complete illusion of relaxing at sea, but also makes the reservoir and its surroundings one of the most unique places in Europe.
History and legends
The predecessor of Lake Balaton was the Pannonian Sea, which existed several million years ago. Due to geological shifts, the seabed has undergone significant changes. It rose, which in turn led to changes in the landscape. At the same time, increased volcanic activity was observed in this area. Its result was the appearance of a large number of mineral and thermal springs. They predetermined the current “fate” of Balaton as a popular health resort.
The shallow depth of the “Hungarian Sea” largely influenced the fact that people began to settle on its shores from time immemorial. These were the tribes of Slavs and Germans, Celts and Thracians. In the 1st century AD, the Romans settled here and founded an entire province - Pannonia. In the 6th century they were supplanted by the Avars. The 500-700s can be called a kind of transition period to future statehood. The peoples who lived here had mixed Romano-Slavic-Avar origin, but did not have a state as such. Somewhat later, in the 9th century, the Slavs formed the Blaten Principality here. The capital of this formation was the city with unusual name– Blatnograd, located near the Balaton coast on the Zala River. Nowadays, on the site of the former “capital city” there is a village with the same name.
Hungarian tribes came here at the beginning of the 10th century. After capturing the region, Stephen the Saint built an abbey in Zalavare (1019). Another abbey appeared on the Tihany Peninsula in 1055 - with the light hand of King Andras I. In the 16th century, several defensive fortresses grew along the northern shore of the lake. And only from the 18th century Balaton completely switched to a “peaceful” life: tourism began to actively develop. The once small villages have grown surprisingly quickly, turning into resort-type towns. Representatives of the Hungarian and Austrian elite loved to recover here. Subsequently, people began to come here not only for medical reasons: it came into fashion as a kind of obligatory attribute. summer rest on the lake. If someone from the nobility, for various reasons, did not come here in the summer, the year was considered “lived in vain.”
In 1846, the transport capabilities of Balaton began to be actively exploited: shipping was opened on the lake. With development towards the end of the 19th century railway transport economic life began to boil with renewed vigor, and this continued until the Second World War, which disrupted the usual way of life. Particularly fierce fighting took place in the vicinity of Lake Balaton in March 1945. The tank and field armies of the Wehrmacht fiercely resisted the troops of the III Ukrainian Front. During the clashes, which went down in history as the Balaton operation, buildings and structures on the coast were seriously damaged. After the war, the new authorities began to gradually restore the lost tourism potential of the region.
Several legends are also associated with this unique body of water. Ancient people, who had no idea about complex geological and volcanic processes, wondered how so much water could accumulate in one place. This is how a myth was born that one hardworking digger was bothered by a large stone, and he decided to move it away so that nothing would interfere with cultivating the field. But it turned out completely differently: from under it a source with very clear water burst out to the surface, gradually filling the entire valley, and it turned into a whole lake, which the Hungarians themselves call “Balchi”.
Another local legend says that at the bottom of Lake Balaton there is a church, and inside there is a beautiful girl. She cries constantly and inconsolably, and until this flow of tears stops, the water in Balaton will not dry up. If you believe this legend and judge by the current state of the water surface, the poor concubine does not even think of stopping...
Features of Lake Balaton
Researchers, of course, did not find any church, much less a crying girl, at the bottom of the “Hungarian Sea.” But they were quite impressed by the velvety sand covering it. The water itself does not look so beautiful, since it contains a lot of plankton. But since this component plays a key role in the Balaton ecosystem, vacationers “forgive” nature for the lack of transparency in the water. But it is very clean, which is confirmed by regular inspections by sanitary and epidemiological services and independent experts. Hungarians, proud of their “sea” (the country has no access to the world’s oceans), claim that you can even drink from it.
The color of Balaton water is like a chameleon: mostly light green, but can change depending on the time of day or weather conditions. The climate is in many ways reminiscent of the Mediterranean. If there are cloudy days, they are very rare. It’s also good here in winter; there are no severe frosts and, accordingly, no icing. The thickness of the ice cover does not exceed 10-20 cm. Although it happened (but extremely rarely) that the ice crust reached 60-70 cm in thickness. The only trouble is the strong winds: they blow both in winter and in summer. They are potentially dangerous for fans of sailing (the yacht may capsize) and even small vessels.
The depth of the lake, as noted above, is small. However, its level is not the same for the entire coast. On the southern shore, even if you walk 200-300 meters from it, the water will still be knee-deep. It’s not for nothing that the Hungarians call Lake Balaton “the largest puddle in Europe” or even a “swamp”. On the opposite bank, everything is different: the depth of a man’s height and even a little more begins after 20-30 meters!
Coast and beaches
There are many resort towns along the perimeter of both shores of Lake Balaton. These are Balatonalmadi, Tihany, Balatonfüred, Keszthely (in the north) and Balatonlelle, Siofok, Fenjod, Blatonboglar (in the south). They are somewhat similar to one another, but at the same time they are different. They have one thing in common: it’s nice to come here on vacation and gain health and strength for the whole year.
The Balaton beaches also differ from each other. On the northern coast the bottom is rocky. The depth does not increase gradually, as in the south, but more steeply. Because of these features, its beaches are more suitable for experienced swimmers. With small children north coast prefer not to go. Keszthely and Szigetfürdő are some of the nicest places here. Many excellent beach villages can be found near the villages of Tihany, Zanka and Balatonfüred.
The southern side, especially the coastal strip, is a real find for those who are not very good swimmers and vacationers with small children. The kids splash carefree in the water, the depth of which barely reaches 50 cm, and parents don’t have to worry too much about them (although, of course, you need to keep an eye on your children). The villages of Kenesh, Aliga and Akarattya are located here. Their beaches as one “look” to the south, so vacationers can bask in the gentle rays from morning until almost sunset.
Talking about local beaches, one cannot fail to mention their infrastructure. Some have waterslides, animation. In others, vacationers are taught the basics of fitness and aquafitness. On Lido Beach, for example (this is on the northern coast), in addition to children's animation, there are water ski tracks. And Deneshdiash beach in the south can rightfully be called children's: there is playground, where exciting programs for the youngest are organized during the season.
Many resorts, including some individual baths, are not located directly on the shores of Lake Balaton, but this does not make them any less popular. One of these resorts where you can not only relax, but also improve your health, is Heviz. Its main attraction is the lake of the same name, the largest thermal reservoir in Europe.
Not far from it is the health resort Zalakaros, famous for its Granite bath. The bathhouse in the city of Marzali is also well known to vacationers, where thousands of people improve their health every year.
Another center of resort life is the already mentioned Siófok, whose hallmark is the Galerius entertaining bath.
Without exception, all baths have large pools. Vacationers can enjoy water activities designed for both adults and children.
Recreation and entertainment
The entire southern coast, from Balatonberen to Balatonlelle, is one continuous beach. Siófok is rightfully considered the center of the region, its summer “capital”. Representatives of all ages will find a rich and varied entertainment. The length of the beach is 17 km, and everywhere you can find opportunities for both sports and just active recreation. There is music everywhere and discos are open, so it is not surprising that Siófok has become a place of “pilgrimage” for young people.
In the city of Balatonfüzfö - this is already on the northern shore of Lake Balaton - there is a grandiose sports center. There is everything here for a connoisseur of active recreation to truly “unwind his soul”: a swimming pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, football fields. Those who like to practice shooting spend time at the local shooting range. Bobsledders will enjoy the year-round track. Add to this the presence of numerous yacht clubs, places for activities, horse riding and an excellent cycling route between the cities and in the surrounding area.
In Balatonfured, one of largest cities on the northern coast, there is a cardiological sanatorium known not only in Hungary, but also far beyond its borders. The resort is known for its “Greek Village” complex, where there are many shops (this is a paradise for shopping fans!), restaurants and nightclubs. Directly on the coast there are many hotels and guesthouses. There are some within the city limits. You can move around the resort by electric train.
Lake Balaton also attracts fishing enthusiasts. But fishing is not allowed everywhere, only in places such as Alshoors, Balatonfüzfö, Balatonakli, Tihany and Balatonalmadi. However, the most popular among fishermen are the Inner Lake on the Tihany Peninsula, lakes in the villages of Zalamerene and Galambok and Lake Shoshto in the vicinity of Little Balaton, in Balatonsabadi. One of the inhabitants of the local waters - pike perch - is called the “king” of Balaton fish. IN local restaurants dishes made from it are a permanent part of the menu. Fishing officially begins at the end of April. Only without special permission will your fishing be considered illegal: you can purchase a document in every fish store.
Continuing the topic of active recreation, it should be noted that there are tennis courts and mini-golf courses in every resort town. Riding schools are open in Tihany, Keszthely, Santad, Nagyvazsony and others populated areas in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. In addition to restaurants and clubs, on the Balaton coast there are many cozy taverns where guests are treated to spicy Hungarian fish soup, catfish and silver pike perch dishes, the best local wines are poured, and where soul-stirring gypsy music is heard.
Attractions
Let's begin our acquaintance with the sights from the Tihany Peninsula - the calling card of this body of water, unique in all respects. It is the largest on Balaton, and the village of the same name is located here. In the center of the peninsula, favored by tourists, there are two of its pearls: the External (Kulsho-to) and Internal (Belsho-to) lakes. Their shores, surrounded by cones of dormant geysers, are covered with reeds and reeds. These lakes are as shallow as Lake Balaton itself. The depth here is 2-3 meters, no more.
The most famous historical monument in Tihany is the Benedictine Abbey of St. Anyosha. This is the oldest monastery in Hungary, founded in 1055. The date is precisely established, since the Latin original of the document has been preserved. The latter is also valuable as the oldest monument of the Hungarian language, since it contains about a hundred Hungarian words. The abbey has preserved ancient carved altars, which are a real work of art.
The territory of Tihany has been declared a conservation area by the government. Well deserved: this piece of land is distinguished not only by its convenient location and geographical features, but also the presence of historical monuments and rare representatives of flora and fauna. And is it any wonder that a whole army of tourists flocks here every year - about a million people every year. In addition to its lakes, the Tihany Peninsula is famous for its lavender fields, spherical hills formed by geyser springs. There are over a hundred such hills in total, the most beautiful of them, covered with golden lichen, is called the “Golden House”.
In the Middle Ages, the center of the Balaton region was Keszthely, which received the status of a “rural town” at the beginning of the 15th century. Three centuries later, it was acquired by the wealthy Festetics family. They built here magnificent palace- the third largest in the country. At the same time, it is the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing in the republic. Count Gyorgy Festetics opened the first agricultural institute on the continent, Georgikon, in Keszthely. A pedestrian street leads from the palace, along which there is the Marzipan Museum with its own confectionery, the equally famous Puppet Museum, as well as restaurants and cafes. The city regularly hosts festivals and concerts.
Behind the mountain of St. Gyorgy hides the small ancient town of Tapolca. True, it is not located directly on the shores of Lake Balaton, but tourists love it. It is here that there is a place that is perceived as another world - the Tapolca Lake Cave. It was formed as a result of hot water washing out entire halls and winding corridors in limestone, which it then filled pure water from karst springs.
On the northern shore, right at the top of the mountain is located Observation deck Kishfaludi. The panorama of Lake Balaton from here is simply stunning. At least once in a lifetime, this picture created by nature itself is worth seeing. Not forgetting, of course, to take your camera with you.
But on the southern coast there is the world famous village of Balatonendred. There lives an interesting tradition of lace weaving, dating back to the beginning of the last century and adopted in Germany. Tourists, especially women, get acquainted with the history of this craft and, of course, learn the basics of the craft with enthusiasm.
In the north of Lake Balaton, near Szigliget, there is a 242-meter high Fortress Mountain. Its summit is crowned by ruins old fortress(hence the name) and village houses covered with reeds. The dwellings are located around the ruins in a semicircle. This rural settlement has preserved the traditional village structure. The historical part of the village is surrounded by a wall.
The sights of Balaton are not only natural areas, historical monuments, therapeutic baths and fishing spots. Wine and gastronomic routes with their unique cellars and restaurants have been preserved since ancient times. After all, the “Hungarian Sea” itself and other lakes in this area are rich in fish, there is a lot of game in the forests, and a variety of fruits are grown in the gardens. As they say, God himself commanded to use all these gifts. Among the wine villages, we can highlight such as Balatonboglar, Szigliget, Badacsony and the same Keszthely. For example, Badacsony wines enjoy legendary fame. The most famous of them are “Keknelu” and “Balatoni Surkebarat”.
A few words about group excursions and their cost. A trip by boat to the Tihany Peninsula will cost about 10 euros (a visit to the abbey is included in the stay program). A trip to Keszthely with a tour of the Festetics Palace without going inside and an excursion to Badacsony with a delicious lunch and tasting of local wines cost the same - about 18 euros. Do you want to take a yacht ride around Lake Balaton? Please. Cost about 14 euros. A stay at the Shumeg fortress, where you can watch a “knightly tournament” and dine in medieval style to the accompaniment of gypsy music, will cost approximately 33 euros. Excursion to Tapolca (the program includes visiting cave lakes and boating) – 17 euros.
How to get there
You can get to Lake Balaton from Budapest, the capital of Hungary, via a modern 115-kilometer two-lane motorway. In the Siófok area it joins the road encircling the lake. You can travel around the famous “Hungarian Sea” in a day (including stops in your favorite places).
Along the northern and southern shores there is a Railway, connecting local resorts with Budapest. By train you can get to Siófok in 2 hours, Balatonfüred in 2.5 hours, Keszthely in 3 hours.
Balaton-Sermellek International Airport is located 11 km from Keszthely. Harbour Air accepts flights from many European cities: Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Stuttgart, Zurich. In summer, planes from Moscow, Frankfurt am Main, Düsseldorf and Hamburg land here.
A unique tourist region. You can really spend the perfect holiday here: sunbathe on sandy beaches the southern coast, explore the mountainous landscapes of the northern, wander through the ruins of ancient fortresses or plunge into thermal baths. No wonder the lake is very popular among Europeans, many of whom prefer its resorts to trips to the Mediterranean. And all thanks to the climate, high-quality infrastructure and a variety of entertainment for guests of all ages.
Beach holiday
When you bask in the sun at Lake Balaton, you feel as if you are on the seashore. The beaches of resort towns are equipped with everything you need: sun loungers with umbrellas, showers, changing cabins. Some places have heated swimming pools and playgrounds with attractions. Tourists craving activity can play volleyball, go water skiing or take a yacht cruise.
They have been swimming since May, but the water is still cool at this time. The lake temperature rises to a maximum of +28 °C in July and drops to +20...+22 °C in September.
The longest beach on the south coast is in Siófok. Along 17 km of the coastal strip there are restaurants, bars and clubs that attract lovers of noisy parties and discos. Family travelers will enjoy Balatonfüred, Keszthely and Gyenesdiás. On the beaches of these resorts there are water slides and special play areas for children. For adults there is an impressive list of entertainment from water polo to windsurfing.
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Excursions and active recreation
There are plenty of excursion routes in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. The beauty of nature can be appreciated in national park The Balaton Upland, where geysers, intricately shaped blocks of frozen lava and craters of extinct volcanoes are found everywhere.
Along the coast there are three Hungarian wine regions with their own production and vineyards: Badacsony in the northwest, Balatonmelleki in the north and Balatonfüred in the northeast. Gastronomic tours with tastings at local wineries are very popular among tourists.
The Tihany Peninsula is a kaleidoscope of attractions. The 11th century Benedictine abbey rises on the hill. King Andras I is buried in the main temple of the monastery. Nearby is a picturesque village built with traditional Hungarian houses.
Keszthely is home to the Festejic palace and park complex, created in the 18th century, where you can admire the lush interiors of the state rooms, antique furniture and priceless works of art. The castle library houses ancient books and engravings.
One of the highlights of Lake Balaton is fishing, for which hundreds of travelers come here. Everyone has a chance to catch a crucian carp weighing 2.5 kg. This is what passionate lovers of standing on the shore with a fishing rod fall for.
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For body and soul
Many tourists go to the lake to improve their health. Locals are famous for their beneficial properties. Mineral springs are varied in composition and are used to treat a number of diseases. In the sanatoriums and spa hotels of Zalakaros, Balatonföldvár, Balatonfüred, Revfülöp, Tapolca, you can undergo therapy and rehabilitation courses, alleviate chronic ailments, and simply pamper yourself with beauty treatments, while enjoying impeccable service. Two weeks of such rest will give you a boost of energy for the months ahead.
Events
In summer, many festivals take place at Lake Balaton. Wine festivals are held in resort towns, where guests are treated to Hungarian cuisine and wine from local farms all day long. All this is accompanied by dancing, performances of folk ensembles and fun competitions.
One of the most significant events is the Balaton Sound electronic music festival in July, which attracts famous DJs. For a few days South coast The lake turns into a huge entertainment area with stages, restaurants, pubs and attractions.
In July-August, near Kapolcs (20 km north of Lake Balaton), the Valley of Arts festival takes place, where you can see interesting theater productions and films, get acquainted with the work of progressive artists, and listen to poems by modern poets.
