Balaton - Hungarian sea. Lake Balaton in Hungary - How to Get There on Your Own and Where to Stay, What to See Lake Balaton in Hungary beaches

For Russian tourists Balaton, perhaps the most famous resort in Hungary. Lake Balaton, which the Hungarians themselves call the “Hungarian Sea,” is the largest freshwater lake in Europe. Balaton it really resembles the sea with its immense size, the yellowish-green, sea-like color of the water, and its unique microclimate. The mountains surrounding the lake complement the image of the Mediterranean resort.

There are many legends and traditions associated with the origin of the lake. The most beautiful of them tells the story of a girl who sits in an invisible church located at the bottom of a lake and cries. Her tears fill the waters of the lake, and as long as she cries, there will always be water in Lake Balaton. Another legend says that a long time ago, in the old days, in the place where the lake is now located, flowering meadows grew. But one day a plowman came across a heavy stone in the meadow. He moved it from its place and from under the stone a spring began to flow, which flooded the entire surrounding valley with water. This is how Lake Balaton was formed.

Geography and climate

Balaton is located in the western part of Hungary, on the Middle Danube Plain. The distance from Budapest to the Balatonfüred resort is about 130 km, and the closest Balaton resort to Budapest, Balatonkenes, is just an hour away by highway. The area of ​​the lake is slightly less than 600 square meters, and the length of the coastline is 236 km. The bottom of the lake is sandy; the plankton contained in it gives the water a yellowish-green color. The water warms up well in the warm season. Balaton is considered a fairly shallow lake. Its average depth is about 3.6 m, the maximum depth is 12.5 m. The narrowest place of Balaton is 1.2 km, it is located near the tip of the Tihany Peninsula, the widest place is 12.4 km.

Swimming season is on Balaton lasts quite a long time - from spring to mid-autumn. In the summer months, the water temperature in the lake ranges from +22 °C to +28 °C. Winter at Balaton is mild, but the water almost always freezes in the winter months.

The shores of the lake are very different from each other. In the southern part there is a gentle and sandy descent into the water, a smooth entry, shallow water off the coast. The beaches stretch along the entire coast - from the village of Balatonberenya to Balatonlelle, where there is a bathhouse with water attractions. This part of the coast is ideal for families with small children and for those who are not very good swimmers.

The northern coast, on the contrary, is distinguished by steep, steep banks and sharp depths. Here, already 30-50 meters from the shore, the depth can significantly exceed the height of a person. Resorts located in the northern part can be recommended for lovers of active recreation and skilled swimmers.

The east coast (Balatonalmadi) has the sunniest weather, with the largest number of sunny days a year.

Main resorts of Lake Balaton

South coast

Siofok– the most popular resort in southern Lake Balaton. This city has a vibrant nightlife and a large number of entertainment venues, making it an excellent destination for young people. Here you will find the recreational bathhouse "Galerius" with pools and water slides, and in its surroundings are the most popular beaches of Lake Balaton. On the central city beach, Coca-Cola Beach House, rock concerts and foam parties are often held in the evenings. Siofok is considered one of the main musical centers of the country. In summer there is a folk festival and open-air concerts. Siófok is the birthplace of the famous composer, master of operettas – Imre Kalman.

Fonyod– a popular resort for family holidays on the southern coast with beautiful sandy beaches and convenient access to the sea.

Balatonboglar And Balatonlelle– resort villages with developed tourist infrastructure, located close to each other. Also a great option for a family holiday with children.

Balatonföldvar– the most picturesque resort on the south coast. Near the resort is the island of Galambsiget (“Pigeon Island”).

North coast

Balatonfured– an ancient resort on Lake Balaton, specializing in therapeutic recreation. There is a cardiology center here, and there are healing springs with mineral water. Also at the resort is the Annagora water park and the Greek Village entertainment complex with cafes, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Balatonfured is considered the resort capital of the “Hungarian Sea”. During the summer season, many cultural and sporting events are held here.

Tihany- a peninsula where a calm atmosphere reigns. Recommended for lovers of nature, solitude and relaxation. The entire territory of the peninsula has been declared a protected area. It has its own lakes, which are in no way connected with Balaton - Belshe-to and Kumshe-to (translated as “Inner and External Lake”). The Tihany Peninsula is often called the “pearl of Lake Balaton”.

Keszthely– one of the oldest towns on the Balaton coast. It is located in the northwestern part of the coast. Keszthely is distinguished by the richness and variety of ancient houses and architectural monuments. The most famous architectural monument is the Baroque Palace, which once belonged to the noble family of Festetics. It is the third largest and most beautiful restored palace in Hungary.

Tapolca– a popular health resort located near Lake Balaton, 10 km from the coast. Famous for its thermal springs and karst caves. The resort actively uses methods of cave therapy (or speleotherapy), which are especially effective in treating respiratory diseases. The healing cave is located in the very center of the city.

Sights and cultural events

Every year in Siófok, the birthplace of Imre Kalman, gala operetta concerts are held, as well as the Golden Shell folklore festival. Organ concerts are regularly held in the Catholic parish church.

Of the architectural attractions, the most interesting is the Palace of the Festetics Counts in Keszthely, built in the Baroque style. Lake Heviz with thermal waters is 4 km from the resort.

Balatonfured is the oldest balneological resort on the coast. Already in the 17th century people came here to be treated by the waters. The first bath at Lake Balaton was built here. The main place of the promenade is the Rabindranath Tagore Alley, which runs along the Balaton coast. Of interest are the memorial museum of the classic of Hungarian literature Mora Jokai and the Round Church with magnificent frescoes. Also in Balatonfüred is the most beautiful pier on Balaton.

The towns of Badacsonytomaj and Szigliget will be of interest to wine connoisseurs and connoisseurs. The country's best wine cellars are located in these places and wines are produced from the famous Surkebarat and Keknyelyu grape varieties.

The Tihany Peninsula is a nature reserve with wind-worn basalt rocks, inland lakes, a hermit's cave carved into volcanic rock and the hills of the so-called Geyser Field. Here are also the oldest buildings in the vicinity of Lake Balaton - the Two-Tower Church and the Benedictine Abbey (the oldest in Hungary). The abbey houses one of the oldest monuments of writing in the Hungarian language.

Tapolca – karst caves, underground lakes and labyrinths in the Tavash cave.

Sports and active recreation at Lake Balaton

Holidays at Lake Balaton Fishing lovers will appreciate it, as the lake is home to more than 20 species of fish. Before you go fishing, do not forget to purchase a special permit (this can be done at any fishing store). You should also keep in mind that fishing on Lake Balaton is not possible everywhere. Fishing is officially permitted in the following places: Alshoors, Balatonalmadi, Tihany, Balatonfüzfö, Balatonakali. One of the best places for fishing is the Inland Lake, located on the Tihany Peninsula and the surrounding area of ​​Kis Balaton (Little Balaton).

In the north of the coast, yachting, water skiing, horseback riding and cycling are very popular. Traditionally, sailing regattas are held at Lake Balaton in the summer. You can rent a yacht in many resort towns, and sailing courses are also open at large resorts, where anyone who wants to learn how to independently operate small-displacement vessels. Using the large “bike ring” you can cycle around the entire lake. Many resorts have riding schools, tennis courts and mini golf courses.

National cuisine

Balaton has long been famous for its cuisine and wines. Czardy - restaurants serving traditional Hungarian cuisine are scattered along the entire coast of Lake Balaton. Fish dishes are especially popular here. The king of local cuisine is considered to be whole baked pike perch. No less popular is the spicy fish soup khalasle, which is prepared according to an old recipe. In written sources, the recipe for this national dish was first mentioned in the 1800s. It was at this time that the Festetics family signed an agreement with local fishermen, according to which they had to prepare halasle fish soup for all celebrations and significant dates for the count’s guests.

Meat and game dishes are also an important component of the national cuisine. Here you can try dishes from rare types of meat - venison, roe deer, wild boar, hare, wild fallow deer, mouflon, as well as dishes prepared from pheasant and partridge. One of the most famous dishes is entrecote a la Chaki, stuffed with lecho and egg. It is served with sour cream and paprika “juice”, and is named after its creator - the chef of the Palace Hotel restaurant Sandor Csaki.

Well, in addition to fish and meat dishes, there is nothing better than traditional Balaton wines. White wines are especially good here. The main wine-growing regions are located in the southern part of Lake Balaton. The mild climate here creates ideal conditions for winemaking. In the towns of Badacsony and Szigliget there are many old wine cellars where you can taste local wines. The best wines of this region are Badacsony Riesling, Badacsony Surkebarat and Keknyelyu. It is worth canceling an interesting feature of some varieties of local wines - it has a subtle aftertaste of oil. The thing is that as a result of volcanic activity in this place, groundwater containing an admixture of oil came quite close to the surface of the earth. Therefore, wines from grapes grown on such soils, after a long aging of more than five years, acquire this subtle and unusual shade of taste.

Without a doubt, Lake Balaton is the best choice for travelers just starting to get to know this amazing and hospitable country. This is one of the best places in Hungary for a holiday with small children and for those who prefer an active pastime, a rich cultural program and various sports.

The first time I came as a tourist to Balaton was 14 years ago, a few months later I moved to live in Budapest, and since then I have been to Balaton many times at different times of the year.

Lake Balaton and its surroundings are one of the main tourist destinations in Hungary after Budapest.

The infrastructure here is well developed, so it is easy to get to Lake Balaton from Budapest. This is the largest freshwater lake in Hungary and Central Europe, and also the warmest. Beach holidays, various attractions - caves, many churches and palaces, fortresses, museums - numerous festivals, boat or yacht trips, fishing, thermal springs attract tourists here. For me personally, Balaton and its surroundings are not so much a place for a beach holiday, but rather a beautiful attraction worth seeing.

The area of ​​the lake is 590 square kilometers, but at the time of its formation the lake's territory was much larger. In the 19th century, they wanted to drain the lake; fortunately, the plan was not accepted, but the water level was lowered with the help of a built sluice. A sharp drop in water led to the fact that the westernmost recess of Balaton - Small Balaton - was completely separated from the lake.

In the 18th century, Balaton became one of the centers of social life. At first, vacationers were attracted by the healing springs, then swimming in the lake itself became fashionable. Currently, the number of vacationers on the lake is increasing every year, mainly residents of Hungary, tourists from Germany and tourists from Russia come here.

The entire coastline of Lake Balaton is the main grape growing region of the country. The volcanic soils of the northern coast are mostly planted with varieties used to make white wine, but there are also vineyards for making red wine. On the south coast, varieties for light white wines and champagne are grown.

The lake is navigable, but the use of motorized boats and jet skis is prohibited. On the northern coast there are several small bays and one peninsula - Tihany, the narrowest point on Lake Balaton.

How to get there

Balaton is located about 100 km from Budapest. From Russia you will have to fly first to the capital, and only then get to the lake itself.

You can get to Lake Balaton from Budapest by car, train, bus, or taxi. Trains and buses depart from Budapest several times a day, starting early in the morning and ending late in the evening. Read more about how to get to the Hungarian capital on our website.

By plane

On average, you can fly from Moscow to Budapest one way with a ticket costing from 3,000 rubles on low-cost airlines or for a price from 7,000 rubles in economy class. Travel time is 2.5 hours if the flight is direct.

You can view ticket price options for the dates you are interested in.

By train

You can get to almost any town in Lake Balaton by train without a transfer. There are trains that make many stops, and there are faster ones. Most trains depart from the capital's South (Déli) station, less often from the East (Keleti).

You can buy a train ticket without a seat, then you will have to travel standing. Children under 6 years old can ride the trains for free, but will need to pay for a specific seat (not standing).

You can get from Budapest to Balaton by train for about 7–10 EUR (2nd class), you can pay an extra 3–4 EUR and travel in a 1st class carriage. There are different types of benefits on trains: for families with children, youth under 26 years old, when purchasing a round-trip ticket, etc. If you buy a ticket with a seat, then naturally you will travel on a specific train. If you take a ticket without a seat, then the ticket will indicate the period during which you can board any train moving in the direction you need. I also advise you to pay attention to the fact that the platforms and trains do not indicate the train number, but only the departure and arrival stations (and sometimes the names of large cities where the stop will be made). No one checks your tickets upon boarding; they will be checked on the way. Nobody announces stops either.

Fares and train schedules can be found on the Internet. It is easier to buy tickets at the box office; tickets are sold at any station, regardless of which station the train departs from. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or even before the train departs, but you need to take into account that on weekends there may be a queue at the ticket office, so in this case it makes sense to arrive early. Ticket prices are calculated per kilometer.

An example of a route to one of the settlements along the coast is presented on the map below.

The railway runs along Balaton, getting off the train and walking a couple of minutes will take you to one of the beaches of the lake.

By bus

You can get to almost any city on the Balaton coast by bus without a transfer. Buses depart from the bus station located near the Budapest metro station Népliget, buses also make several stops in Budapest, but you need to know exactly the number of the bus you need, since the bus will only have a number and a sign or ticker with the name of the final destination of the route.

Ticket prices may vary on different days. The advantages of this method: this is the cheapest option; from the windows of the bus you can observe the ordinary life of the local population (unless, of course, the bus is traveling on a toll road).

It is necessary to take into account that if you do not depart from the starting point of the route, then perhaps there simply will not be free seats on the bus.

Bus tickets can be bought at the ticket office of the bus station, or on the Internet, which is much more convenient, but in this case the ticket must be printed. Travel time is about 1.5-2 hours. An average ticket costs 100 EUR one way.

The arrival point depends on the city you choose. But the settlements on the shores of the lake are not too large, so I think it will not be difficult to get from the bus stop or station to the center or the beach.

By car

You can get to Balaton from Budapest either by free road No. 7, which will take longer, or by toll M7.

You can use the highway if you have a vignette, which can be purchased at large gas stations. The validity period varies: for 10 days, 1 month or 1 year. The cost for 10 days for a passenger car is approximately 10 EUR. You can purchase a vignette that is valid throughout the country, or you can also buy it only for a specific region.

The M7 runs along the entire southern coast. There is no toll road along the northern coast, but you can enjoy the beauty of the northern coast and views of Lake Balaton, as the road runs along the coast. The cost of gasoline is approximately 1.2 EUR.

Clue:

Balaton - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Balaton is beautiful at any time of the year, but if you want to see the sights, then spring or autumn is ideal, when it is not cold as in winter, and there is no sultry summer heat, as well as crowds of tourists. The ideal time for a beach holiday, in my opinion, is from mid-June to mid-August. The number of vacationers increases sharply in July-August.

If you’re not very lucky with the weather, then don’t be upset, since Hungary is famous for its thermal resorts, which are also located at Lake Balaton. The most famous is Lake Heviz.

Lake Balaton in summer

In summer, the number of people at Balaton increases several times; people come here not only to see the lake and the surrounding area, but also to swim.

The period of festivals and other cultural events begins.

Lake Balaton in autumn

At the beginning of autumn the weather is often warm, you can even go swimming during the day, but the evenings are already autumn and cool. There are a huge number of trees and plants in the lake area, so in the fall the eye is drawn to a breathtaking riot of colors and shades.

Lake Balaton in spring

In March, everything gradually begins to bloom.

Magnolias, cherries, apple trees, lilacs, bird cherry trees, tulips, spray roses amaze with their beauty...

There is an indescribable aroma in the air. The sun not only shines, but also warms.

Lake Balaton in winter

In winter there are much fewer tourists at Lake Balaton. Winter here is warmer than in Russia. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below +5 °C. The sun shines almost every day, but a cold wind blows. There is almost no snow, but in winter the lake often freezes, so it is also popular among winter sports enthusiasts.

Many people come to skate. Personally, I do not recommend doing this, since the thickness of the ice is very small.

Balaton - weather by month

Clue:

Balaton - weather by month

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Balaton has a strongly elongated shape from south-west to north-east, its length is 77 km. If the southern coast is mostly quite flat, the northern coast has a more interesting topography, it is called the “Balaton Riviera”: here are the Bakony Mountains, small volcanic mountains, and vineyards.

Which part of the lake to relax in depends on the purpose of the trip and preferences.

There is everything you need for relaxation here. You can find noisy youth spots, a secluded beach, try Hungarian wine, and have a snack in a cozy restaurant.

Balaton has accommodation and entertainment for holidaymakers of any budget. Some people come to sail on yachts, others to ride bicycles along the coast.

Visitors combine a beach holiday with sightseeing tours. The lake is suitable for families with children due to its shallow depth.

For families with children, I would recommend the southern or western shore of the lake due to convenient access to the water and a milder climate. For lovers of noisy parties - Siofok or nearby Zamárdi, where even during the day you can find sections of the beach with noisy club music.

But this does not mean that you should not go to these cities with children, since the beach is long, you can walk 100-200 meters and you will find yourself in a fairly calm area; in Siófok there is a shore with a sandy beach.

The northern coast (for example, Balatonfüred) is suitable for lovers of swimming, as well as for lovers of mountains and historical attractions (Tihany Peninsula, Bakony Mountains). Personally, I’m not a fan of noisy places and crowds of vacationers, so I recommend that those who like a quiet holiday drive a couple more kilometers and relax in one of the calmer and cozy towns. The further you get from Budapest, the fewer people you will meet on the beach.

Along with regular relaxation, Balaton also offers spa treatment: the Balatonfüred sanatoriums specialize in cardiology, the water of Lake Heviz treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and in the caves of the Balaton Upland National Park they practice treatment of respiratory diseases with cave air. There are also many sources of various mineral water along the shores of the lake.

The most famous resorts of Balaton are Siófok, Balatonfüred, Keszthely and Tihany.

Now I will tell you in more detail about some conditional regions of Lake Balaton.

Siófok

The optimal place for those who like to be in the center of events and who are not embarrassed by crowds of tourists. This is the most popular resort city both among tourists and among Hungarian youth.

Bars, restaurants, clubs are within walking distance.

The cost of housing is not much higher than in other tourist destinations. The city is also suitable for families with children; there is a good park with a playground and children's attractions on the pedestrian street. There are a lot of food and drink stalls on the beach.

The city is located 107 km from Budapest. You can get there by car, by bus, or by train. The approximate travel time by bus or train (without transfers) will be 1.5–2 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops along the way. A one-way bus ticket will cost approximately 7 EUR, a train ticket - 7.5 EUR.

Siófok attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches and numerous cultural events. Various events are held here: concerts, festivals, balls, competitions of Balaton beauties. Sports fans are attracted to Siófok by horse racing and the Hungarian Derby. At the beginning of July, the international folklore festival “Aranykagyló” takes place here, where you can get acquainted with the culture of different peoples. The city is often called the “capital of nightlife”; it has many cafes, bars, and discos.

The largest port on Lake Balaton is located here; both pleasure boats and those operating regular voyages on the lake moor.

Siófok has the longest stretch of coastline compared to other settlements, 17 km.

The Shio River divides the coast into gold and silver beaches. The gold section has a paid beach, the silver section has a free beach.

The entrance to the lake is provided by stairs, the depth here is shallow, at a distance of 200-300 m from the shore the depth is approximately 1 m.

Concerts held in the summer often feature melodies by the composer who was born here and the author of popular operettas, Imre Kalman. The house where composer Imre Kalman was born today houses a museum, where his piano and personal belongings are kept.

The villas of famous Hungarian poets and writers have been preserved on the coast: Karinthi Frides, Jokai Mora, Krudi Gyula. On the same street (Kálmán Imre sétány) there is a mineral museum with the largest exhibition of minerals in the country, as well as a 45-meter water tower of a special shape, which has become a symbol of the city.

Balatonfüred

This is the first resort in Hungary and the largest city on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, considered the city of grapes and wine.

Located approximately 135 km from Budapest, you can reach it by car, bus, train, and also by ferry from the southern shore of Lake Balaton. Approximate travel time by bus or train (non-stop): 2–2.5 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops along the way. A one-way bus ticket will cost approximately 8 EUR, a train ticket - 9 EUR.

During the summer season there are more vacationers in the city than local residents! Already at the beginning of the 18th century in Balatonfüred they knew that acidic waters had a positive effect on various diseases. At first, vacationers in Balatonfüred were attracted by the mineral water, then swimming in the lake became fashionable. In 1846, the first motor ship on Balaton left Balatonfüred. There is a pier where both pleasure boats and ferries that operate regular trips around the lake moor.

A favorite place for vacationers to walk, as I know, is the alley stretching along the shore, named after the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, and the park in which famous people planted trees in memory of their recovery. While walking along the embankment, you can feed the swans and seagulls, pose for artists, or simply watch the yachts departing from the pier.

In the first half of the 19th century, Balatonfured was not only a resort, but also a lively center of summer social, cultural and political life. Kazinczy, Szechenyi, Kossuth, Deak were here; Yokai built a summer house here, which he visited for 22 years; currently there is a museum of the writer there. Almost all the houses of the old city are protected as architectural monuments. At the end of the street In Öreghegyi út there is the Lóczy Cave, 120 m long. The cave can be explored with an instructor.

Balatonfured is the center of sailing in Hungary; for its fans, not only results are important, but also traditions.

The real highlight of the holidays was the launching of the yacht Nemere II, restored by the new owner, the most beautiful and fastest yacht, which set a record in 1955, bypassing Lake Balaton in 10 hours, which still holds.

Keszthely

The city is located on the western shore of Lake Balaton. Due to its distance from Budapest, there are fewer tourists here.

Keszthely is located 187 km from Budapest and can be reached by car, bus or train. The approximate travel time by bus is 2.5 hours, by train you can get there only with transfers in 2.5 - 4 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops along the way. A one-way bus ticket will cost approximately 11 EUR, ticket by train - 12 EUR.

Mostly Germans come here. The city became famous thanks to the Festetics family and Georgikon, the first agricultural school in the country, opened in the city center, in the Town Hall building.

Fustetic Palace is rightfully the most visited main attraction of the city.

The palace is furnished with antique furniture and decorated with works of art that give insight into the life of the aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the corridor there is a unique exhibition of ceremonial weapons of the Hungarian National Museum, and in the room under the tower there are the most valuable African hunting trophies of Duke Franz Joseph Windischgrätz. The hunter Nagy Endre, who served for many years with the Duke, persuaded him to donate his trophies to the Keszthely Museum.

There is a park around the building.

The oldest building in Keszthely is a Gothic church.

On the pedestrian street stands the house of the famous composer Goldmark, who was born here.

Among the interesting things I would recommend visiting:

• Georgikon Museum: the exhibition tells about the history of the school. Also here you can get acquainted with the traditions of grape cultivation, winemaking tools, and the history of famous Balaton grape varieties. There is also a grain exhibition here.
• The Balaton Museum (Múzeum u.2) will tell you about the formation of the lake, its flora and fauna. Various fishing equipment indicate that large fish were previously found in Lake Balaton. In the museum you can get acquainted with the most valuable archaeological and ethnographic finds.
• Not far from the Festetics Palace there is a marzipan museum (Katona József u.19), where delicious fairy-tale figurines are prepared. There is also a model of a palace made from marzipan.
• The Doll Museum (Kossuth Lajos u.11) has a model of the Parliament, measuring 8 x 2.5 m, made from 4.5 million shells collected from different regions of Hungary. Its creator worked on this project for 14 years.

Not far from the city is the thermal lake Heviz.

Tihany Peninsula

This is one of the most visited places in the region. The peninsula will be of interest to those interested in architecture, the history of religion, and nature. In spring, the blossoming almonds amaze with their beauty, then the ash tree pleases the eye. In summer, here you can see ancient lavender fields with their intoxicating aroma, and in autumn, the riot of colors and shades in the depths of the peninsula attracts the eye.

There are two lakes in the center of the peninsula. The Inland Lake, which arose in the crater of a volcano, is very popular among fishermen.

It used to be part of Balaton, but when the water level dropped, the water remained only in the depressions. The outer lake is so overgrown that there are almost no areas of open water left. In the summer, educational hikes are organized around the peninsula and the Balaton Upland National Park.

In 2003, the peninsula received a European diploma for its effectiveness in protecting the environment and preserving the landscape diversity of the peninsula.

The place where Tihany juts out into Lake Balaton for 5 km is the narrowest part of the lake. The peninsula has fairly steep shores. There are free and paid beaches. The ferry connects the peninsula with the southern part of the coast.

The village of Tihany is the largest settlement on the peninsula of the same name. Tihany is a repository of rich historical and cultural heritage. The most famous attraction is the Benedictine abbey, under which there is a crypt guarding the only tomb of the Hungarian king remaining on the original site.

The geyser cones of the geyser field were formed as a result of volcanic activity. Gradually hardened silt with limestone and silicic acid formed geyser rocks, the most beautiful of which is the “golden house”.

What are the prices for holidays?

The local currency is the Hungarian forint; at exchange offices for 1 EUR they give 305-312 forints.

If possible, it is better to change money in Budapest, where the exchange rate is more favorable. You should also take into account that when exchanging currency, a commission is charged. You can withdraw money from a card in EUR only at some ATMs; they will have the inscription EUR on them. In some shops and cafes you can pay in EUR, but the exchange rate is not favorable, and your change will be given in forints at the same unfavorable rate.

Prices

Holiday prices depend on the season and the needs of vacationers. But on Lake Balaton, all cities have accommodation and entertainment for vacationers with any budget. The further a city is from Budapest, the fewer tourists there are and the prices are lower. The more popular a city is, the more expensive it is to live in, the entrance fee to the beach, and food. But if you move a little away from the main streets, prices become lower.

Those who want to save money try to rent apartments. Prices start from 50 EUR (during high season), you can find a hostel for 20-30 EUR. A good hotel room will cost from 70 EUR to 100 EUR. If you are willing to pay, then you can safely go to the best hotels with their own section of the beach, where a night in a double room will cost 130-250 EUR.

Entrance to the beach is usually paid, there is a sign with prices hanging near the ticket office; after studying it, you can save a little, as there are benefits for children, students, and pensioners. If you are traveling as a family of several people, then it is more profitable to take a ticket for the family. Also, if you plan to spend several days at Lake Balaton, you can buy a pass for several visits. On weekends, entry to the beach will cost more than on weekdays. After 16:00 there is usually a reduced rate. After 18-19 hours (depending on the beach) entry becomes free. If during the day you want to leave the beach for some time and return later, then at the exit you need to put a washable stamp with the date on your hand, and when you return, just show it and they will let you through. If you were given paper wristbands at the entrance, then most likely you don’t need to put a stamp, but it’s better to check near the exit whether you can return using this bracelet. In almost any city you can find a free beach. The entrance to the lake is equipped with stairs. Advantages of a paid beach: free toilets (although there is usually someone sitting in front of the entrance, they are there to maintain order and cleanliness); cabins where you can change clothes, the possibility of renting a catamaran, paid safes.

On the beaches there are a lot of stalls where you can buy drinks, ice cream, pancakes, Hungarian flatbread - lángos, hamburgers, battered fish, etc. When buying fish, you should pay attention to the fact that the price is indicated not per serving, but per 100 grams. Such a snack, naturally, will cost more than leaving the beach and having a snack at the nearest cafe. If you are not very hungry, then it is better to ask what the serving size is in the cafe, since Hungarian cuisine is famous for its huge portions for a Russian person. A main course and a drink will cost about 10 EUR, the average cost of a dessert is 3.5 EUR. At lunchtime, many cafes offer a business lunch; in this case, the portions will be quite small. Usually this is a soup and a main course, the approximate cost is 4 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

There are a lot of beaches in the vicinity of Lake Balaton, which is not surprising. The region is replete with parks, and I have already talked about some of the interesting museums above, in the section on conventional regions. And now I want to dwell on some places in more detail.

Top 3

Beaches. Which ones are better

The lake coast is the most important resort area in Hungary; you can relax in almost any city. In order to create beaches, in some places the shore was lined with stones.

Some beaches are awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union (eg Napfen beach in Balatonlella) for their consistently excellent water quality.

The water in the lake is soft and contains minerals; clean but opaque, a beautiful turquoise color. The bottom of the lake is covered with fine sand.

The average depth is 3-4 m, but in some places it reaches 12 m (near the Tihany Peninsula). In general, the depth at the southern and northern shores is very different: if near the northern shore it increases quite sharply to 2 meters, then in the south the depth will not exceed a meter.

The entrance to the lake is equipped with stairs. The beaches are not equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. You will have to lie either on the grass or on concrete, or, if there is a cafe with sun loungers, you can take a cold drink and settle there for a while. If you arrive early, you can take a bench. During the day you can hide in the shade of the trees. The place under the tree is usually occupied in the morning.

Parks

Balaton Upland National Park

The national park stretches along the northern shore of Lake Balaton from Balatonszölös to Little Balaton. The most interesting places in the park:

• Tihany Peninsula,
• Bakony mountains,
• basalt mountains of volcanic origin,
• caves,
• Kali basins (so-called “stone seas”)

• the buffalo reserve in Kapolnapust (2 km from the road), here you can take a tour along the educational trail and get acquainted with the way of life of the buffaloes.

• Small Balaton.

Neighboring regions

Heviz

Heviz is the second largest thermal lake in the world (4.4 hectares) and the largest thermal lake in Europe.

The lake is located near Balaton in the resort town of the same name, 6 kilometers from the city of Keszthely and 193 km from Budapest. You can get there directly from Budapest either by car or by bus. Approximate travel time: 2.5 – 4 hours depending on the route. A bus ride to Heviz will cost you approximately 12 EUR.

The mineral springs feeding the lake are located at a depth of 38.5 m, water flow: 86 million liters per day. Thanks to the high power of the source, the water in the lake is renewed every two days. The lake is surrounded by forest, which protects it from external influences: wind, dust, noise. In winter, spring, and autumn, on cold days, the lake is covered with a light layer of steam, which prevents the water from cooling, so you can swim in the lake even in winter.

The water temperature in it is +33-38 °C; in winter the temperature does not drop below +22-29 °C. Water does not have a tiring effect, but, on the contrary, calms and refreshes.

In 1865, Count Gyorgy Festetics began construction of the bathing lake. The bathhouse was built with female and male sections located opposite each other. In 1964-1968, the most modern and largest indoor bathhouse of that time, “Thermal”, was built. Since then, Heviz has ceased to depend on the weather. The bathhouse was built in the center of Heviz. For two centuries it has been attracting guests with its waters. The hospital buildings are located nearby. In 1898, biologist Lovashi Sandor brought and planted Indian pink water lilies in the lake, and they took root.

Pink water lilies on the lake are protected; touching the plants and picking flowers is prohibited!

Little Balaton (Kis Balaton)

Here you can observe the life of birds; about 250 species have been recorded on the territory of Little Balaton.

There is an ornithological station on the shore of the lake.

Cave with a lake in Tapolca

The depth of water in the cave reaches almost a meter. There you can take a boat ride and see the intricate stone sculptures carved by thermal water.

Sümegi Fortress (Sümegi vár)

At the top of Mount Var there is a majestic fortress, this is the largest fortress in Hungary, built at the beginning of the 14th century.

The museum houses an exhibition of sabers and a collection of carriages and carriages, as well as a torture chamber. Theatrical performances are often held on the territory of the fortress. You should not leave valuables on the beach unattended. Thefts are rare, but they do happen. There are safes on paid beaches; they are usually located near the entrance to the beach. Renting a safe will cost you about 1.5 EUR, plus they will ask you to pay a deposit for the key, which you will be given (the deposit will be returned to you when you return the key). Check when you need to return the key, since in the evening the entrance to all paid beaches becomes free and the provision of paid services stops.

There are also strong winds at Lake Balaton. If there is a warning about an approaching storm, it is better to get out of the water and maybe even leave the beach. Gusty winds can arrive within minutes, causing strong waves.

Things to do

Fishing on the lake is a favorite sport of many fishermen. The most famous type of fish is pike perch. Carp is used to prepare delicious fish soup and fried fish. Sailing competitions, swimming competitions across the lake (at the end of June), famous balls, festivals and other events attract thousands of holidaymakers.

Water skiing trails are open in Siófok and Balatonfüred. Huge cranes indicate the locations of one of the most popular extreme sports - bungee jumping. In the second half of July, a special earthen rampart is built in Alshoorsha, from which young people jump into the water on bicycles, skis and snowboards; The one who jumped further wins. Alshoorsh is a favorite meeting place for motorcyclists; the Harley Davidson festival is held here in June. Various programs: hiking, gastronomic and wine tours in the northern Balaton highlands are carried out not only during the summer season, but also during the rest of the year. On any beach you can rent a catamaran (for this you will need to pay a deposit of around 30 EUR, or leave a document). I have no experience in using this type of transport. And the distances can vary greatly. So I advise you to ask the reception or locals for details upon arrival.

Parking in tourist areas is paid, sometimes even on weekends. It is paid in small change in special machines (the receipt must be placed under the windshield) or by mobile phone (by sending an SMS with the car number to the phone number indicated on the same machines to start parking and by sending an SMS with the word STOP to finish paying for parking; in both cases it must receive a confirmation, first about the start time of parking, then about the completion of payment indicating the cost). In the area of ​​many beaches there are large unguarded open parking lots, where payment is made per day, which is much more economical.

Balaton - holidays with children

The lake is suitable for families with children due to its shallow depth and warm water.

There are often children's playgrounds on the beach. A sandy entrance to the lake is very rare on Lake Balaton, so you often have to go down into the water along stairs that smoothly turn into a sandy bottom.

But you need to pay attention that along the entire coast near the entrance to the lake there are large stones. In Zanka there is a children's pioneer town - one of the largest pioneer camps.

A unique tourist region. Here you can truly spend the perfect vacation: sunbathe on the sandy beaches of the southern coast, explore the mountainous landscapes of the northern, wander through the ruins of ancient fortresses or take a dip in the 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 the Balaton Upland National Park, where geysers, intricately shaped blocks of solidified 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 to 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 several days, the southern shore of 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.

Holidays in Hungary are not as familiar to domestic tourists as, for example, trips to Crimea. But for most Europeans, this vacation option is an excellent alternative to seaside resorts. The west of the country is associated with places of amazing beauty on Lake Balaton. This is a huge body of water, which is often called the sea. Tourists are attracted here not only by nature, but also by developed infrastructure.

Features of relaxation on Lake Balaton

This resort area in eastern Hungary is known for its well-maintained beaches. Vacationers note their cleanliness and comfort. Lake Balaton is so popular that it is nicknamed the “Hungarian Sea”. The large length of the coast allows you to concentrate on it a whole host of institutions, thanks to which you can diversify your vacation. Among them:

• Hotels;
• Dispensaries;
• Entertainment centers;
• Thermal and mineral springs.

With a fairly large width (in some places up to 12 kilometers), the reservoir does not differ in depth. The average elevation is 3 meters. True, not far from the Tihany depression there is also the deepest mark of the lake - 12 meters. The temperature in the summer months is around 24-29 degrees, which makes a holiday here as comfortable as possible.

Today Lake Balaton has become the most popular resort area in all of Hungary. We recommend choosing one of the following resorts to visit it:

• Siófok. The largest city on the Balaton coast. All the partygoers gather here, because local life is literally in full swing. The surrounding area of ​​the resort is known for its well-maintained beaches. The picturesque Shio River makes nature unique.

• Balatonfured. It is considered the most popular resort on the northern coast of the island. This is where the famous Rabindranath Tagore Alley is located. Most vacationers come here for the healing springs.

• Santod. The village itself serves as a crossing point to the Tihany Peninsula. But for active tourists there is a lot of interesting things here too. The most popular local entertainment is horse riding parades and equestrian sports.

• Tihany. This cozy peninsula is located very close to the resort of Balatonfured. People come here to diversify their holiday with cultural excursions. The place is famous for a large number of architectural attractions.

• Keszthely. A small town that adorns the northwestern coast of Lake Balaton. In recent years, local authorities have been modernizing the resort, which has attracted more tourists.

• Badacsony and Szigliget. These two villages are located very close to each other and are very similar in color. They are famous for their small restaurants serving exquisite Hungarian wines. Among the main attractions is the ancient fortress of Castle Hill. It is definitely worth a visit during your vacation.

It must be said that you can choose the right resort on Lake Balaton if you determine the purpose of the trip in advance. So, it is better to go to the north side for those who are interested in water sports or, at least, know how to swim well. But for a holiday with children, the south coast is better suited. It is characterized by a gradual increase in depth.

Balaton resorts offer the following types of entertainment to their guests:

• Yachting;
• Surfing;
• Fishing;
• Tennis;
• Mini golf;
• Horseback riding.

A separate pleasant moment is the Hungarian cuisine. You should definitely try fish soup and Balaton pike perch in restaurants on the coast. The meal will be turned into a celebration by local wines, which will certainly delight even gourmets. On the shores of this lake in Hungary there are many taverns with traditional Balaton menu. Their characteristic feature is the sound of gypsy music.

Lake resorts in Hungary

Health resorts are mainly concentrated near the Tihany Peninsula, in the territory of Balatonfüred. It is here that there are seven healing springs. They are mineralized and contain carbon dioxide, iron and calcareous compounds. It is especially useful for people with cardiovascular diseases to visit this resort, such as:

• Myocardial infarction;
• Hypertension;
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• Atherosclerosis.

The State Cardiology Clinic is located here. This institution is known throughout Europe. It carries out all types of heart diagnostics, and it is possible to connect artificial respiration devices. The clinic's surgeons perform very complex operations, saving the lives of their patients.

It is convenient that local hotels are located very close to the cardiology center:

• Hotel Annabella;
• Hotel Park;
• Hotel Silver Resort;
• Hotel Margareta.

In all these hotels you can stay for the period of treatment on the main lake of Hungary. Hotels on this list have 3 and 4 star status. The price of accommodation in them is considered a budget option.

In addition to Balaton, there is another lake in this area - Heviz. This reservoir is considered healing, and the water in it is very warm and saturated with mineral salts. It treats many diseases. Such bathing helps to cope with ailments such as rheumatism, musculoskeletal disorders, vertebral, gynecological problems and other chronic diseases of various organ systems. Also here you can be treated with healing mud in accordance with the testimony of the attending physicians.

Holidays with children at Lake Balaton

In Hungary, you can have a very good rest with your little mischievous children if you choose the right resort. You should definitely not go with young travelers to the Northern coast of Lake Balaton. Since the bottom of the lake here is rocky, with frequent steep depressions, vacationing with children risks turning into a dangerous event. But in the south, the slopes are gentle with comfortable sandbanks, so this is where you should go when going on vacation with the whole family.

Since Balaton is a very clean body of water, such a vacation will be truly environmentally friendly.

The trip will be interesting if you go to the resort of Siófok. This is the main resort of the Hungarian sea. There are many attractions open here for children, and adults can easily find all kinds of nightlife entertainment in the village. The opportunity to engage in any type of water sport will complement your holiday. And the highlight of your leisure time can be a Spanish bar with a chocolate tower. The water is clean, the slopes to the coast are soft and gentle, and the beaches are equipped with everything necessary, and garbage is constantly removed by special teams of cleaning workers. Directly from the resort you can go on an excursion to Budapest if you want to unwind.

The best thing in this resort area for children is considered to be a holiday on the thermal lake Heviz. The whole family can have a good time here for several reasons:

• Possibility of treating many chronic diseases;
• Application of healing mud if necessary;
• Constantly warm water temperature in the lake;
• Developed infrastructure nearby.

It is also worth relaxing wisely at thermal ponds, especially with small children. So, experts from Hungary and other countries recommend that children stay in the water for no longer than 10-15 minutes. Then the baby should be pulled ashore and continue to heal there. When you get tired of such a pastime, you can rush to the south coast to take sunbathing.

Holidays for young people

Do not think that Balaton is a place exclusively for family holidays. Young people will also be interested in the lake. For an ideal vacation, the same Siófok is suitable. Tourists on the coast will be greeted by numerous nightclubs and bars, colorful restaurants. To provide leisure time for vacationers, DJs from England, Holland and Germany regularly visit Siofok.

In general, Siófok in Lake Balaton is rightfully considered one of the party centers not only in Hungary, but throughout Europe. Every evening from the coast, as well as throughout the resort, music of all genres sounds. There are also a lot of interesting events:

• Sports tournaments;
• Organ concert;
• Opera performances;
• "Golden Shell" - international folklore festival;
• Ballet.

As in most beach resorts, in Siofok almost all discos, cafes and restaurants are located along the coastline. In general, guests of the town on Balaton don’t even have to go on any excursions. 15 km of entertainment venues will make your vacation eventful. The most popular are Coca-Cola Beach House and Palace.

By the way, Balaton is famous for its inexpensive and interesting excursions. Among them:

• Motor cruise to the Tihany Peninsula;
• Riding on the lake on a yacht;
• Trip to Badacsony with lunch and wine tasting;
• Visiting cave lakes;
• Trip to Shumeg with a knight's tournament, medieval dinner and gypsy music.

Youth holidays at Lake Balaton can be very eventful. But it is worth taking time to visit Mapolca. This is a small town that is located near Balatonfüred (forty kilometers) and Keszthely (thirty kilometers). This is the location of the underground Lake Tavash and the legendary karst lakes.

How to get to the lake?

The most popular lake in Hungary can be easily reached from Russia. Thus, there is a direct connection between Moscow and Sarmellek Airport. This landing site for passenger liners is often called Lake Balaton due to its proximity to the Hungarian Sea. It is also easy to reach via Budapest. It is better to check flight prices with airline representatives.

It is easy to get from the airport to your chosen resort by bus or train. Usually this does not take much time - from 1.5 to 3 hours. It's even easier for those who drive a car. Since Lake Balaton is surrounded by a modern highway, you can rent a car to get around and make your holiday even more interesting.

Lake Balaton is the embrace of waves, wind-blown sails of yachts and the richness of nature, sandy beaches on the southern shore and rocky beaches on the northern shore, vineyards and gardens, mountains and ruins of fortresses. Water with a high content of iodine and a special microclimate create the complete illusion of a holiday at sea.

The most visited place in Balaton is the volcanic Tihany peninsula (Tihanyi-félsziget). This is a protected area with a unique ecosystem and its own endemics. A variety of birds nest on the banks of Tihany, covered with thickets of reeds. In the middle of the peninsula there are two closed lakes with warm water.

In the Balaton Upland National Park (Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park), at the northern edge of the lake, rare flora grows and protected animals live. People move through this territory with a volcanic landscape only along hiking trails. Famous places in the park are the Tihany Peninsula, the Kali and Tapolca river basins, the Tapolca Caves, the South Bakony Mountains and Kis-Balaton.

The limestone Lóczy Cave (Lóczy-barlang), more than 100 m long, is located on Mount Tamasha. Since the 30s. last century it is open to tourists. The halls of the cave are illuminated and look like giant cauldrons, the walls are decorated with transparent aragonite crystals. The healing microclimate of Loci has a healing effect for respiratory diseases.

Lake Heviz (Hévízi-tó) is located near the city of Keszthely. This is a thermal pond with healing water and mud; Lotuses bloom on its surface. In winter, the water temperature is from 24 °, and in summer - up to 36 °. The water in the lake is completely renewed every day. It is a popular place for treatment and relaxation.

Resorts and settlements on the shores of the lake

Keszthely

Szigliget

The famous resort in the west of the northern coast is Tapolca. It is famous for its system of karst caves with an underground lake. The caves are used for spa treatment. The sights of the city are: Lake Cave, Mill Lake, City Museum, Czobanc Fortress and Szentgyorgy Mountain.

Balatonföldvár is the best health resort on the southern coast. It is attracted by 7 healing carbon dioxide springs, a Mediterranean climate, a beautiful beach and fresh air. In the center of the town there is a plane tree alley.

Beaches

Balaton beaches vary in natural conditions.

North Shore

The northern coast is suitable for those who can swim well, active tourists, and athletes. The bottom here is rocky; a depth of more than 2 m begins almost at the shore. The best beach on the northern coast is Szigetfürdő in Keszthely. The villages of Tihany, Zanka and Balatonfured also have excellent beach spots.

South coast

At the southern end of the lake, the bottom deepens slowly: a meter depth continues for two hundred to three hundred meters. The beaches attract with velvety sand. The south coast is ideal for a family holiday.

Eastern Bank

Sunbathers choose the eastern shore: the villages of Kenesh, Akarattya, Aliga are flooded with sun throughout the day.

West Bank

The traditional vacation spot for middle-income families is the western outskirts of the southern coast. People come here for a long period of time, often for the whole summer.

At the Valley of the Arts festival

Each coastal resort offers tourists courts and mini-golf, sailing, surfing, fishing, excursions, restaurants, and traditional taverns. In the village of Santod, opposite the Tihany Peninsula, there is an equestrian competition arena.

In mid-May, Balaton resorts celebrate the beginning of the season: a large sailing regatta is held, concerts are held, and exhibitions are held.

The Golden Shell folk festival is held annually in Siófok. Festivals and exhibitions are also held in Tihan all summer.

The Valley of the Arts Festival runs from mid-July to early August near Capolc. For 10 days, the main characters are music, cinema, theater, art and literary readings.

At the end of July, Keszthely opens the Wine Boulevard - a presentation of regional wines with tasting.

How to get from Budapest to Lake Balaton

By train

Transfer to Lake Balaton

This is a very comfortable option and profitable if there are several of you. You will be picked up from your hotel or Budapest airport and taken to your hotel on Lake Balaton. Cost about €109.

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