Overview of resort towns on Lake Balaton. Hungary, Lake Balaton: prices, reviews. Treatment at Lake Balaton

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 southern 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 Lake 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.

On its coast there are several famous resorts, each of which is ideal for a relaxing holiday and restoration of health. The largest freshwater body of water in Central Europe with thermal and mineral springs resembles the sea in size, sparkling blue surface, and well-developed infrastructure.

Wealthy Europeans have long chosen these places: they travel on yachts, travel around the area on bicycles, drink healing mineral water, play squash and tennis, and visit wine restaurants. But Balaton is a democratic resort: there is accommodation and entertainment for vacationers with any budget. It's nice to combine the joys of the beach with excursions to the sights - caves, churches, fortresses and museums - and fun at the many summer festivals. If you want silence, the rocky northern coast will reliably hide you from the noise and bustle.

How to get to Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is located 120 km from Budapest. Having reached the Hungarian capital, you can take a train, bus or taxi, or use rented transport. The most convenient way is by rail. Most often, trains to Balaton depart from the South Station (aka Delhi), less often - from the East Station (Keleti). Most trains go to the city of Siófok, on the southern shore of the lake. The journey takes 2.5 hours, trains run from 4:00 to 21:00. Ticket prices - from 2300 HUF, schedule and details - at the office. Hungarian Railways website (in English). Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Another railway station is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, in Keszthely. Tickets are a little more expensive (from 3400 HUF), the journey takes longer (3-5 hours), route operating hours are 4:00-21:40.

Getting to Balaton by taxi is, of course, convenient, but expensive: from 30,000 HUF. It is better to plan such a trip in advance by first contacting any of the local taxi services and discussing the details.

Buses are also delivered to Balaton, most of which belong to the country's largest intercity carrier Volanbusz (office site in English). Flights to Siófok depart 3-5 times a day from Nepliget station, travel time is about 2 hours, ticket price is 2500 HUF.

Another way to get to Lake Balaton is by driving a car rented in Budapest. The route runs along a modern two-lane highway, connecting in the Siófok area with the highway encircling the lake. The journey will take about 1.5 hours (the distance is 100 km or more depending on the destination), the cost of gasoline is 400-500 HUF per 1 liter.

Search for air tickets to Budapest (the nearest airport to Lake Balaton)

Balaton Resorts

The southern shore of Lake Balaton is noisy and party-filled, crowded with young people and families with children, the northern shore is calmer, rich in excursion routes. The main resorts in the south are Siofok and Santod, Fonyod and Balatonföldvar. Siófok is called the “capital of nightlife” throughout Hungary: there are many clubs, bars and dance floors for adherents of fun 24/7. After stormy nights, they relax on sandy beaches with developed infrastructure and a whole range of water activities.

Not far from Siófok is Santod, a small cozy village whose pride is the Santodpusta complex with 18th-century estates that once belonged to Benedictine monks.

Fonyod is a great place to relax with children: a relaxed “country” mood reigns here, there are many parks and beaches with attractions for children. There are practically no luxury hotels, but the neat “three rubles” have a homely atmosphere and attentive service. And Balatonföldvar, with its picturesque pier and beautiful architecture, is a balneological resort, famous for its healing carbon dioxide springs.

The main city of the northern coast is Keszthely with convenient beaches and a scattering of attractions, the most popular of which is the luxurious Festejic Palace. Badacsony is known for its magnificent vineyards (and therefore wines), while the Tihany Peninsula is known for its untouched landscapes with exotic flora and fauna. In Balatonfüred there are excellent cardiological sanatoriums, and in Tapolca there is a unique healing cave with a thermal lake.

Transport

The most convenient way to travel between Balaton resorts is by water transport. Ships and ferries provide regular passenger transportation and excursion tours to beautiful cities. The main pier is located in Siófok, a trip to Tihany, Balatonfüred or Balatonföldvár will cost from 1300 HUF one way (from 2400 HUF return). A boat trip from Keszthely to Fonyod costs the same. Detailed information - at the office. website of the carrier Balatoni Hajozasi Zrt (in English).

Trains also run along the Balaton coast: you can get from Keszthely to Siófok for 1,500 HUF, from Siófok to Balatonföldvár for 300-450 HUF.

For frequent trips, it is more profitable to buy a Balaton Mix pass, sold at railway stations and marinas. It gives the right to unlimited travel in the vicinity of the lake on Balatoni Hajozasi Zrt trains and ships for a selected period. An adult ticket for 1-2 days costs 3300-5400 HUF, a child ticket - 1900-3100 HUF.

Taxi ranks are located near bus stations; you can also call a car by phone after finding out the number at the hotel reception. A standard trip around the city costs 1500-2200 HUF, a transfer from Siofok to Santod costs 6000 HUF, and to Balatonföldvár costs 7000 HUF.

The Balaton coast is dotted with bicycle paths; you can rent a bike for 500-600 HUF per hour (from 3000 HUF per day, discounts when booking for several days). There are rental points in all famous resorts: Balatonfüred, Keszthely, Siófok, Heviz and other cities. Some hotels offer a bicycle for a few hours a day as a free bonus with your stay.

Maps of Lake Balaton

Rent a Car

Driving around the outskirts of Balaton in a rented car is convenient and pleasant: the roads are excellent, the scenery is even better. There are rental points at Sarmellek Airport, the town of Balatonboglar, Siófok and nearby Heviz. At the airport, 12 km from Keszthely, an office of the international rental company Hertz has been opened, offering compact and standard models from 13,000 HUF per day. At the Avis dealership based in Balatonboglar, prices are higher: from 16,000 HUF per day for a mini car and from 25,000 HUF per day for a mid-range car. In Heviz and Siofok you can rent a compact model for 11,000 HUF per day.

When registering a lease, you most often have to make both an advance payment and a deposit. By concluding a contract for several days, you can count on a good discount.

Gasoline in Hungary costs 380-400 HUF per 1 liter. There are no traffic jams at Balaton; parking is available at hotels, beaches, shops and some attractions. Paid parking will cost from 500-700 HUF per hour.

Communication and Wi-Fi

For frequent calls to Russia, it is more profitable to connect to roaming, for negotiations with Hungarian operators and Internet surfing - a local SIM card. Leading mobile operators are T-Mobile, Vodafone and Telenor, all of them have high quality of communication. The average cost of SIM cards is 500-1500 HUF, calls to Russia - from 100-150 HUF per minute. There are corporate offices of operators in Keszthely and other large cities on the coast; a passport is required to connect. The account is replenished at gas stations, in newspaper stands and post offices, as well as via the Internet.

On the streets of resort towns there are payphones from which you can call all cities in Hungary and abroad. To pay for negotiations, cards costing 500-1800 HUF are used, sold at post offices, supermarkets and press kiosks.

The best time to call from payphones is from 20:00 to 8:00, when there are discounts on local and international calls.

Free Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and restaurants in popular resorts. Internet cafes at Balaton are rare, so most tourists prefer to connect Hungarian SIM cards with prepaid traffic.

Balatoncard

To save on food, accommodation and entertainment, we recommend purchasing a Balatoncard for travelers. With its help you can get discounts of 10% or more in 2-4* hotels, campsites and bungalows, restaurants, taverns and gardens, on beaches, in swimming pools and spas. Card holders are given a discount on visiting museums, castles and other attractions, entering music festivals and booking excursion tours. Among the program partners are tennis courts, massage rooms, Internet cafes, car services, souvenir shops and other establishments offering discounts on goods and services.

The Balatoncard is sold at tourist offices in resort towns and is valid throughout the coast. The cost of the card is 5500 HUF, partner addresses and detailed conditions are at the office. website (in English).

One day at Lake Balaton

Balaton beaches

The beaches of the northern and southern shores of Balaton differ significantly from each other. In the north, the bottom is rocky and stony, sloping steeply down: after 30-50 m the depth already exceeds the height of a person, so the local beaches can be recommended to those who know how to swim well, or to those who come with old enough children. Szigetfürdö in Keszthely is one of the most beautiful places in the north of the lake; there are also beautiful corners near the villages of Zanka, Tihany, Balatonfüred.

The central beach of Keszthely is paid (1600 HUF), after 18:00 admission is free. The shore is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, toilets, sports grounds and a heated swimming pool. Excellent opportunities for active leisure are in the village of Gyenesdias near Keszthely. Volleyball, streetball, polo, petanque and water slides - all you have to do is choose the entertainment to suit your taste. One of the most elegant beaches in the north is Esterházy in Balatonfüred, with a well-kept lawn, a gently sloping sandy bottom, a swimming pool and all the amenities. Entrance - 1100 HUF for adults and 650 HUF for children.

On the southern side of the lake, the depth increases very smoothly - in most places you can walk along the bottom for 500 meters and still not swim. It is especially shallow in the coastal strip, where even the smallest children can splash carefree in the water; the depth barely reaches half a meter. The largest beach in the south is in Siófok, with its bustling restaurants, clubs and bars. The infrastructure here is excellently developed, and there is entertainment both day and night. For example, Coca-Cola Beach at night turns into a huge disco with bars standing right on the water. The eastern part of Balaton is a real patrimony of sun worshipers. The beaches of the local villages of Kenesh, Akarattya and Aliga “look” to the south, and therefore vacationers bathe in the sun from morning until almost evening.

Balaton Hotels

Each Balaton resort boasts a decent selection of hotels for guests with any financial capabilities. Comfortable 2-4* hotels, cozy guesthouses, and modest hostels are open here. The cheapest option for unpretentious tourists is a tent at a campsite for a nominal fee. There is also a less extreme way to save money - renting rooms in private houses. If desired, you can book an entire mansion - an ideal solution for families with children and large groups.

The closer to the lake, the more expensive the housing.

A single room in a two-room apartment will cost from 7,500 HUF, in a 4* hotel - from 15,000 HUF per day. For a double room in a private house or apartment you will have to pay 10,000-12,000 HUF per day. The cost of renting an entire cottage is 106,000-120,000 HUF per week, an elite mansion on the 1st coastline is about 300,000 HUF for the same period. The voltage in the Hungarian electrical network is 230 V, the sockets are standard European, so you don’t need an adapter.

What to bring

Shopping at Lake Balaton is an exciting hunt for souvenirs, handicrafts, national Hungarian delicacies and alcoholic drinks. There are souvenir shops in all resort towns; special attention should be paid to painted porcelain and all sorts of little things depicting the lake. On most shelves there are also Rubik's cubes, invented in Hungary. The largest shops are concentrated in Keszthely, and there is also a fair with fresh products and clothes from local designers several times a week.

The best gastronomic gifts are paprika packed in elegant jars, famous Hungarian salami and marzipan sweets.

Balaton is one of the main wine-growing regions in the country, and therefore it is impossible to leave here without a bottle of excellent Tokaj. The best prices are in stores at private distilleries. If you want something stronger, take the fruit vodka “Palinka” or the herbal balm “Unicum”.

Cuisine and restaurants of Lake Balaton

At Balaton, as throughout Hungary, there is excellent cuisine: there are legendary goulash, spicy fish soup, and many other hearty and tasty dishes. For the first course, we recommend taking the rich fish soup “khalasle”, served in pots, or the vegetable “fezelek” made from zucchini, cabbage, potatoes and lentils. The main ingredient of the main courses is, of course, meat: stewed pork or veal in goulash, chicken fried with onions, peppers and garlic in paprikash, homemade sausages in lecho. A popular local fast food is langos flatbread with garlic sauce, cheese and sour cream. And for dessert, you should treat yourself to Retes strudel, because it is one of the recognized symbols of Hungarian cuisine.

The average bill for lunch in a cafe is 1600-2500 HUF, for dinner in a restaurant - from 4000-5000 HUF per person.

On the shores of Lake Balaton there are excellent fishing establishments where they serve catfish, silver pike perch, pike and other trophies caught directly in the lake. There are all kinds of cafes, bars and restaurants on literally every beach: here you can have a quick snack or a thorough lunch. In large resorts like Siófok, there are fast food restaurants (500-900 HUF for a set lunch). In the cities and towns of the famous wine region there are many taverns and wine cellars offering dozens of varieties of Tokaj. And the most daring atmosphere reigns in the Chards - cozy taverns with a simple interior, gypsy music and delicious home-style cuisine.

The best photos of Lake Balaton

Guides at Lake Balaton

Entertainment and attractions

Dozens of natural and architectural attractions are concentrated in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. The list of miraculous masterpieces includes the Tapoltsy caves, the Kish-Balaton and Pribalaton national reserves, and the picturesque Tihany Peninsula. Architectural gems are Festjets Palace, Battyany Castle, Sumeg Fortress, medieval ruins in Szigliget and the Franciscan church in Keszthely.

The main attractions of Balatonfüred are the picturesque harbor with a magnificent view of the lake and the well-kept Rabindranath Tagore embankment. The most remarkable building in Siófok is the water tower, which stands on Freedom Square. The Santodpusta tourist complex with restored 18th-century estates has been opened in Santod: interesting exhibitions and spectacular folklore festivals are organized here.

In Badacsony, the first basalt temple and botanical garden in Europe, founded more than 100 years ago by Dr. Folly, are noteworthy.

Approximate cost of group excursions: sailing on a motor ship to the Tihany Peninsula with a visit to the abbey - 15 EUR; trip to the thermal lake Heviz, excursion to Keszthely with a tour of the Festjets Palace (only from the outside), trip to Badacsony with lunch and wine tasting - 20-25 EUR. Sailing around Lake Balaton on a yacht - 25-30 EUR; trip to the Sumeg fortress with a knight's tournament and a “medieval dinner” accompanied by gypsy music - 35-40 EUR; excursion to Tapolca with a visit to cave lakes and boating - 22-25 EUR.

Every major resort center has tennis courts and mini golf. There are riding schools in Tihany, Santod, Keszthely, Nagyvazsony and many other places in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. Since the end of April, fishing has been allowed on the lake: you must buy a special permit, which is sold in every fishing store.

9 things to do at Lake Balaton

1. Travel around the entire coast and choose a beach to your liking.
2. Go down to the lake along the picturesque “Staircase of Wanderers” in Badacsony.
3. Fit into the photo in the sculptural composition “Women under Umbrellas” by Imre Varg in Siófok.
4. Compare the Feshteich Palace with Versailles, built in the image and likeness of French masterpieces.
5. Improve your well-being in the cave bath in Tapolca.
6. Taste the healing water from the carbonated springs of Balatonföldvár.
7. Visit the most delicious museums in Keszthely: the winery “Bacchus” and the confectionery “Marzipan”.
8. Admire the lakes, geysers and lavender fields on the protected Tihany Peninsula.
9. Look into the Chard and feel the atmosphere of intoxicated fun.

Weather

The water in Balaton warms up quickly, so you can swim in it from spring to late autumn. Soft, slightly alkaline water with a high content of iodine and a special southern microclimate create here an almost complete illusion of a holiday at sea. The bottom of the lake, especially noticeable in the shallow waters of the southern shore, is covered with fine velvety sand. On windy days, the water in Lake Balaton is often much warmer than the air. In summer, its temperature rarely drops below +22 °C, and at the height of summer it can reach +27...+28°C.

Relaxation and best resorts of Lake Balaton in Hungary.

Balaton- a freshwater lake in the west, the largest in Central Europe. The Balaton coast is the most important resort area in Hungary with mineral and thermal springs. The lake is located on the Middle Danube Plain, 100 km from Budapest. Lake area 600 sq. km., and the length of the coast is 195 km. A unique feature of Lake Balaton is its shallow depth. The average depth of the lake is about 3 meters, the only relatively deep place of the lake is the Tihany Depression near the Tihany Peninsula - 12.4 meters. The depth profile is different for the northern and southern shores. If in the northern part of the lake at a distance of 20-30 meters from the shore the depth already reaches two meters, then near the southern shore and at a distance of 200-300 meters from the shore the depth is about a meter. The bottom of the lake, especially noticeable in the shallow waters of the southern shore, is covered with fine velvety sand.

Clean warm water and picturesque coastal scenery make this resort popular not only among residents of the country, but also among tourists from all over Europe. This is what I call Lake Balaton in different languages ​​(Hungarian Balaton, German Plattensee, Slovak Blatenske jazero, Slovenian Blatno jezero, Latin Pelso), the Hungarians call it the “Hungarian Sea” or Balcsi.

Lake Balaton is divided into two shores:

North coast - Keszthely, Szigliget, Badacsonytomaj, Revfulep, Tihany, Balatonfüred and Balatonkenese.

South coast - Tapolca, Fonyod, Siófok, Santod, Balatonföldvár, Balatonbolgar and Balatonlelle.

History of Lake Balaton

Millions of years ago there was a sea in place of the lake. Due to geological shifts, the seabed has risen and the landscape has been greatly altered by volcanic activity. Once upon a time, Romans, Germanic and Slavic tribes lived in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. In 1019, King Endre built an abbey in Tihany.
Balaton became a popular resort at the end of the 19th century.

Holidays on Lake Balaton

The northern shore of Balaton is more suitable for lovers of active recreation. At a short distance from the shore it is quite deep, and you can enjoy yachting and fishing (there are more than 20 species of fish in the lake). In the towns of Siófok and Balatonfüred, located on the shores of the lake, there are electric tracks with trapezoids for water skiing. Experienced instructors will help you in a few hours to feel confident in water skiing and experience true pleasure from skiing. Also, in the last few years, equestrian tourism has been actively developing, and horse shows are held, which are watched with delight by both adults and children. And for those who prefer cycling to horseback riding, it is necessary to take a cycling voyage that completely encircles Lake Balaton, called the “Bicycle Ring Around the Lake”.

Balaton Climate

The climate of Lake Balaton is temperate continental. The shores of the lake are characterized by long sunny summers. Soft, slightly alkaline water with a high content of iodine and a special southern microclimate create here an almost complete illusion of a holiday at sea. from mid-May to the end of September. Winters are relatively mild, but the lake freezes almost every winter. The average ice thickness is 10-20 centimeters, however, there have been cases of formation of 70 centimeter ice. There are strong winds on the lake, which are dangerous for sailors and small boats. A special service monitors the wind strength on the lake. Due to the shallow depth, the water in the lake warms up well; in summer, the average water temperature in the lake is +21-22 °C, sometimes warming up to +29 °C. The water in Balaton is clean, but not transparent due to the plankton content in it. The predominant color of the water is light green, but can change depending on the weather and time of day.

Sights of Lake Balaton

North Shore - Lake Balaton

Keszthely- a small town at the western tip of Lake Balaton. In addition to convenient beaches, Keszthely boasts authentic ancient streets and the Baroque palace of the Festetics family located in a magnificent park. Four kilometers from Keszthely, surrounded by baths, is Lake Heviz, the healing water of which is rich in mineral salts, and the bottom is covered with silt with a high radium content.

Szigliget- a village living a calm, measured life. It contains the ruins of an ancient Szigliget fortress from the 13th century, and the city is also known for its varietal vineyards and healing water.

Badacsonytomaj- also the most famous wine-growing region, some of the best wine cellars in the country are located here and produce the famous varieties “Sürkebarat” and “Keknyelü”. Not far from the city, on the southern slope of a basalt mountain 437 meters high, there is a whole “garland” of excellent restaurants and wine bars, and a magnificent panorama opens from the Kishfaludi observation deck at the top of the mountain. Not far from the pier is the House Museum of the artist József Egri. From the belvedere Pahoy (“lodge”), built right on the edge of the cliff, a beautiful panorama of almost the entire lake opens up. At the top of the neighboring mountain stands another local landmark - the Szigliget fortress, built in the 13th century. In contrast to the rocky and rocky northern shore of Lake Balaton, which quickly goes into the depths, the beaches of the southern coast attract vacationers with their velvety sand and gently sloping bottom.

Revfulep– The resort is located in the center of the northern coast of the Balaton coast. Revfülep is a balneological resort on Lake Balaton with a huge number of mineral springs gushing out of the ground. Generous nature: sweet grapes, mineral water for wine and the beauty of the Kali Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains.

Revfulep became famous, first of all, thanks to springs with mineral water, mainly carbon dioxide. The water has a general strengthening effect and is so famous for its taste that it is present as a special item on restaurant menus. According to the authoritative opinion of local residents, this water gives a special aroma to the bouquet of local wines. Old peasant houses are adjacent to modern dachas and villas, which gives a unique flavor to the landscape of the village. It was here, in this small picturesque village, that many Hungarian and foreign artists settled. Revfülep is an elegant tourist center: from the top there is a mesmerizing panorama, on the shore there is a lively life by the water.

Tihany- a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton on the Tihany Peninsula. The entire peninsula is a historical district.

In Tihany, there is a Two-Tower Church, towering over the landscape, which already from afar attracts the attention of travelers to this peninsula, the territory of which has been declared a protected area. The local church and Benedictine monastery are the oldest buildings in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. Tihany also has its own lakes: Lake Belsheto (“Inner Lake”) and Lake Kumsheto (“External Lake”), they are completely independent from Lake Balaton. There is always a lot of traffic at the pier: in this place the distance between the opposite banks of Lake Balaton is only about one and a half kilometers, so ferries are constantly running.

Balatonfured is a city in southwestern Hungary, located in the northeastern part of Lake Balaton. The largest settlement on the northern shore of the lake, a famous resort. It is famous as an ancient medical resort with natural carbon dioxide springs and a large famous cardiological center.

Balatonfüred today is the most popular resort on the northern shore of Balaton, which is visited annually by thousands of people with heart disease. A cardiology clinic widely known in Europe is located here. Thanks to the location of the lake on one side, and the oak forest on Mount Bakony on the other, the city can boast of a wonderful ecology. Balatonfüred is attractive to tourists not only as a resort; it really has something to see. Quiet parks with sculptures, small neat houses, the city harbor, and the picturesque nature of the surrounding area form the fabulous flavor of Balatonfüred. Almost every building in this city is protected as an architectural monument. In the central square of Balatonfüred - Died - you will be greeted by a carbon dioxide mineral spring, from which you can drink healing water. Don't forget to walk along the shore along the Rabindranath Tagore embankment and visit the shady city park. You can take a romantic walk on Lake Balaton on a pleasure boat or follow a paved tourist route through the forest and mountains.

Balatonkenes- one of the villages that grew up one after another along the eastern coast of Lake Balaton. One of the secrets to the popularity of these resorts is that it is only one hour's drive from here to Budapest by motorway. Surrounded by picturesque nature and the summer villas of wealthy Budapest residents, small guesthouses have also lined up.

South Shore - Lake Balaton

Tapolca- a medical resort on the western northern coast of Lake Balaton. Its main feature is the use of cave therapy for the treatment of various diseases, and the healing cave is located directly in the center of the city. The town of Tapolca is surrounded by fourteen basalt mountain cones, completely covered with vineyards. The city was built in a place where in ancient times the waves of the Panno Sea splashed. The city is famous for its karst caves and the geologically rare underground lake in the Tavash cave.

Fonyod-the oldest settlement on the southern coast. A lonely mountain towering above the flat terrain already attracts attention to the town from afar. Surrounded by convenient beaches, Fonyod is a lively tourist center with a beautiful marina and bustling life in the central part of the city.

Siofok- one of the most popular resort centers not only on the southern coast, but throughout Lake Balaton. There are many hotels, private villas and cooperative dachas, numerous beaches, Hungarian and international restaurants, cafes and pastry shops, many night discos and a myriad of shops and department stores. There is also a summer theater, folklore programs and pop music concerts. The city is often called the "nightlife capital" of Hungary. However, if you travel a little outside of Siófok, you can enjoy relaxing walks in nature or engage in active sports on the beach.

Santod- half a village located opposite the Tihany Peninsula, a kilometer away from it there is a baroque manor built in the 18th century with a huge wine cellar. This Santodpusta- a popular arena for large summer horse riding parades and other equestrian sports.

Balatonföldvar- a famous balneological resort on the southern coast. The magnificent beach, rows of ancient villas and comfortable campsites invariably attract tourists from all over the world. The city was conceived, designed and built by architects as a resort. The city center is a wide plane tree alley 1 km long, starting from the pier, as well as a huge beautiful park with specially selected ornamental trees and shrubs. Wonderful parks, well-planned streets, boulevards, and the panorama of Lake Balaton stretching out in all its charm from the embankment have inspired many artists.

Balatonbolgar And Balatonlelle- small villages with their own marinas and “old towns”; the special family atmosphere of the settlements has remained unchanged.

The closely adjacent holiday villages are suitable for a long, relaxing holiday in complete comfort. Villas, cottages and a number of resort hotels here formed a single residential coastal zone, stretching for 12 km.

Adviсe

Approximate cost of group excursions: sailing on a boat to the Tihany Peninsula with a visit to the abbey -10 EUR, a trip to the thermal lake Heviz, an excursion to Keszthely with a tour of the Festetics Palace (only from the outside), a trip to Badacsony with lunch and wine tasting ~18 EUR. Sailing around Balaton on a yacht ~14 EUR, a trip to the Shumeg fortress with a “knight’s tournament” and a “medieval dinner” with gypsy music ~33 EUR, an excursion to Tapolca with a visit to cave lakes and boating ~17 EUR.

Sailing, surfing, fishing. Every major resort center has tennis courts and mini golf. Riding schools are open in Tihany, Santod, Keszthely, Nagyvazsony and many other places in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. There are many restaurants on the coast and even more cozy traditional taverns with gypsy music, where guests are offered Balaton cuisine - spicy Hungarian fish soup, silver pike perch and catfish, as well as local wines.

Since the end of April, fishing has been allowed on the lake: you must buy a special permit, which is sold in every fishing store.

Readers who know geography well may be surprised by the title - where does the sea come from in Hungary? Indeed, after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ended the First World War for the country, the Hungarians were deprived of access to the shores of the Adriatic.

This is partly why, with the light hand of the famous poet Ferenc Kazinczy, the waters of Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Europe, were named the Hungarian Sea. Standing on the shore and peering into the endless expanses of Balaton, you sincerely believe that beyond the nearest cape there are sea routes to fairy-tale countries and new continents. Millions of tourists come every year to enjoy the magical spectacle, for whom a visit to Lake Balaton has long been a must-do when traveling to Hungary, much like visiting the Colosseum during the Roman holidays.

Myths and legends of Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is one of the most legendary places in Hungary. The local shores were inhabited by humans already in the Iron Age. During the Roman Empire, the lake was included in the province of Pannonia and received the name Pelso Lacus - or Shallow Lake. All that remains from those times are the ruins of ancient baths and winemaking traditions, for which Hungary is famous to this day.

The current name of the lake suggests the word “swamp” - that’s what the South Slavic tribes called it when they set out to conquer the Balkans. However, the nomadic Magyars have their own version of the origin of the name, which has become canonical. According to legend, a dragon settled in these parts, to which local residents were forced to feed young girls every day so that the snake would not destroy their homes.

It is not known how many girls were eaten by the insatiable snake, but soon the turn came to the most beautiful of the girls - the bride of a local hero named Balaton, who refused to give his betrothed to be devoured by the monster. Tired of waiting, the snake crawled out of its cave and impatiently began to scratch the ground with its claws. Soon a hole formed, at the bottom of which a spring gushed, the water from which soon filled the surrounding area, turning it into a lake.

The knight Balaton swam across the lake, challenged the dragon to battle and defeated him, but the dying convulsions of the serpent collapsed the hill on which the hero stood, and Balaton fell into the waters of the lake, and after him his grief-stricken bride drowned. In memory of the hero who defeated the dragon, the lake got its name.

Family paradise

Despite the gloomy legend, Lake Balaton is a bright and pleasant place. Warm water, bright sunshine, friendly locals, many historical and natural attractions, and most importantly, budget prices make it an ideal family vacation destination.

Holidays on Lake Balaton are famous for their diversity. Here everyone will find something to their liking. If you come to relax and take a break from the bustle of the metropolis, then the southern shore of the lake is at your service. Local beaches are famous for their fine velvety sand and gently sloping bottom. The southern coast is nicknamed “sunny”, which is no coincidence, because this place is the best for sunbathing and measured meditative relaxation, after which you return home with renewed vigor.

The northern shore of Balaton, on the contrary, is rocky and stony. The bottom quickly goes deeper, which makes this place ideal for lovers of active recreation. There are a lot of yachts and boats here, and along the coast there are special tracks with electric drive, allowing you to water ski from morning to evening. Tired of water sports, you can rent a boat and enjoy fishing; fortunately, the lake is home to more than 20 species of freshwater fish.

In addition to traditional entertainment, you can also spend your vacation with health benefits. There are many mineral and thermal springs around the lake, which were used by the ancient Romans. You can complement your wellness treatments with a bicycle voyage - there is a special bicycle route around the lake. This way you will not only enjoy the fresh air, but also get to know the local attractions, of which there are a great many.

Attractions

Along the shore of the lake there are many ancient cities, resorts and remarkable places. Such diversity can turn the head of an unprepared tourist. Let's highlight the most interesting places that are worth visiting on your first trip to Lake Balaton.

Tihany Peninsula

The pearl of Balaton and its largest peninsula, which divides the lake into two parts - northern and southern. Tihany is a real tourist center with a lot to see.

From a distance you can see the noble white walls of the Abbey of Saint-Agnon, towering over the lake and visible from almost any point. The abbey was founded in 1055 by King Andras the First, who, by the way, was the husband of Anastasia, daughter of the Kyiv prince Yaroslav the Wise. Legends say that it was the princess who gave the name to the peninsula, marveling at the silence and comfort that characterizes this place to this day. It is from here that the best view of the lake opens, so we strongly do not recommend skipping this place.

After taking plenty of photographs from the top of the hill, it’s worth going underground. In Tihan there is a whole system of caves called Onar, many of which were inhabited by our ancestors back in the Iron Age.

If you go even further into the past, it turns out that in ancient times several volcanoes were active in this place, thanks to which the peninsula rose from the waters. The spears of petrified geysers are reminiscent of those prehistoric times, the largest and most beautiful of which the locals called the “Golden House” because of the golden lichen covering the stone cone.

If you go around the peninsula from the outside, you can see an ancient water mill, not far from which there are gravestones carved into limestone, made in the shape of a heart. It's hard to say who is buried under them, but it looks romantic.

The peninsula is home to the famous Echo Hill. In good calm weather, the local echo can repeat a phrase shouted into the air up to 15 words.

Keszthely

In the southern part of the lake is the majestic city of Keszthely, on the site of which a Roman settlement was founded at the beginning of the new era. Keszthely is the cultural and historical center of Hungary, whose past is inextricably linked with the noble Festetics family, to whom the city owes its character and unique architectural style.

The first thing that catches your eye upon arrival in Keszthely is the luxurious Baroque palace, built by Kristof Festetics in the mid-18th century. This is the largest castle in Hungary, which was built in the image and likeness of elegant French palaces, which is reflected in the snow-white walls with many elements and sophisticated towers with spiers. The history of Hungary is inextricably linked with the Turks, from whom it was necessary to defend not only the country, but also the entire Western world, so it is not surprising that the castle has accumulated a rich collection of medieval weapons, on display for all to see on the ground floor of the castle.

In addition, in the halls of the palace there is a historical museum, whose pride is the Festetics family library. Carved shelves hold almost a hundred thousand volumes, many of which are truly unique. However, the castle is famous not only for its historical heritage, but also for the magnificent balls and concerts that are often held here.

If you do not delve into the secrets that the narrow medieval streets of Keszthely hide, then sooner or later an inquisitive tourist will come to the central square of the city. The graceful Gothic spiers of the Franciscan church, built in 1386, rise here. Opposite it is another luxurious building - the local town hall, where the ruling council once met. The town hall was built in an elegant Baroque style; its façade is decorated with the city's coat of arms and flag. Inside is the Cultural Center named after Goldmark, the famous Hungarian composer who lived in the 19th century.

Keszthely is home to the famous European Carriage Museum, which tells the history of this means of transportation. The exhibition includes about 50 carriages and carts, many of which are truly unique.

Children and adults should visit the Toy Museum, the exhibition of which includes 10,000 ancient toys: from simple teddy bears and wooden cubes to the most complex mechanical toys, which became an achievement of engineering thought of those times.

Walking a little further down the street, you can see a beautiful baroque building from the 18th century, which houses the Puppet Museum, the largest ethnographic museum in Europe. All exhibits are made in full height and dressed in the national attire of the peoples of Europe from different eras. The museum's exhibition includes more than 500 dolls.

It is impossible not to mention the Balaton Museum, the halls of which house numerous exhibitions that tell everything about the history of the lake (about 7,000 years old!), its flora, fauna, ethnography and the development of the local resort business.

Natural Park of the Balaton Upland

One of the days of your vacation should definitely be devoted to visiting the natural attractions of Lake Balaton, of which there are a great many. Perhaps one of the most picturesque and interesting places is the Balaton Upland Nature Park. This is one of ten national parks in Hungary, which stretches along the entire northern coast, from the village of Balatonfured to the city of Keszthely.

Salvador Dali would have appreciated the local landscapes, consisting of surreal craters, frozen geysers, lava outcrops and extinct volcanoes, sometimes taking very bizarre shapes.

Not far from the town of Tapolce there is an entrance to ancient caves. Wide galleries here coexist with underground lakes, the waters of which reflect ancient stalactites that have been growing from the stone vault for many millennia. The air here is healing, and therefore excursions through the caves will be especially useful for people suffering from respiratory diseases.

Prices

Despite the crisis, holidays in Hungary remain one of the most affordable for people who do not have a large budget. Of course, due to its popularity, staying in a local boarding house will cost a pretty penny, but if you are not lazy and look for accommodation yourself, you can save a lot of money.

Prices for accommodation in comfortable hotels near the lake start from 20 euros/day. However, if you don’t yawn and look around, you can notice a lot of signs in which enterprising locals offer daily rent of a room in their country house, which will cost only 10-15 euros/day.

If you are traveling with a large group, you can rent an entire villa, which will cost around 300 euros/week.

Prices for excursions are very affordable. For example, a boat trip to Tihany with a mandatory visit to the abbey will cost 10 euros, and a tour of the caves, along with a boat trip through the underground lakes, will cost 17 euros. Prices for museum tickets start from 1.5-2 euros.

If you are hungry, you should go to any local tavern or cafe, where you will be fed to your heart's content for 7-15 euros. You should give preference to the local cuisine, which is famous for its many delicious dishes. For example, Hungarian goulash soup, fish soup, baked catfish or paprikash chicken served with dumplings. The portions are generous, so one plate is enough to feed two people.

How to get there

You can get to Lake Balaton directly from Budapest in 2-2.5 hours. The most convenient and fastest way is by train, which regularly departs from the South Station, better known as Delhi Station (Budapest Déli pályaudvar), located at the metro station of the same name (red line M2). A one-way ticket will cost 10 euros.

Traveling by bus, which departs daily from the Nepliget bus station (Nepliget buszpalyaudvar), will cost approximately the same amount. By the way, if you happen to be a student, grab your ID or student card - this way you can save up to 50% of the ticket price.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the journey through Lake Balaton itself. There are comfortable trails and a railway along the lake, but the most popular way of transportation is by water. You will have to take a ship or ferry if you want to see all the sights. In order not to go broke, we recommend purchasing a single Balaton Mix ticket, sold at any pier or at the railway ticket office. Tickets differ in the number of days (3 and 7) and are available for adults, children and families (2 adults + 2 children). Cost: from 6 euros (adult for 3 days) to 46 euros (family for 7 days).

Having rested on Lake Balaton for just a week, you will take away joyful impressions and pleasant memories for a whole year. Well, don’t forget to grab a couple of bottles of the famous Tokaj wine as a gift for your loved ones, which here cost only 4 euros.

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. There is a resort area around the lake, and today the lake itself is a real center for family recreation. 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 the highest level of 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 on the southern 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 a seaside holiday, 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 a city with an 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 Zalavar (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: summer holidays on the lake came into fashion as a kind of obligatory attribute. 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 the development of railway transport by the end of the 19th century, 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 Lake 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. They prefer not to travel to the northern coast with small children. 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.

When talking about local beaches, one cannot fail to mention their infrastructure. Some have water slides and 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 Denesdias beach in the south can rightfully be called a children's beach: there is a 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”. A rich and varied entertainment program awaits representatives of all ages. 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 Balatonfüred, one of the 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 other localities 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 by 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 a magnificent palace here - 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 the limestone, which were then filled with the purest water from karst springs.

On the northern shore, right at the top of the mountain, there is the Kishfaludi observation deck. 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 top is crowned by the ruins of an 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 attractions of Balaton are not only natural areas, historical monuments, medicinal 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 costs. 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).

A railway is laid along the northern and southern coasts, 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. The air harbor receives flights from many European cities: Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Stuttgart, Zurich. In summer, planes from Moscow, Frankfurt am Main, Düsseldorf and Hamburg land here.