For each season, the Hungarian Sea, as the Hungarians call it, shows a different landscape. Volcanic mountains rising high above the water, vines on the slopes and a Mediterranean atmosphere make this place one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Hungary’s millennial history comes to life in castles and palaces, and its thermal baths provide physical and spiritual rejuvenation. This makes the rest on Lake Balaton attractive for tourists and independent travelers.
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Location, geography
Lake Balaton has a length of 77 kilometers and is located in the western part of Hungary. It can be reached via the M7 motorway in an hour and a half. Beach holidays and a good tan are not the only advantages of the region.
If outdoor activities are your thing, head to the North Shore where the landscape is dotted with hills, mountains and valleys. The Balaton Highlands National Park is home to a range of interesting hiking trails, exhibition grounds and caves, as well as vantage points that offer breathtaking panoramas of the lake.
Interesting hiking trails:
- Walk around the petrified geyser of the Tihany Peninsula. Here you can see the romantic Kali pool, the scenery of the volcanic hills of Tapolca Basinare. Climb the highest mountain Badacsony. There is a network of routes for hikers.
- Visit Keys Balaton “Little Balaton” is a famous bird park whose natural treasures can be seen on foot, by canoe or by bike. Natural areas can only be visited under the guidance of a professional guide.
- You can go down to the local caves. Paddle along the narrow underground tunnels in the lake-cave of Tapolca, or get an adrenaline rush on a tour in the caves of Csodabogyós or Balatonederics.
There are many hiking trails around the lake. But not all of them are available for independent travelers. Sometimes a guide or other escort is needed to visit a place.
Recreation on the water
Holidays on Lake Balaton are convenient for the whole family, from the smallest children to their grandparents. The other side of this landscape can be seen by cycling. Cyclists can ride on the path built around the lake (mostly running along the shore and with a total length of 210 km) with minimal change in altitude. The rolling valleys, they call it the Provence of Hungary, with charming little villages, explore by bike or horseback riding.
Sailing has a long tradition at Balaton. For this, equipped and modern ports and marinas have been made with the possibility of renting yachts and sailboats. I work training courses and excursion programs. High-speed sailing on a yacht on a lake that changes color due to lighting and air is a favorite pastime for tourists. You can take part in a romantic cruise. These are popular ways of outdoor activities on Lake Balaton.
Every July, the International Sailing Regatta of Europe takes place here. This is the oldest competition; more than 600 vessels of various categories take part in the race on the lake. The competition is strong; it is difficult to become a winner.
Beach holiday
Balaton is a convenient place for summer holidays. The water temperature can rise up to 26°C. You can choose from 70 lakeside beaches that have been refurbished for the 2019 season. On the north side the descent into the water is steep, the south side has shallow banks. It is well suited for a beach holiday with children.
Entertainment at Lake Balaton:
- Sand castles, children’s slides and playgrounds.
- Rent of water bicycles, catamarans.
- Many inflatable water parks built on the lake.
- Beach sports – volleyball and football. For this, special platforms have been built.
The lake offers water skiing, kite surfing, paddleboarding. But if you need a variety of water activities, you can visit the Balatonfüred water park, where there are large slides and several different pools.
If the weather is not conducive to a beach holiday on Lake Balaton, you can test your strength and overcome your fears in one of the extreme parks. It offers rope routes of varying difficulty.
Treatment and SPA treatments
Spas at Zalakaros, Kehidakoustani and Siofok are open all year round, offering relaxation and rejuvenation for all family members. Certified thermal waters, a variety of saunas or wellness massages provide rejuvenation. Large slides, pools are equipped with air massage jets, underwater jets. There are various entertainments for children.
Hungary is the country with the largest reserves of thermal water. Most of them are located near Lake Heviz, west of Lake Balaton. Covered with water lilies, the 4.4-hectare (11 acre) lake welcomes tourists all year round. Here the water temperature does not drop below 24°C even in winter.
In mineral-rich thermal waters, as well as traditional treatments using therapeutic mud, which covers the bottom of the lake several meters thick. These conditions are suitable for the treatment of the musculoskeletal system and rheumatic diseases. You can use the rejuvenating effects of mud for cosmetic masks and massages.
Heviz hotels offer traditional methods of treatment, modern medical wellness services. This will help maintain the spiritual and physical condition, improve health. The resorts offer fitness and sports facilities. There are direct flights to Heviz and from several German cities. The thermal water and healing services of the second largest spa town of Zalakaros are also famous and recognized.
Attractions in Balaton
You can listen to an organ concert in the church of the Benedictine abbey of Tihany, which houses the first surviving record in Hungary. Here you can hear the echo of Tihany, which is reflected from the wall of the church. Visit the Baroque Festetics Palace in Keszthely, one of Hungary’s most beautiful sights. In addition to the halls representing the aristocratic lifestyle of the 18th and 19th centuries and the historical collection of the coach, you can also admire the Palm House. It is filled with exotic plants in an English garden, while the modern museum building has one of Europe’s largest historic model railways.
Stroll through the Renaissance district of Balatonfüred to Hungary’s vibrant 19th century cultural scene. Be sure to try the local sparkling water or vintage wine.
If you climb up to the picturesque Szigliget Castle, which was built seven centuries ago, you can see a beautiful view of the Balaton. Explore the old cobbled streets of Veszprem Castle Hill, where almost all buildings are historical monuments. Pay homage to the relics of the Bavarian Duchess Gisela, the first queen of Hungary, at St. Michael’s Cathedral.
There are also many other castles and historical sights that are located around Balaton. Sümeg Castle takes visitors back in time with horseback riding and stunt performances. You can see the relics of the Buddha in the first Buddhist temple in Central Europe, near Zalaszántó.
Wines and national dishes of Hungary
It is impossible to imagine a vacation at Lake Balaton without tasting Hungarian wines. With 2,000 years of Roman viticulture tradition still preserved in the region, tourists can choose from wines from four historical regions. Thanks to the basalt-rich soil, unique climate and lake water, Badacsony produces particularly aromatic, mineral-rich wines.
During your visit, don’t forget to try kéknyelű, which grows only in Hungary, or olaszrizling and Szürkebarát (Pinot Gris), a variety typical of the region. It is worth visiting local winemakers and producers, many of whom have opened wine terraces or restaurants. The largest wine events take place during the summer festivals in Badacsony, Balatonboglar and Balatonfured, where the producers themselves offer their best products to visitors.
What Hungarian dishes are worth trying:
- Balaton fisherman’s soup Halaszle, made from several different types of fish.
- Grilled zander süllő.
- National Hungarian pastry. It is sold at farmers’ markets, served in restaurants and cafes.
Food prices rise closer to beaches and historical sites.
Music festivals
Summer vacation at Lake Balaton is the time for music festivals. Holidays or a party are held every weekend, they are designed for lovers of all genres of popular music. At the beginning of July, Zamárdi hosts one of the largest open-air festivals in Europe – Balaton Sound. This electronic music festival is one of the most anticipated summer events for young people.
There are two other major festivals held next to each other in August: B.my.Lake, which is considered the main open-air underground electronic music festival in Central Europe, and the Strand festival, which offers alternative music destinations.
Veszprémfest in July and Paloznaki Jazz Picnic in August is recommended for lovers of quality jazz. Those looking for a truly traditional event should visit Anna Boll, which describes Hungary’s nineteenth century romantic period, with its atmosphere and traditions.