The main profile of the resort is the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, vascular dystonia, atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels, etc. Bathing procedures are indicated for post-infarction conditions.

Sanatoriums with treatment in Balaton also treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, digestive system, and diabetes. In addition to baths and drinking cures, other procedures are also used in complex therapy, such as massage, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises in the hall and pool. Based on the results of a comprehensive examination, an individual load is calculated, all procedures are carried out under the supervision of a physician.

For drinking treatment, baths and other procedures, low-mineralized carbonic sulfate-hydrocarbonate calcium-magnesium waters are used.

The local cardiology clinic, which has existed here since 1810, is one of the best rehabilitation centers in Europe, with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. During the year, almost ten thousand patients receive effective treatment in the clinic.

There is an operating room and a four-bed intensive care unit in which patients with serious cardiac arrhythmias who have recently suffered a myocardial infarction are treated, various types of cardiological examinations are carried out, including echocardiography, coronary angiography, radioisotope research methods. The clinic is equipped with the latest medical equipment. The departments have defibrillators and artificial respiration apparatuses.

Attractions

With well-known Hungarian hospitality, guests are welcomed by comfortable top-class hotels built in the vicinity of the lake, Balaton sanatoriums, solid holiday homes and campsites located in a picturesque area. On summer nights, a cheerful resort life boils on the shores of the lake.

There are restaurants and other places of entertainment along the 80 km long strip along the lake. And in the cities of Balatonfured and Siofok, musical concerts are regularly held.

On the western coast of Lake Balaton lies the ancient city of Keszthely. In addition to convenient beaches, Keszthely gives its guests an acquaintance with the old secluded streets, a magnificent park, which houses the baroque palace of the Festetics family. The palace usually hosts concerts and various international conferences.

You can admire the beautiful panorama of the lake from the Pajoy belvedere built on the edge of the cliff. At the top of a neighboring mountain, the Szigliget fortress, built in the 13th century, majestically rises. In the village of Szigliget, poets and writers often retire, who enjoy the local measured calm life and draw inspiration from the amazing beauty of nature.

The oldest buildings in the vicinity of the lake are the church and the Benedictine monastery. The crypt of the ancient church has survived to this day. From the alley departing from the church, a picturesque view of the lake and its surroundings opens up.

The northern coast of Lake Balaton is famous for its excellent wines: sunny hillsides covered with volcanic bark are considered among connoisseurs to be a valuable wine-growing region. Tourists have a great opportunity to visit the ancient fortresses that have been preserved here since the 16th century, to see the endless vineyards and small villages spread out on the hills along the coast. Every year, water sports competitions and sailing races are held on Lake Balaton.

Take note

If you are planning a vacation on Lake Balaton during the cold season, you should keep in mind that from September to July, swimming in the lake may be prohibited due to its regeneration and preservation of unique properties - in Hungary, they carefully monitor the environment.

History reference

Once upon a time, in the place where Lake Balaton is now located, 77 km long and 14 km wide, in its widest part, there was a huge sea. The seabed has risen due to geological shifts, and volcanic activity has caused a strong change in the landscape.

Balaton became a resort at the end of the 19th century. The velvety sandy bottom and comfortable water temperature, which in the summer months is 22-28 degrees, make swimming in the lake a real pleasure. Children can spend all day in the water and not catch a cold. The most attractive for families with children, as well as for those who cannot swim, is the southern shore of the lake, since even at a distance of three hundred meters from the shore, the water depth here does not exceed one meter.

Landscape and climate

Located in the western part of Hungary, the lake is the largest freshwater reservoir in Central Europe. The climate here is moderately continental, the hottest months of the year are the summer months with an average air temperature of +25ºС, the winter in the vicinity of the lake is relatively mild, the average January temperature is +1ºС.

Previously, visitors were attracted to this area not by the lake itself, but by natural carbonic springs, the healing water of which was used both for drinking and for taking various baths for medicinal purposes. Near the spring, located in the center of a picturesque park, there is one of the Balaton sanatoriums widely known throughout the world - a cardiological sanatorium, where people suffering from cardiovascular diseases are successfully treated.

A few kilometers from Keszthely lies Lake Heviz. The healing water of the lake is rich in mineral salts, and the silt covering the bottom of the lake has a high content of radium. All this helps people suffering from diseases of the nervous system, metabolic disorders and rheumatic diseases.

The northern coast of Lake Balaton was generously endowed with healing water by nature: near Revfülep, numerous springs with mineral water are knocked out of the ground right from the ground. Locals are convinced that it is this water that gives a special unique flavor to local wines. In the Kazi valley, surrounded by mountains, the Kekkuti carbonic spring comes to the surface. And the healing water of the Teodor spring is on the menu of most Balaton restaurants.

Balaton is a famous lake in Hungary, the largest freshwater reservoir in Central Europe. The inhabitants of the country themselves call it the "Hungarian Sea" for its grandiose size, unusual landscape, unique, iodine-rich, purest water and a special microclimate. Balaton is the most important resort center in Hungary. People come here for beach and outdoor activities, as well as for treatment and rehabilitation: there are many thermal and mineral healing springs around the lake.

Business card

Lake Balaton is located in the west of Hungary, 90 km from Budapest, on the Middle Danube Plain. Its area is almost 600 sq. km, the width reaches 12 km, and the length is 78 km. The bottom of the reservoir is covered with fine sand.
A unique feature of the lake is its small depth - about 3 m. Only in one place - in the Tikhany depression near the Tikhany peninsula - the distance to the bottom is 12.4 m.
Many beach and medical resorts have been built on the banks of Balaton. They are usually divided according to their belonging to the northern and southern coasts. On the south coast are Santod, Siofok, Fonyod, Tapolca, Balatonlelle, Balatonbolgar and Balatonföldvár. In the north - Szigliget, Balatonfured, Revfulep, Badacsonytomai, Tihany, Keszthely and Balatonkenesh.
The area around Lake Balaton has the protected status of the National Park and keeps many natural beauties.

History and modernity

Millions of years ago, there was a sea on the site of Lake Balaton. As a result of volcanic activity, the local landscape has changed a lot, and the sea has risen. These places were inhabited in the Iron Age, in later times the Romans, Slavs, Germans lived here. In the XVIII century. around the lake, the local nobility began to build their mansions, at the same time hydropathic clinics arose. And at the end of the XIX century. Balaton was already a popular resort area.

What to see, where to visit

The coast and surroundings of Balaton are rich in cultural, architectural and natural attractions. The shores of the lake are decorated with colorful towns and villages with a rich history. The oldest of them - Keszthely. Here you can see the most beautiful Baroque Festetics Palace - the former residence of a wealthy Hungarian family.
On the northern shore of Lake Balaton there is a protected peninsula Tihany towering over the strait like a watchtower. A 900-year-old double-towered church and a Benedictine monastery have been preserved here. Opposite the peninsula in the village of Santod there is a Baroque manor of the 18th century. with a giant wine cellar, and in the village of Siglitet - the ruins of a fortress of the XIII century.
No less interesting is the oldest resort of Balaton - Balatonfured. Almost each of his houses is protected by the state as an architectural monument.
Among the natural attractions of Lake Balaton, the most famous are the picturesque lakes Kyumshe-to and Belshe-to (inner and outer lakes) on the Tihany peninsula. Once they were tributaries of a large lake, but now they are completely independent of it.
Another asset of Balaton is a unique cave with underground lakes of the purest karst water near the town of Tapolca. This is not only a geological rarity: the special microclimate of the cave helps in the treatment of respiratory organs.
Near the lake there is also a second remarkable cave - 100-meter Lotsii - the largest in the vicinity of Balaton.
Not far from the coast lies the Kalsky basin - saline lakes, surrounded on three sides by extinct volcanoes and pastoral villages. On the edge of the most beautiful of them - Sentbekkalay - there are numerous stone "women" - volcanic formations of an unusual shape. Other lava "masterpieces", extinct volcanoes and dried-up geysers have been preserved in the Balaton Upland National Park and on Mount Szent György. There are bizarre lava tubes that look like an organ and are about a meter in diameter.
A lot of tourists are attracted by one of the main natural treasures of the Hungarian Balaton - Lake Heviz - the largest thermal reservoir in Europe, filled from an underground mineral spring. Its area exceeds 4.5 hectares, and the depth reaches 40 m. The water of Heviz has a weak radioactivity and, together with local mud, is used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Beaches

The swimming season at Lake Balaton in Hungary lasts from spring to late autumn. The beaches on different shores of the lake differ significantly from each other. In the northern part, the coast is rocky, and the bottom goes down rather steeply: after 20-30 m from the coast, the depth can already exceed the height of an adult, so it’s better to swim here with something that swims well.
The south coast is suitable for families with children. There is shallow water here - near the beaches the depth does not exceed half a meter and increases gradually: almost everywhere you can walk 200-300 m along the bottom and not swim. In addition, the area has sandy beaches.
Lovers of sunbathing are attracted by the eastern resorts of the lake near the villages of Akarattya, Kenesh, Aliga. Here the coast is illuminated by the sun from early morning until almost evening.
The West Coast is traditionally chosen for recreation by middle-class people who spend a long time at the Balaton.

Springs and recovery

The coast of Lake Balaton is the most important health resort in Hungary. Thousands of people come here to improve their health with the help of local mineral and thermal springs rich in hydrogen sulfide. The most famous of them, the Heviz geyser, is located at the foot of the Keszthely mountains. Its temperature is 38 °C. Bathing in its water helps with many diseases.
Many hydropathic establishments have been built near Lake Heviz. The village of Sziglitet is also famous for its healing water, as well as the balneological resort of the northern coast - Revfulep. Here, from under the ground, a lot of carbon dioxide springs, which have a general strengthening effect, beats.
Springs similar in composition of water are also found in Balatonfured. A large and reputable cardiology center has been opened here.
Among other well-known balneological resorts, it is worth highlighting Balatonföldvar and the Kali Valley, which is famous for its Kekkuti carbon dioxide geyser, which means “blue spring”.
The Zalakarosh medical complex is popular among families with children. It has pools with medicinal water and water attractions.

Medical specialization

Balaton resorts are specialized in the treatment of various diseases:

• rheumatism,
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system,
• respiratory diseases, nervous, muscular pathologies,
• gynecology,
• diseases of the blood, cardiovascular system,
• skin diseases,
• diseases of the digestive system,
• metabolic disorders (diabetes).

Contraindications:

• active stage of tuberculosis,
• increased thyroid function
• malignant tumors
• thrombosis,
• bronchial asthma,
• pregnancy.

Entertainment and active recreation

Hungarian Lake Balaton without exaggeration can be called a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are excellent opportunities for yachting, sailing, fishing, water skiing and even surfing. Tennis courts have been built on the coast, and equestrian tourism is widespread.
Fans of cycling try to conquer the "Bicycle Ring" - a circular route around the lake, and hiking enthusiasts - numerous forest routes on the northern shore. You can also hunt in the vicinity of Lake Balaton, however, you first need to get permission.
Balaton offers no less opportunities for educational and cultural recreation. Every year, the Golden Shell folklore festival and the Valley of the Arts festival are held here, within the framework of which film screenings, exhibitions, literary readings, and music concerts are held. Hotels and tourist centers organize various recreational activities and excursions both in coastal cities and in more remote regions.
Young people vacationing at Balaton should visit Siofok, the “summer” or “night” capital of this lake region. Every season there are many discos and concert venues.

Unique tourist region. You can really spend the perfect vacation here: sunbathe on the sandy beaches of the south coast, explore the mountain landscapes of the north, wander through the ruins of ancient fortresses or take a dip in the thermal baths. No wonder the lake is very popular with Europeans, many of whom prefer its resorts to trips to the Mediterranean. And all thanks to the climate, infrastructure "on the level" and a variety of entertainment for guests of all ages.

beach holiday

When you bask under the rays of the sun at Balaton, it seems that you are on the seashore. The beaches of the resort towns are equipped with everything you need: sun loungers with umbrellas, showers, changing cabins. Some places have heated pools and playgrounds with rides. Tourists craving for 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 temperature of the lake 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 Siofok. Restaurants, bars and clubs are located on 17 km of the coastal strip, attracting fans of noisy parties and discos. Family travelers will love Balatonfured, Keszthely and Gyenesdias. On the beaches of these resorts for children, there are water slides and special play areas. For adults - an impressive list of entertainment from water polo to windsurfing.

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Excursions and active rest

There are plenty of sightseeing routes in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. The beauty of nature can be appreciated in the National Park of the Balaton Upland, where geysers, blocks of hardened lava of intricate shape and craters of extinct volcanoes are found everywhere.

Along the coast there are three wine regions of Hungary 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 with tourists.

The Tihany Peninsula is a whole kaleidoscope of sights. A Benedictine abbey from the 11th century dominates the hill. King Andras I is buried in the main temple of the monastery. A picturesque village is located nearby, built up with traditional Hungarian houses.

Keszthely is home to the 18th-century Festeich palace and park complex, where you can admire the sumptuous interiors of state rooms, antique furniture and priceless works of art. The castle library contains old books and engravings.

One of the features of Balaton is fishing, for which hundreds of travelers come here. Everyone has a chance to catch a crucian weighing 2.5 kg. This is what passionate lovers peck at to stand on the shore with a fishing rod.

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For body and soul

Many tourists go to the lake to improve their health. The locals are famous for their useful properties. Mineral springs are diverse in composition and are used to treat a number of diseases. In the sanatoriums and spa hotels of Zalakaros, Balatonföldvar, 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 a rest will give a charge of vivacity for months to come.

Events

In the summer, there are many holidays at the 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 dances, performances of folk ensembles and fun competitions.

One of the most significant events is the Balaton Sound electronic music festival in July, where eminent DJs come together. For a few days, the southern shore of the lake turns into a huge entertainment area with stages, restaurants, pubs and attractions.

In July-August, near Kapolch (20 km north of Balaton), the Valley of the Arts festival takes place, where you can see interesting theatrical performances and films, get acquainted with the work of progressive artists, and listen to poems by contemporary poets.

Several famous resorts are located on its coast, each of which is ideal for a relaxing holiday and recovery of health. The largest freshwater reservoir in Central Europe with thermal and mineral springs resembles the sea in terms of size, sparkling blue surface, and well-developed infrastructure.

Wealthy Europeans have long chosen these places: they cut through on yachts, travel around the neighborhood on bicycles, drink healing mineral water, play squash and tennis, go to wine restaurants. But Balaton is a democratic resort: there is housing and entertainment for vacationers with any budget. It is pleasant to combine beach joys with sightseeing tours - caves, churches, fortresses and museums - and fun at numerous summer festivals. And if you want silence - the rocky northern coast will reliably hide from the hustle and bustle.

How to get to Balaton

Lake Balaton is located 120 km from Budapest. When you get to the Hungarian capital, you can take a train, bus or taxi, or use a rented vehicle. 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 of the trains go to the city of Siofok, on the southern shore of the lake. On the way - 2.5 hours, trains run from 4:00 to 21:00. Ticket prices - from 2300 HUF, schedule and details - at the office. website of the Hungarian Railways (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 is longer (3-5 hours), the routes are open from 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, after contacting any of the local taxi services and specifying the details.

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

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

Search for flights to Budapest (nearest airport to Balaton)

Balaton resorts

The southern shore of Lake Balaton is noisy and rave, crowded with young people and families with children, the northern one is more calm, rich in sightseeing routes. The main resorts in the south are Siofok and Santod, Fonyod and Balatonföldvár. Siofok is called the "nightlife capital" of all Hungary: there are many clubs, bars and dance floors for adepts of fun 24/7. After stormy nights, they relax on sandy beaches with a developed infrastructure and a whole palette of water activities.

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

Fonyod is a great place to relax with children: a relaxed “dacha” mood reigns here, there are many parks and beaches with attractions for kids. There are practically no fashionable hotels, but in neat "three rubles" - a homely atmosphere and attentive service. And Balatonföldvar with a picturesque pier and beautiful architecture is a balneological resort, famous for its healing carbonic 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 Festeich Palace. Badacsony is known for its magnificent vineyards (and therefore wines), the Tihany peninsula - for untouched landscapes with outlandish flora and fauna. In Balatonfured there are excellent cardiological sanatoriums, and in Tapolca there is a unique healing cave with a thermal lake.

Transport

It is most convenient to move between the Balaton resorts by water transport. Ships and ferries carry out regular passenger transportation and sightseeing tours to the most beautiful cities. The main pier is located in Siofok, a trip to Tihany, Balatonfüred or Balatonföldvar will cost from 1300 HUF one way (from 2400 HUF both ways). The water 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 coast of Balaton: you can get from Keszthely to Siofok for 1500 HUF, from Siofok to Balatonföldvar - for 300-450 HUF.

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

Taxi ranks are located near the 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 - 6000 HUF, to Balatonföldvar - 7000 HUF.

The coast of Lake Balaton is dotted with bike paths, you can rent a bike for 500-600 HUF per hour (from 3000 HUF per day, when booking for several days - discounts). There are rental points in all well-known resorts: in Balatonfured, Keszthely, Siofok, Heviz and other cities. Some hotels offer cycling for a few hours a day as a free perk.

Maps of Balaton

Rent a Car

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

When making a lease, most often you have to make both an advance payment and a deposit. By signing 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 Lake Balaton, parking lots are equipped at hotels, beaches, shops and some attractions. Paid parking will cost from 500-700 HUF per hour.

Communications and Wi-Fi

For frequent calls to Russia, it is more profitable to connect roaming, for negotiations with Hungarian operators and Internet surfing - a local SIM card. The leading mobile operators are T-Mobile, Vodafone and Telenor, the quality of communication is high for all of them. The average cost of SIM cards is 500-1500 HUF, calls to Russia - from 100-150 HUF per minute. There are company 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 newsstands 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 worth 500-1800 HUF are used, which are sold at the post office, in supermarkets and press kiosks.

The best time to call from payphones is between 20:00 and 08:00, when there are discounts for local and international calls.

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

Balatoncard

To save on food, accommodation and entertainment, we advise you to purchase 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 chards, on beaches, in pools and spas. Card holders are provided with a discount for visiting museums, castles and other attractions, entry to music festivals and ordering sightseeing tours. Among the partners of the program are tennis courts, massage rooms, Internet cafes, car services, souvenir shops and other establishments offering discounts on goods and services.

Balatoncard is sold at the tourist offices of resort towns and is valid throughout the coast. The cost of the card is 5500 HUF, the addresses of partners 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 Lake Balaton differ significantly from each other. In the north, the bottom is rocky and rocky, steeply descending: after 30-50 m, the depth already exceeds the height of a person, so the local beaches can be recommended to those who can swim well, or those who come with older children. Szigetfürdö in Keszthely is one of the prettiest places in the north of the lake; there are also beautiful corners near the villages of Zanka, Tihany, Balatonfured.

The central beach of Keszthely is paid (1600 HUF), after 18:00 admission is free. The beach is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, sports grounds and a heated swimming pool. Excellent opportunities for active leisure - in the village of Gyenesdias near Keszthely. Volleyball, streetball, polo, petanque and water slides - it remains only to choose entertainment to your liking. One of the most elegant beaches in the north is Esterhásy in Balatonfüred with a well-groomed lawn, a gently sloping sandy bottom, a swimming pool and all 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 of 500 meters and still not swim. Especially shallow in the coastal strip, where even the smallest children can carelessly splash in the water, the depth barely reaches half a meter. The largest beach in the south is in Siofok with its noisy restaurants, clubs and bars. The infrastructure here is excellently developed, entertainment can be found 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 hotels 2-4 *, and 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 you wish, you can also book a whole mansion - an ideal solution for families with children and large companies.

The closer to the lake, the more expensive housing.

A single room in a "kopeck piece" 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 have to pay 10,000-12,000 HUF per day. The cost of renting a whole 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 ones, so no adapter is needed.

What to bring

Shopping at Balaton is an exciting hunt for souvenirs, handicrafts, national Hungarian delicacies and alcoholic beverages. Souvenir shops are available in all resort towns; special attention should be paid to painted porcelain and all kinds of little things with the image of a lake. On most counters, Rubik's cubes, invented in Hungary, also flaunt. The largest stores are concentrated in Keszthely, where a fair with fresh products and clothes from local designers runs several times a week.

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

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

Cuisine and restaurants of Balaton

At Balaton, as well as throughout Hungary, excellent cuisine is here: legendary goulash, spicy fish soup, and many other hearty and tasty dishes. For the first, we recommend taking the rich fish soup "halasle", served in pots, or vegetable "fezelek" from zucchini, cabbage, potatoes and lentils. The main ingredient of the second 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 with garlic sauce, cheese and sour cream. And for dessert, treat yourself to the retes strudel, because it is one of the recognized symbols of Hungarian cuisine.

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

Excellent fish establishments are open on the shores of Lake Balaton, serving catfish, silver pike perch, pike and other trophies caught right in the lake. All sorts of cafes, bars and restaurants are literally on every beach: here you can have a quick bite to eat, and have a thorough lunch. In large resorts like Siofok, fast food eateries are open (500-900 HUF for a set lunch). In the cities and towns of the famous wine-growing region, there are many taverns and wine cellars offering to taste dozens of varieties of Tokaj. And the most daring atmosphere reigns in chards - cozy taverns with an unpretentious interior, gypsy music and delicious home-style cuisine.

The best photos of Lake Balaton

Guides at Balaton

Entertainment and attractions

Dozens of natural and architectural attractions are concentrated in the vicinity of Balaton. The list of miraculous masterpieces includes the Tapoltsy caves, the national reserves "Kish-Balaton" and "Pribalatonsky", the picturesque Tikhan Peninsula. Architectural gems are Festeich Palace, Battyany Castle, Sümeg Fortress, medieval ruins at Szigliget and the Franciscan Church at Keszthely.

The main attractions of Balatonfured are the picturesque harbor with a magnificent view of the lake and the well-groomed Rabindranath Tagore embankment. The most remarkable building of Siofok is the water tower, flaunting on Freedom Square. The tourist complex "Santodpusta" has been opened in Santod with restored manors of the 18th century: interesting expositions and spectacular folklore festivals are organized here.

The first basalt temple in Europe and the botanical garden, founded more than 100 years ago by Dr. Folli, deserve attention in Badachoni.

The approximate cost of group excursions: sailing on a boat to the Tihany peninsula with a visit to the abbey - 15 EUR; a trip to the thermal lake Heviz, an excursion to Keszthely with a tour of the Festeich Palace (only from the outside), a trip to Badacsony with lunch and wine tasting - 20-25 EUR. Riding on Balaton on a yacht - 25-30 EUR; a trip to the Sümeg fortress with a knightly tournament and a “medieval dinner” to 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. Riding schools have been opened in Tihany, Santod, Keszthely, Nagyvajo and many other places in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. From the end of April, fishing is allowed on the lake: you need to buy a special permit for it, which is sold in every fishing store.

9 things to do at Balaton

1. Travel around the coast and choose a beach to your liking.
2. Go down to the lake along the picturesque "Stairway of Wanderers" in Badachoni.
3. Fit in the photo in the sculptural composition "Women under Umbrellas" by Imre Varg in Siofok.
4. Compare with Versailles the Festeich Palace, 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 carbonic springs of Balatonföldvár.
7. Visit the most "delicious" museums of Keszthely: wine "Bacchus" and confectionery "Marzipan".
8. Admire the lakes, geysers and lavender fields on the reserved Tihany Peninsula.
9. Look into the charda and feel the atmosphere of drunken 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 seaside holiday. The bottom of the lake, especially noticeable in the shallow water of the southern shore, is covered with fine velvety sand. On windy days, the water in 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.

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

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

The infrastructure is well developed here, so it is easy to get from Budapest to Balaton. This is the largest freshwater lake in Hungary and Central Europe, and in addition, 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 a beautiful sight that is worth seeing.

The area of ​​the lake is 590 square kilometers, but at the time of its formation, the territory of the lake 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 depression of Balaton - Small Balaton - completely separated from the lake.

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

The entire coast of Balaton is the main vineyard region of the country. On the volcanic soils of the north coast, most of the varieties from which white wine is made are planted, but there are also vineyards for making red wine. On the south coast, varieties are grown for light white wines and champagnes.

The lake is navigable, but the use of motor boats and jet skis is prohibited. On the northern coast there are several small bays and one peninsula - Tihany, the narrowest point at 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 Balaton from Budapest by car, train, bus, and also by taxi. Trains and buses depart from Budapest several times a day, starting early in the morning and ending late in the evening. For more information on how to get to the Hungarian capital, read on our website.

By plane

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

Options for ticket prices for the dates you are interested in can be viewed.

By train

You can get by train directly to almost any city of Balaton. 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 have to ride standing up. Children under 6 years old can ride the trains for free, but you 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 3–4 EUR extra and ride in a 1st class carriage. There are different types of benefits on trains: for families with children, youth under 26, when buying a round-trip ticket, etc. If you buy a ticket with a seat, then, of course, 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 the big cities where the stop will be made). No one checks tickets when boarding, they will be checked on the way. Stops are also not announced.

Fares and train schedules can be found online. Tickets are easier to buy at the box office, tickets are sold at any station, regardless of which station the train leaves from. Tickets can be bought in advance, or you can even before the train departs, but keep in mind that there may be a queue at the box office on weekends, 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 shown on the map below.

The railway runs along Balaton, leaving the train and walking for a couple of minutes, you will get to one of the beaches of the lake.

By bus

You can get by bus directly to almost any city on the coast of Lake Balaton. Buses leave from the bus station located near Budapest's Népliget metro station, buses also make several stops in Budapest, but you need to know exactly the number of the bus you need, as the bus will only have a number and a sign or running line 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 watch the ordinary life of the local population (unless, of course, the bus does not travel on a toll road).

It should be noted that if you are not departing from the starting point of the route, then perhaps there simply will not be empty 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 out. Travel time is about 1.5-2 hours. A ticket costs an average of 100 EUR one way.

Arrival points depend 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

Balaton can be reached from Budapest both on the free road number 7, which will take longer, and on the paid M7.

You can use the motorway with a vignette, which can be purchased at major gas stations. Validity varies: for 10 days, 1 month or 1 year. The cost for 10 days for a car is approximately 10 EUR. You can purchase a vignette that is valid throughout the country, and you can also buy only for a particular area.

M7 runs along the entire south coast. There is no toll road along the north coast, but you can enjoy the beauty of the north coast and the view 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

Yekaterinburg 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, like in winter, and there is no hot 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 tourists increases sharply in July-August.

If you are not very lucky with the weather, then you should not be upset, as Hungary is famous for its thermal resorts, which are also on the Balaton. The most famous is Lake Heviz.

Balaton in summer

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

The period of festivals and other cultural events begins.

Balaton in autumn

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

Balaton in spring

In March, everything begins to bloom gradually.

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

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

Balaton in winter

In winter, there are much fewer tourists at 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 - monthly weather

Clue:

Balaton - monthly weather

conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Balaton has a strongly elongated shape from southwest to northeast, its length is 77 km. If the southern coast is mostly quite flat, then the northern coast has a more interesting relief, it is called the "Balaton Riviera": here are the Bakony mountains, and small volcanic mountains, and vineyards.

In which part of the lake to relax depends on the purpose of the trip and preferences.

It has everything you need for relaxation. You can find noisy youth places, a secluded beach, try Hungarian wine, have a bite to eat in a cozy restaurant.

Balaton has accommodation and entertainment for vacationers with any budget. Someone comes to ride on yachts, someone - on bicycles along the coast.

Visitors combine beach holidays 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 because of the convenient entry into the water and the milder climate. Fans of noisy parties - Siofok or Zamardi, located nearby, 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 rather calm area, in Siofok there is a coast with a sandy beach.

The north coast (for example, Balatonfured) is suitable for swimmers, as are lovers of mountains and historical sights (Tihany Peninsula, Bakony Mountains). Personally, I am not a fan of noisy places and crowds of tourists, so I recommend that the same lovers of a relaxing holiday drive a couple more kilometers and relax in one of the quieter and more comfortable towns. The farther from Budapest, the fewer people you will meet on the beach.

Along with the usual rest, Balaton also offers spa treatment: Balatonfured 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 the treatment of respiratory diseases with cave air. Also along the shores of the lake there are many sources of various mineral waters.

The most famous resorts of Balaton are Siofok, Balatonfured, Keszthely and Tihany.

Now I will talk in more detail about some conditional regions of Balaton.

Siofok

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

Bars, restaurants, clubs are within walking distance.

The cost of housing is not much higher than in other tourist places. The city is also suitable for families with children, there is a good park with a playground, children's attractions on the pedestrian street. On the beach there are a lot of tents with food and drinks.

The city is located 107 km from Budapest. You can get there by car, by bus, and also by train. Approximate travel time by bus or train (non-stop) 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 about 7 EUR, a train ticket - 7.5 EUR.

Siofok 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 Siofok by horse racing and the Hungarian derby. In early July, the international folklore festival "Aranykagyló" is held 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, discos.

The largest port on Balaton is located here, both pleasure boats and regular voyages on the lake moor.

Siofok has the longest stretch of coastline compared to other settlements at 17 km.

The Shio River divides the coast into golden and silver beaches. The golden section - with a paid beach, the silver - with a free one.

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

Summer concerts often feature melodies by Imre Kalman, a composer born here and author of popular operettas. In the house where the composer Imre Kalman was born, today there is a museum, his piano and personal belongings are stored here.

On the coast, the villas of famous poets and writers of Hungary have been preserved: Karinti Fridesh, Jokai Mora, Krudi Dyula. On the same street (Kálmán Imre sétány) there is a mineral museum with the largest mineral exposition in the country, as well as a 45-meter water tower of a special shape, which has become a symbol of the city.

Balatonfured

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 about 135 km from Budapest, it can be reached 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 about 8 EUR, a train ticket - 9 EUR.

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

As far as I know, the favorite place for vacationers to walk is the alley stretching along the coast, named after the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, and the park where famous people planted trees in memory of their recovery. Walking along the embankment, you can feed the swans and seagulls, pose for artists or just watch the yachts departing from the pier.

In the first half of the XIX century, Balatonfured was not only a resort, but also a lively center of summer secular, cultural and political life. Kazintsi, Szechenyi, Kossuth, Deak have been here; Yokai built a cottage here, which he visited for 22 years, currently there is a museum of the writer. Almost all the houses of the old city are protected as architectural monuments. At the end of st. Öreghegyi út is the 120 m long Lóczy Cave. You can visit the cave with an instructor.

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

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

Keszthely

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

Keszthely is located 187 km from Budapest and can be reached by car, bus, and train. The approximate travel time by bus is 2.5 hours, by train you can only get there 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 about 11 EUR, a ticket by train - 12 EUR.

Mostly Germans come here. The fame of the city was brought by the Festetics family and "Georgikon" - the first agricultural school in the country, opened in the city center, in the building of the Town Hall.

Fustetić 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 an idea of ​​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 the most valuable African hunting trophies of Duke Franz Josef Windischgrätz are placed in the room under the tower. The hunter Nagy Endre, who served for many years with the duke, persuaded him to transfer 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.

Of the interesting, I would advise you to visit:

• Georgikon Museum: the exposition tells about the history of the school. Also here you can get acquainted with the traditions of grape cultivation, wine-making tools, with the history of the famous Balaton grape varieties. There is also an exhibition of grain.
• The Balaton Museum (Múzeum u.2) will tell you about the formation of the lake, its flora and fauna. Various fishing facilities testify to the large fish that used to be found in 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 the palace made of marzipan.
• The Puppet Museum (Kossuth Lajos u.11) has a model of the Parliament, 8 x 2.5 m, made from 4.5 million shells collected from different regions of Hungary. Its creator has been working 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 who are interested in architecture, the history of religion, nature. In spring, blossoming almonds strike with their beauty, then ash delights the eye. In summer, you can see the ancient lavender fields with their heady aroma, and in autumn, the riot of colors and shades in the depths of the peninsula catches the eye.

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

It used to be part of the 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, study trips are organized along the peninsula and in the Balaton Upland National Park.

In 2003, the peninsula received a European diploma for the effectiveness of environmental protection and the preservation of the landscape diversity of the peninsula.

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

The village of Tikhany is the largest settlement of 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 grave of the Hungarian king remaining in its original place.

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 points for 1 EUR they give 305-312 forints.

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

Prices

Holiday prices depend on the season and on the requests of vacationers. But at the Balaton in all cities there is housing and entertainment for vacationers with any budget. The farther the city is from Budapest, the fewer tourists there are, and the prices are lower. The more the city is promoted, the more expensive it is for accommodation, an entrance ticket to the beach, and food. But it is worth moving away from the central streets a little and prices become lower.

Those who want to save money try to rent an apartment. Prices start from 50 EUR (in 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 your own beach area, here a night in a double room will cost 130-250 EUR.

Entrance to the beach is usually paid, a sign with prices hangs near the ticket office, having studied it, you can save a little, as there are benefits for children, students, pensioners. If you are traveling with a family of several people, then it is more profitable to take a ticket for a family. Also, if you plan to spend several days at Balaton, you can buy a subscription for several visits. On weekends, the entrance to the beach will cost more than on weekdays. After 4 p.m. there is usually a reduced rate. After 18-19 hours (depending on the beach) the entrance becomes free. If during the day you want to leave the beach for a while and return later, then at the exit you need to put a washable seal with the date on your hand, and when you return, just show it and they will let you through. If at the entrance you were given paper bracelets on your hand, then most likely you don’t need to put a seal, but it’s better to check near the exit whether you can return with this bracelet. In almost every city you can find a free beach. The entrance to the lake is equipped with stairs. The advantages of a paid beach: free toilets (although someone usually sits in front of the entrance, they are there to maintain order and cleanliness); cabins in which you can change clothes, the possibility of renting a catamaran, paid safes.

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

Main attractions. What to watch

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

Top 3

Beaches. Which is better

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

Some beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union (for example, Napfeny Beach in Balatonlelle) for consistently excellent water quality.

The water in the lake is soft, contains minerals; clear, but opaque, 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 Tikhany peninsula). In general, the depth near the southern and northern coasts is very different: if near the northern coast 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 sunbeds and umbrellas. You will have to lie either on the grass or on concrete, or if there is a cafe with sun loungers, then you can take a soft drink and settle down there for a while. If you arrive early, you can take a bench. During the day you can hide in the shade of trees. A place under a tree is usually taken in the morning.

parks

Balaton Upland National Park

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

• Tihany Peninsula,
• bakon mountains,
• basalt mountains of volcanic origin,
• caves,
• Kali basins (the so-called "stone seas")

• buffalo reserve in Kapolnapusta (2 km from the road), where you can take a tour of the study trail and get acquainted with the lifestyle of buffaloes.

• Small Balaton.

neighboring regions

Heviz

Heviz is the second largest thermal lake in the world (4.4 ha) 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 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 about 12 EUR.

The mineral springs that feed the lake are located at a depth of 38.5 m, water inflow: 86 million liters per day. Due 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, 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 °С, in winter the temperature does not fall below +22-29 °С. Water does not have a tiring effect, but, on the contrary, soothes and refreshes.

In 1865, Count Dörgy Festetics began the construction of a lake-bath. The bath was built with women's and men's sections located opposite each other. In 1964-1968, the most modern and largest indoor swimming pool of that time, "Thermal", was built. Since then, Heviz has ceased to depend on the weather. The bath was built in the center of Heviz. For two centuries now, it has been attracting guests with its waters. Nearby are the hospital buildings. In 1898, the biologist Lovashi Shandor brought and planted Indian pink water lilies in the lake, and they took root.

Pink water lilies guard the lake, touching plants and picking flowers is prohibited!

Small Balaton (Kis Balaton)

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

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

Cave with lake in Tapolca

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

Sümeg 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 XIV 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. Do not leave valuables on the beach unattended. Theft is rare, but it does happen. On paid beaches there are safes, they are usually located near the entrance to the beach. Renting a safe will cost you about 1.5 EUR, plus you will be asked to pay a deposit for the key that you will be given (the deposit will be returned to you when you return the key). Check when you need to return the key, as in the evening the entrance to all paid beaches becomes free and the provision of paid services stops.

There are also strong winds at Balaton. If there is a warning of an approaching storm, it is best to get out of the water and maybe even leave the beach. In a matter of minutes, gusty winds can arrive, causing strong waves.

Things to do

Fishing on the lake is a favorite sport of many fishermen. The most famous type of fish is zander. Carp is used to make 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 tourists.

In Siofok and Balatonfüred, water skiing trails are open. Huge cranes indicate the places of one of the most popular extreme sports - bungee jumping. In the second half of July, a special earthen rampart is built in Alšorsha, from which young people jump into the water on bicycles, skis and snowboards; whoever jumps the farthest wins. Alshorsh 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 highlands of Balaton are held 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 in the region of 30 EUR, or leave a document). I have no experience in using this type of transport. Yes, distances can vary greatly. So I advise you to ask the reception or the locals for details upon arrival.

Parking in tourist places is paid, sometimes even on weekends. It is paid in small change in special machines (the receipt must be put 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 end the parking payment; in both cases, receive a confirmation, first about the start time of parking, then about the completion of payment with an indication of the cost). Many beaches have large, unguarded outdoor car parks that pay per day, which is much cheaper.

Balaton - holidays with children

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

There are often playgrounds on the beach. The sandy entrance to the lake is a very rare thing at Balaton, so you have to go down into the water more often by stairs that smoothly go into the sandy bottom.

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