Lake Balaton
Located in the heart of Hungary, Lake Balaton is a magnet for tourists and locals alike. The enormous size of the lake makes it the largest in Central Europe. Along the 195 km long shore there are countless bathing resorts, water sports facilities and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Particularly pleasant: due to its shallow depth, the lake is very family-friendly and has high water temperatures right into autumn. The hilly surrounding countryside, some of which has volcanic origins, also invites you to go on extensive hiking and cycling tours with a view of the lake.
Activities at Lake Balaton - Balaton
Attractions at Lake Balaton - Balaton
Highlights
On the northern shore of Lake Balaton, under the rugged boulders of the tanú mountains or under the towering gullies, those who get tired of the ...
This varied itinerary, with its many attractions, shows the formation of the landscape and its natural values, while offering a unique panorama ...
A quiet corner of the Tihany peninsula can be explored on the tour.
The cozy town of Tapolca just north of Balaton offers the adventure of an underground boat trip in ...
The eastern basin of Lake Balaton is dominated by steeply sloping, high banks with stunning views ...
Hungary's largest and most beautiful private collection in the centre of Siófok with more than 3 ...
On the hill of Visszhang in Tihany, up to the echo stone placed here, we take a big shot, hoping ...
This unique interactive sailing club, open all year round, is located in the most popular sailing ...
From the western shore of Lake Balaton, more than a thousand new facilities will be available to ...
The beach is one of the few free coastal beaches in the area, formerly known as Plat and Vadkacsa. ...
Discover the region
Holiday feelings at the Hungarian Sea
Lake Balaton, also known as Lake Balaton in Germany and Austria, is THE destination in Hungary. With 600 m² of water surface, it is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and the largest inland lake in Central Europe. The southernmost and northernmost points are about 75 km apart. What makes Lake Balaton special is its shallow depth: on average, the lake is only about three metres deep. This ensures very high water temperatures and the water is inviting for bathing until autumn and also offers optimal conditions for joint bathing holidays with the family. Water sports enthusiasts such as sailors, canoeists and stand-up paddlers will find great conditions at Lake Balaton. You will find numerous water sports schools on the shores.
The Balaton Riviera on the North Shore
The north shore of the lake is characterised by the volcanic origin of the area; the hilly hinterland was once formed by volcanoes and offers great views of the lake. One of the most popular destinations on the north side of Lake Balaton is the Tihany peninsula with its 11th century abbey church. The north shore is also home to the largest town on Lake Balaton: Keszthely is a popular destination for travellers who want to combine a beach holiday with culture. Many events such as readings, exhibitions and concerts take place in the Festetics Castle in summer. Inside, the Helikon Library is one of the largest in the country.
The south shore: family-friendly beaches as far as the eye can see
You can walk hundreds of metres into the lake on the south shore. That's why there are so many offers and accommodations for families here. The beaches around the holiday resorts of Balatonfenyves, Máriafürdö and Berény are all very well maintained and equipped with a good infrastructure. The hinterland in the southern part of Balaton is used for wine growing. The longest shore promenade on Lake Balaton stretches around Fonyód. And if you feel like partying, you will find a huge selection of clubs and bars in Siófok.
Variety of activities on the water
Tours worth seeing on the water abound at Lake Balaton, whether you prefer canoeing, kayaking or SUP boarding. The warm water is an ideal spot for surfers and sailors. Renowned sailing regattas are also held regularly on Lake Balaton. Under the surface of the water, divers come across long-forgotten relics. However, diving is only permitted between September and April. And that's not all: water skiing, wakeboarding and kiteboarding are also possible at the lake!
From the water, you can experience a completely different perspective from the lake itself. Take your kayak or SUP to experience it! We put together our favorite routes from lake Balaton in order to ...
Outdoor experiences with a view of the water
The land of spas
Video: Visit Hungary
Take a trip to the Hungarian capital
If you want to get a taste of the big city, a trip to Budapest, only about 120 km away, is worthwhile. The city, divided by the Danube, is connected by the Chain Bridge and famous for monumental buildings such as the Parliament Building and the historic Old Town. The city of 1.7 million inhabitants is easy to reach by plane and train. Buses also run regularly between Budapest and Lake Balaton.
Destinations at Lake Balaton - Balaton
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