Why go to Balaton ?
The first time I visited the Balaton area I was so happy to discover the beautiful views of the lake and many small wineries around. Balaton offers diverse destinations and activities so it suits equally well the party seeking group as well as families and romantic couples.
As Balaton offers many outdoor activities and beaches, I would say that it is more of a summer destination. The fall and spring would be a good time for another kind of experience – perhaps a chance to spend some time wondering in the beautiful nature (i.e. the hiking trails at Balaton Uplands National Park) or visit the wineries. There are not so many tourists outside the high season (June-August) so I am sure you could also find very good deals on the accommodation.
Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. It is very shallow which probably explains the 25 °C average water temperature in the summer time. The main towns around Balaton include Siofok, Balatonfured, Keszthely, Tihany, Balatonszemes and Balatonvilágos. The experience is quite different depending on which side of the lake you visit – the hilly region on the northern side is known both for its historic character and as a major wine region. The southern shore is more known for the resort towns and long shallow beaches.
One of the most known areas on Balaton is located around Siofok which is also called the ‘summer capital of Hungary’ or ‘party capital of Balaton’. This is the place to go if you love sun, beaches and great nightlife. Hungarians love festivals so it does not come as a surprise that also on Balaton you can find festivals for every interest. ‘Balaton Sound’ electronic music festival is one of the very famous ones and is organized every July in Zamárdi. It is a cool combination of beach holiday and music.
If you are looking for a town with breathtaking views, I would recommend Tihany - also known for its beautiful lavender fields. Take a walk on the pedestrian area of the village and do not miss the amazing views on the walking path just above the water. If you travel to Tihany during the summer months it is a good idea to visit Tihany PIAC Marketplace open on weekends.
As you continue towards Keszthely, you reach one of the most famous wine regions on Balaton. There are some lovely areas located between Tihany and Keszthely, around Köveskál and the Kali basin. The roads are beautiful with fantastic views towards the lake. Here you can find good restaurants and wineries - and don’t miss the wine festivals organized on July/August.
Keszthely on the westerns shore of Balaton is the largest city on the lake and one of the important cultural and economic areas in the region. It was an important market town already in the roman times with some interesting historical attractions. I would recommend a visit to the Festetics Palace and museum. Hévíz, a small town just 15 minutes from Kesthely, is a favorite spa and wellness destination on a very warm Héviz thermal lake. There are also a couple of known golf courses in the same direction.
There are countless amount of towns and villages all around so there is much to see for several trips. If you would prefer to discover the both sides of the lake in one day, you can drive to Szántód and take the ferry over to Tihany.
Now is just the perfect time for a glass of Hungarian wine and start planning a summer weekend on Balaton!
Restaurants and Wineries
Karolina Cukrászat
How to go to Balaton ?
As there is much to discover, the best way to experience Balaton is to take your own car or rent one.
Another option is to reach Balaton by train from Budapest Deli Railway Station and Budapest Keleti Railway Station. You can have more information on Balaton Tourism website and book direcly your tickets here.
Enjoy your trip !
