Lake Balaton
Balaton
Natural uniqueness of the lake
Balaton — the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe — is
located 100 km from Budapest.
Millions of years ago, the Pannonian Sea splashed on the site of the lake. Due
to geological shifts, the seabed has risen and the landscape has changed
dramatically. Numerous mineral and thermal healing springs are also the result
of volcanic activity, thanks to which Balaton has become famous as a popular
medical resort.
The unique feature of Balaton is its shallow depth. The average depth of the
lake is about 3 meters. The depth profile is different for the north and south
coasts. 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 at the southern shore,
even at a distance of 200−300 m, the water will still
The bottom of the lake is covered with fine velvety sand. Due to the shallow
depth, the water in the lake warms up well and quickly, in summer the water
temperature is 22−27 °C. The water in Balaton is clean, but not transparent due
to the content of plankton in it, which plays an important role in the
ecosystem of the lake. Balaton is regularly
The predominant color of the water is light green, but it can change
depending on the weather and time of day, which makes the lake uniquely
charming every time.
The unique microclimate in the area of Lake Balaton is reminiscent of the
Mediterranean, cloudy days are rare here.
Since Hungary has no access to the sea coast, Balaton is often called the
Hungarian Sea.
Balaton is the perfect place for your holiday
Lake Balaton is one of the main tourist destinations in
Hungary. Clean warm water, picturesque landscapes of the coast, healing springs
make this resort popular not only among the inhabitants of the country, but
also among tourists from all over Europe.
The beaches of Balaton are marked with the Blue Flag of the European Union for
ecological cleanliness and developed infrastructure.
Vacationers have excellent opportunities for a variety of exciting recreation.
Here everyone will find something to their taste.
Beach and wellness holidays — for adherents of the classic resort pastime.
Inspection of natural and historical sights along the shores of the lake — for
inquisitive tourists. Sailing, surfing,
Balaton is especially attractive for families with children. The water of the
shallow South Shore warms up quickly and even the smallest tourists can
carelessly splash for a long time in complete safety.
Balaton is also interesting for lovers of fishing. There are more than 25
species of fish in the lake, and limited fishing is allowed with a license.
Carp fishing is the most popular among fishermen.
The northern coast, with its foothills and forests, offers opportunities for
hunting.
Many beautiful royal swans live at Lake Balaton, which both adults and children
love to feed. A large number of migratory birds nest on the shores of the lake
— storks, herons, wild geese, ducks and others.
The area is characterized by a long sunny summer,
Balaton — the main resort area of Hungary
Along with the usual rest, Balaton offers spa treatment with
a long tradition.
The resort region of Lake Balaton is considered to be a pearl in the box of
natural treasures that Hungary is so rich in.
This is recognized not only because of the mineral springs that are found in
abundance in the vicinity of the lake, but also because of the composition of
the water in the lake itself. Healing, slightly alkaline waters of Balaton and
its silky silt have a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system.
Therefore, coming here from a noisy metropolis with its constant stress and
speed will be a great solution.
Healing springs with mineral water along the shores of the lake have been known
since the Roman era. Tourism at Balaton began to develop more actively in the
18th century. Small coastal villages quickly turned into resort towns, where
the Hungarian and Austrian aristocracy spent their time. At first, vacationers
were attracted by healing springs of mineral water, then bathing in the lake
became fashionable. Soon Balaton became a popular resort and health resort.
Balatonfured is also one of the largest
Along the entire coastline of Lake Balaton, like a necklace, there are small
resort towns. And each of them is remarkable in its own way.
Siofok is the largest resort center on the
southern coast of Lake Balaton. The famous composer Imre Kalman, the author of
world famous operettas, was born in Siofok. The composer's museum houses his
piano and many personal items.
All ships stop at the port of Siofok, and cruise ships depart from here. The
most popular beaches on Balaton are located in the vicinity of the city. Siofok
is also famous for its entertainment centers, restaurants, bars and discos, so
young people will like it more.
Keszthely — the oldest city of Balaton, located on the western shore of the lake. There are more architectural monuments here than in other coastal cities. The magnificent palace of the Festetics family in the Baroque style, with a beautiful park surrounding it, is one of the largest estates in Hungary, striking in its splendor.
The Tihany Peninsula is one of the most visited places in the region. Its area is 12 km², it protrudes into the lake for 5 kilometers and divides it into two parts. The peninsula is rich in rare species of plants and animals. The main attraction of Tihany is the Benedictine abbey, the pearl of the interior decoration of which are carved altars. In front of the abbey church there is a monument to King Andras I and his wife Anastasia, Queen of Hungary, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise.
Every year, at the end of July, swimming competitions are held on the lake through Balaton, which end in Balatonboglar, a resort in the center of the southern coast. There is a local history museum and regular exhibitions of fine arts. The Fortress Hill offers a picturesque view of the lake and surroundings.
Badacsony Mount Badacsony (440 m) — a former volcano, in 1956 was declared a protected area. It is part of the Balaton Upland National Park. Grapes are grown on its slopes, from which amazing Badacsony wines are made, and next to it you can see unusual geological formations — “basalt organs”. In the wine province of Badacsony, mainly white grapes are grown: Riesling, Silvaner, Keknelu, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Tramini. This place is also famous for the unusual Ice Asu wine, for the manufacture of which grapes slightly touched by frosts are used.
Tapolca is a town located behind Mount St. György. The main local attraction is the Tapolca lake cave, which arose as a result of volcanic activity.
At any time of the year, Balaton and its surroundings
provide their guests
Visa 
MICE 
VIP