Trip to Budapest on your own, prices and plan. Hungarian Sea - Lake Balaton Where is Balaton
Marina Dobrynina
Traveler and athlete. You can see me either at running competitions or in some other city with a camera in my hands. I have visited more than 20 countries and am not going to stop there.
This city is beautiful in winter - there are few people, but a lot of sun and cool air. Big houses, among which a person seems so small. Here at Costa Coffee they make green lattes and add pineapples to their burgers. I don’t understand Hungarian at all, but it’s good that almost all the locals speak English. In general, welcome to Budapest - the capital of Hungary!
In my opinion, Budapest is the ideal city to come here for the weekend, when you are tired of all sorts of Prague, Paris and Barcelona. In addition, ticket prices in winter are pleasing to the eye and wallet, especially if you buy them a month and a half before departure. Again, in order to save money, I recommend buying a local SIM card, because Russian operators all give some absolutely exorbitant prices for the Internet in roaming.
The city is divided by the river into 2 parts - hilly Buda and quite flat Pest. In winter, the Danube makes a bewitching impression - the fast current carries huge ice floes, periodically pushing them together, which causes a characteristic and slightly frightening sound.
So, what is worth seeing in Budapest?
I’ll be banal, but I liked the Hungarian Parliament building and the Fisherman’s Bastion most of all. They are located on opposite banks of the Danube and practically look at each other. The Parliament building resembles an airy white castle and is beautifully reflected in the water. They say that you can also go inside to look at ancient frescoes, jewelry of the Hungarian monarchs and other paraphernalia of royal life, but I was more interested in walking the streets.
For example, walk across the Szechenyi Bridge to the other side, to the Fisherman's Bastion. The bridge is really very beautiful, especially in the evening when they turn on the lights. And very old - they write that it is more than 150 years old. The Hungarians love the bridge very much - they call it the “Old Lady” and annually celebrate his (or her?) birthday on November 20th. Such romantics!
On the opposite bank of the Danube is the Buda Castle, which can be reached by bus No. 16, by funicular for 2 euros, or on foot (free). At the top you will find the Royal Palace, King Matthias Fountain, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, excellent views of the river and the Parliament building.
Inside the Royal Palace there are now various museums - the National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and the National Library of Hungary. If you come to Budapest in winter, like me, don’t neglect visiting the museums - it will help you stay warm while walking in the hills. Or buy yourself a coffee to go - a stand with excellent hot and strong drinks is located just opposite the King Matthias Fountain, which I really liked - there is something Italian about it.
And while you are walking along this bank of the Danube, don’t be too lazy to walk up to Gellert Mountain - it offers stunning views of the city. The height of the hill is more than 200 meters, so by the time you get there, you’ll just warm up if you freeze again. The top of the “mountain” is crowned by the Freedom Monument, 40 meters high.
I recommend finishing the evening of the first day in one of the pubs in Budapest, even if you are not a fan of this kind of establishment. The so-called ruinpubs are the hallmark of the Hungarian capital, along with the parliament and thermal springs. They are located in the Jewish quarter of Erzsebetváros and at first glance present a pitiful sight: all the walls, bar counters, floors and ceilings are covered with graffiti, guests are offered to sit on some kind of rubbish instead of chairs and tables, and the menu consists mainly of drinks and light snacks . But all this is part of the concept and a special idea of the creators. The first such “ruin pub” - Szimpla kert - appeared in an old abandoned house for demolition, so the owners decided not to invest much in repairs, but on the contrary - they aggravated the already pathetic state of the premises and brought in old bathtubs, pieces of cars, tanks and the like old stuff. The people liked this “trash” and away we go. Now there are about 15-20 such pubs in Budapest, competing with each other to see who looks scarier. Visitors usually do not stay in one pub for long and manage to visit 2-3 such establishments in the evening - this is called bar surfing - an excellent opportunity to see the most interesting establishments, which include the Kirakat bar with panoramic windows, Corvinteto - a bar on the roof of an old Soviet department store "Corwin" and a number of others.
The second day is worth devoting to walks around the Pest region. Be sure to visit the Central Market. Firstly, it itself is very beautiful and colorful, and secondly, you can buy “sanction cards” and other souvenirs there at quite reasonable prices. Opposite the Central Market there is a pub called For Sale. In one article I read that the best goulash is served here. I came in. I ordered it. While I was waiting, I pulled peanuts in shells from the basket on the table - you can eat them here without restrictions, but you need to throw the shells on the floor, for this it is specially covered with straw. I warn you right away - don’t get carried away with nuts, because they will serve you the main course and you will burst, just like me. For 5 euros they brought me a liter and a half saucepan, no less, so feel free to order one goulash for two, or even three. The famous Hungarian soup here is truly amazing - you won’t be able to pull your socks off!
Take a walk along the Hungarian version of Nevsky Prospekt - I mean Andrássy Avenue, which ends at Heroes Square - also an iconic place. The square is quite beautiful, in the center of it stands the Millennium Monument. By the way, not far from the square there are the famous Széchenyi thermal baths - this place is a must-see.
Coming to Budapest and not going to bask in the thermal springs is like coming to Paris and ignoring the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower combined. There are about 80 different springs in the capital of Hungary, and thermal baths are located next to almost all of them. Szechenyi, Gellert and Rudas are the most famous and beautiful, so there will be more people there, but you can also find something more intimate and modest.
I went to Szechenyi - and this is the best memory of Budapest during the entire trip. I've probably been to 15 different steam rooms and saunas. Most of all I remember 2 rooms: one with a menthol smell, and the second with some particularly hot and dry air. A separate topic is open-air swimming pools with a water temperature of 37-38C, all the charm of which can be felt in winter, in the frost, when cold air burns the body and bare feet, and then hot water carefully brings everything back to normal. The ticket price is about 15-20 euros, depending on the day of the week and time of visit. For an additional fee you will also be given a towel, slippers and a robe.
When you've had your fill of exploring Budapest, I recommend going to Lake Balaton - the largest in Europe, sometimes also called the Hungarian Sea. Of course, in summer it is more attractive - you can swim and sunbathe, sail on a boat, windsurf and row, or have a picnic on the shore. There are thermal and mineral springs nearby - so you can also improve your health. In winter, entertainment is, unfortunately, more difficult. But I don’t regret my foray into nature at all.
Firstly, the road to the lake is quite interesting. The easiest way to get from Budapest to Balaton is by train from Delhi Station, the distance is approximately 120-180 km - it all depends on your final stop. Having bought train tickets, I found out that I would need to change trains along the way. From a large comfortable train, I was transferred to a tiny train of 2 cars, which looked more like an electric carriage! It was funny and amusing. Inside there were thick soft seats, a friendly conductor and very warm - just what we needed!
Secondly, winter Lake Balaton is a very beautiful and mesmerizing sight! I walked on frozen ice, and it was scary and great at the same time. In some places, the perfectly flat ice rose up and turned into something like “roses” or small castles of the Snow Queen.
Local children skate along the shore. I also wanted to join them, but for some reason the Hungarians didn’t think of renting out skates. This kind of business is disappearing! Our entrepreneurs would have long ago organized rentals with all sorts of inflatable cheesecakes, sleds and skates, and set up tents with pancakes, mulled wine, and burgers nearby. Therefore, if you are going to the lake and don’t want to have a fasting day, take a thermos with tea and something to eat.
In general, 3 days is enough to form an opinion about Budapest and understand whether you like it or not. I liked the city, and I would come back here again, perhaps in the spring or summer, to take a boat ride on the Danube, climb the green hills, go to the opera and once again take a steam bath in the thermal springs, preferably while sipping goulash from that very pub!
Lake Balaton is located in western Hungary and is the largest in the central part of the continent. Its coastline is a famous resort area with access to numerous mineral and thermal springs. There are excellent conditions for a fun time with family, active recreation and serene unity with nature. A unique feature of the lake is its shallow depth, averaging 3 meters. The deepest place reaches 12 meters and is located in the Tihany depression area. There is a lot of plankton in the lake, so the water transparency here is quite low. The bottom is lined with sand, as a result of which the surface of the water has a gray-greenish tint, which may vary depending on the season. In summer, the water temperature stays at +24, and sometimes reaches +29 degrees.
How to get to Lake Balaton?
In 2016, Utair plans to relaunch a charter (flights UT 865/866) from Moscow to Lake Balaton. Departure from Vnukovo (Moscow) arrival at Sarmellek Airport (Hung. Sármellék Nemzetközi Repülőtér), sometimes simply called Balaton Airport, is located on the western coast of the lake near the city of Keszthely (Hung. Keszthely).
A more economical way to get to the lake is to fly to Budapest, for example, using the services of the budget airline WizzAir, and then take a bus or train to the desired city. Bus and train schedule.
If you are going on holiday to Lake Balaton with a child, or simply want to quickly and comfortably get from Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) to your holiday destination, we recommend ordering an individual transfer in advance on the KiwiTaxi.ru website.
Minimum cost of air tickets Moscow - Budapest for the next month
Where to stay on Lake Balaton?
Today, Balaton is considered the most visited and popular resort in Hungary, where a huge number of tourists from all over the planet come to relax every year. Along with beach holidays, sailing and fishing are very popular here.
The Balaton coast can be divided into southern and northern.
The southern side of the lake has a gentle entrance to the water, and the depth of a man’s height is sometimes achieved only at a considerable distance from the shore. These places are especially recommended for family holidays, because here children can splash around even tens of meters from the shore, plus the water temperature here is higher than in the north.
The largest city on the coast of Lake Balaton is located just on the southern coast, next to the canal connecting the lake with the Danube, Shio and is called - Siofok(Hung. Siófok). It is sometimes also called the “nightlife capital” of Hungary. It is one of the most popular resorts in the country. In its vicinity there are many good sandy beaches. There are also sanatoriums where you can improve your health.
Siófok is the largest city on Lake Balaton
Village Santod(Hung. Szantód) is famous for the fact that the ferry to the Tihany Peninsula, built back in 1802, is located here. And a kilometer away from here there is an 18th-century estate built by Benedictine monks. Now this place is called Santodpuszta (Hungarian: Szántódpuszta), large summer parades of horse riding and other equestrian sports are held here.
Further along the southern coast there are other towns and cities (Fonyod (Hung. Fonyod), Balatonföldvar (Hung. Balatonfoldvar), Balatonboglar (Hung. Balatonboglar)), which also have a well-established infrastructure for beach and active recreation.
Most of the beaches on Balaton are wide and green, well-equipped, and have everything vacationers might need: showers, toilets, changing rooms, stairs to go down into the lake, entertainment programs for children, cafes and shops, the only downside is that they are paid. Free beaches can also be found, but they are much less comfortable.
The northern side of the lake has a rocky shoreline and sharp depths. On most beaches, the entrance to the water is via stairs, but there are also gentle ones. The place is less suitable for families with children, but for good swimmers and fishing fans it is just what you need.
The most popular resort on the north coast is Balatonfured(Hung. Balatonfured). It became famous for its healing mineral water springs, discovered in the Roman era. Now anyone can try the water in the drinking pump room in the central square of the city. In the city, along the shore of the lake, there is a picturesque alley of Rabindranath Tagore with many monuments and sculptures to famous people who have ever visited here. For those who like to ride a bike, there are bike paths.
There is a peninsula very close to Balatonfured Tihany(Hung. Tihany), where you can get there on the same bike in 20 minutes. Here you can touch the historical and religious by visiting the Benedictine Abbey of St. Anyos (Hungarian) located on the peninsula. Tihanyi apátság) founded in the 11th century.
Even further to the west there are two villages Badacsony(Hung. Badacsony) And Szigliget(Hung. Szigliget) famous for their wines, which can be tasted here in many local restaurants. In addition to wine, Segliget is also famous for the ruins of an old 13th-century fortress, which are located on Castle Hill, which also offers excellent views of the lake.
Another popular holiday destination on the northern coast, or rather even on the northwestern coast, is Keszthely(Hung. Keszthely). This is a real city with a large resort area. Therefore, in the evenings there is something to see and where to go. Among the attractions, Keisthely boasts a Gothic Franciscan church, built in 1386, and the beautiful Festetics Palace (Hungarian). Festetics castely), around which there is a beautiful park.
On the northern coast of Lake Balaton, 6 kilometers from the city of Keszthely, is the thermal lake Heviz (Hungarian. Heviz), which formed in the crater of a long-extinct volcano and is the largest European thermal lake. Its depth is approximately 40 meters, and the temperature ranges from +26 in winter to +34 degrees in summer. The water source is located in an underwater cave, which has a diameter of about 18 meters. The bottom of this lake is covered with healing mud, and the water also has very beneficial properties. Amazingly beautiful lotuses float on the surface of Heviz. Today there is a famous balneological center here, which is often visited by guests of the Balaton resort area. Swimming in Lake Heviz is prohibited for children under 12 years of age.
While relaxing on Lake Balaton you should definitely visit the city Tapolca(Hung. Tapolca), located 30 km from Keszthely and 40 from Balatonfüred respectively. The city is famous for its karst caves and underground lake Tavash(Hung. Tavas), where you can take a boat ride.
Have fun with your travels and unforgettable experiences!
Relaxation and best resorts of Lake Balaton in Hungary.
Balaton- a freshwater lake in the west, the largest in Central Europe. The Balaton coast is the most important resort area in Hungary with mineral and thermal springs. The lake is located on the Middle Danube Plain, 100 km from Budapest. Lake area 600 sq. km., and the length of the coast is 195 km. A unique feature of Lake Balaton is its shallow depth. The average depth of the lake is about 3 meters, the only relatively deep place of the lake is the Tihany Depression near the Tihany Peninsula - 12.4 meters. The depth profile is different for the northern and southern shores. 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 near the southern shore and at a distance of 200-300 meters from the shore the depth is about a meter. The bottom of the lake, especially noticeable in the shallow waters of the southern shore, is covered with fine velvety sand.
Clean warm water and picturesque coastal scenery make this resort popular not only among residents of the country, but also among tourists from all over Europe. This is what I call Lake Balaton in different languages (Hungarian Balaton, German Plattensee, Slovak Blatenske jazero, Slovenian Blatno jezero, Latin Pelso), the Hungarians call it the “Hungarian Sea” or Balcsi.
Lake Balaton is divided into two shores:
North coast - Keszthely, Szigliget, Badacsonytomaj, Revfulep, Tihany, Balatonfüred and Balatonkenese.
South coast - Tapolca, Fonyod, Siófok, Santod, Balatonföldvár, Balatonbolgar and Balatonlelle.
History of Lake Balaton
Millions of years ago there was a sea in place of the lake. Due to geological shifts, the seabed has risen and the landscape has been greatly altered by volcanic activity. Once upon a time, Romans, Germanic and Slavic tribes lived in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. In 1019, King Endre built an abbey in Tihany.
Balaton became a popular resort at the end of the 19th century.
Holidays on Lake Balaton
The northern shore of Balaton is more suitable for lovers of active recreation. At a short distance from the shore it is quite deep, and you can enjoy yachting and fishing (there are more than 20 species of fish in the lake). The towns of Siófok and Balatonfüred, located on the shores of the lake, have electric-powered water skiing tracks with trapezes. Experienced instructors will help you in a few hours to feel confident in water skiing and experience true pleasure from skiing. Also, in the last few years, equestrian tourism has been actively developing, and horse shows are held, which are watched with delight by both adults and children. And for those who prefer cycling to horseback riding, it is necessary to take a cycling voyage that completely encircles Lake Balaton, called the “Bicycle Ring Around the Lake”.
Balaton Climate
The climate of Lake Balaton is temperate continental. The shores of the lake are characterized by long sunny summers. Soft, slightly alkaline water with a high content of iodine and a special southern microclimate create here an almost complete illusion of a holiday at sea. from mid-May to the end of September. Winters are relatively mild, but the lake freezes almost every winter. The average ice thickness is 10-20 centimeters, however, there have been cases of formation of 70 centimeter ice. The lake experiences strong winds that are dangerous for sailors and small craft. A special service monitors the wind strength on the lake. Due to the shallow depth, the water in the lake warms up well; in summer, the average water temperature in the lake is +21-22 °C, sometimes warming up to +29 °C. The water in Balaton is clean, but not transparent due to the plankton content in it. The predominant color of the water is light green, but can change depending on the weather and time of day.
Sights of Lake Balaton
North Shore - Lake Balaton
Keszthely- a small town at the western tip of Lake Balaton. In addition to convenient beaches, Keszthely boasts authentic ancient streets and the Baroque palace of the Festetics family located in a magnificent park. Four kilometers from Keszthely, surrounded by baths, is Lake Heviz, the healing water of which is rich in mineral salts, and the bottom is covered with silt with a high radium content.
Szigliget- a village living a calm, measured life. It contains the ruins of an ancient Szigliget fortress from the 13th century, and the city is also known for its varietal vineyards and healing water.
Badacsonytomaj- also the most famous wine-growing region, some of the best wine cellars in the country are located here and produce the famous varieties “Sürkebarat” and “Keknyelü”. Not far from the city, on the southern slope of a basalt mountain 437 meters high, there is a whole “garland” of excellent restaurants and wine bars, and a magnificent panorama opens from the Kishfaludi observation deck at the top of the mountain. Not far from the pier is the House Museum of the artist József Egri. From the belvedere Pahoy (“lodge”), built right on the edge of the cliff, a beautiful panorama of almost the entire lake opens up. At the top of the neighboring mountain stands another local landmark - the Szigliget fortress, built in the 13th century. In contrast to the rocky and rocky northern shore of Lake Balaton, which quickly goes into the depths, the beaches of the southern coast attract vacationers with their velvety sand and gently sloping bottom.
Revfulep– The resort is located in the center of the northern coast of the Balaton coast. Revfülep is a balneological resort on Lake Balaton with a huge number of mineral springs gushing out of the ground. Generous nature: sweet grapes, mineral water for wine and the beauty of the Kali Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains.
Revfulep became famous, first of all, thanks to springs with mineral water, mainly carbon dioxide. The water has a general strengthening effect and is so famous for its taste that it is present as a special item on restaurant menus. According to the authoritative opinion of local residents, this water gives a special aroma to the bouquet of local wines. Old peasant houses are adjacent to modern dachas and villas, which gives a unique flavor to the landscape of the village. It was here, in this small picturesque village, that many Hungarian and foreign artists settled. Revfülep is an elegant tourist center: from the top there is a mesmerizing panorama, on the shore there is a lively life by the water. 
Tihany- a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton on the Tihany Peninsula. The entire peninsula is a historical district.
In Tihany, there is a Two-Tower Church, towering over the landscape, which already from afar attracts the attention of travelers to this peninsula, the territory of which has been declared a protected area. The local church and Benedictine monastery are the oldest buildings in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. Tihany also has its own lakes: Lake Belsheto (“Inner Lake”) and Lake Kumsheto (“External Lake”), they are completely independent from Lake Balaton. There is always a lot of traffic at the pier: in this place the distance between the opposite banks of Lake Balaton is only about one and a half kilometers, so ferries are constantly running.
Balatonfured is a city in southwestern Hungary, located in the northeastern part of Lake Balaton. The largest settlement on the northern shore of the lake, a famous resort. It is famous as an ancient medical resort with natural carbon dioxide springs and a large famous cardiological center.
Balatonfüred today is the most popular resort on the northern shore of Balaton, which is visited annually by thousands of people with heart disease. A well-known cardiology clinic in Europe is located here. Thanks to the location of the lake on one side, and the oak forest on Mount Bakony on the other, the city can boast of a wonderful ecology. Balatonfüred is attractive to tourists not only as a resort; it really has something to see. Quiet parks with sculptures, small neat houses, the city harbor, and the picturesque nature of the surrounding area form the fabulous flavor of Balatonfüred. Almost every building in this city is protected as an architectural monument. In the central square of Balatonfüred - Died - you will be greeted by a carbon dioxide mineral spring, from which you can drink healing water. Don't forget to walk along the shore along the Rabindranath Tagore embankment and visit the shady city park. You can take a romantic walk on Lake Balaton on a pleasure boat or follow a paved tourist route through the forest and mountains.
Balatonkenes- one of the villages that grew up one after another along the eastern coast of Lake Balaton. One of the secrets to the popularity of these resorts is that it is only one hour's drive from here to Budapest by motorway. Surrounded by picturesque nature and the summer villas of wealthy Budapest residents, small guesthouses have also lined up. 
South Shore - Lake Balaton
Tapolca- a medical resort on the western northern coast of Lake Balaton. Its main feature is the use of cave therapy for the treatment of various diseases, and the healing cave is located directly in the center of the city. The town of Tapolca is surrounded by fourteen basalt mountain cones, completely covered with vineyards. The city was built in a place where in ancient times the waves of the Panno Sea splashed. The city is famous for its karst caves and the geologically rare underground lake in the Tavash cave.
Fonyod-the oldest settlement on the southern coast. A lonely mountain towering above the flat terrain already attracts attention to the town from afar. Surrounded by convenient beaches, Fonyod is a lively tourist center with a beautiful marina and bustling life in the central part of the city.
Siofok- one of the most popular resort centers not only on the southern coast, but throughout Lake Balaton. There are many hotels, private villas and cooperative dachas, numerous beaches, Hungarian and international restaurants, cafes and pastry shops, many night discos and a myriad of shops and department stores. There is also a summer theater, folklore programs and pop music concerts. The city is often called the "nightlife capital" of Hungary. However, if you travel a little outside of Siófok, you can enjoy relaxing walks in nature or engage in active sports on the beach.
Santod- half a village located opposite the Tihany Peninsula, a kilometer away from it there is a baroque manor built in the 18th century with a huge wine cellar. This Santodpusta- a popular arena for large summer horse riding parades and other equestrian sports.
Balatonföldvar- a famous balneological resort on the southern coast. The magnificent beach, rows of ancient villas and comfortable campsites invariably attract tourists from all over the world. The city was conceived, designed and built by architects as a resort. The city center is a wide plane tree alley 1 km long, starting from the pier, as well as a huge beautiful park with specially selected ornamental trees and shrubs. Wonderful parks, well-planned streets, boulevards, and the panorama of Lake Balaton stretching out in all its charm from the embankment have inspired many artists.
Balatonbolgar And Balatonlelle- small villages with their own marinas and “old towns”; the special family atmosphere of the settlements has remained unchanged.
The closely adjacent holiday villages are suitable for a long, relaxing holiday in complete comfort. Villas, cottages and a number of resort hotels here formed a single residential coastal zone, stretching for 12 km.
Adviсe
Approximate cost of group excursions: sailing by boat to the Tihany Peninsula with a visit to the abbey -10 EUR, a trip to the thermal lake Heviz, an excursion to Keszthely with a tour of the Festetics Palace (only from the outside), a trip to Badacsony with lunch and wine tasting ~18 EUR. Sailing around Balaton on a yacht ~14 EUR, a trip to the Shumeg fortress with a “knight’s tournament” and a “medieval dinner” with gypsy music ~33 EUR, an excursion to Tapolca with a visit to cave lakes and boating ~17 EUR.
Sailing, surfing, fishing. Every major resort center has tennis courts and mini golf. Riding schools are open in Tihany, Santod, Keszthely, Nagyvazsony and many other places in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. There are many restaurants on the coast and even more cozy traditional taverns with gypsy music, where guests are offered Balaton cuisine - spicy Hungarian fish soup, silver pike perch and catfish, as well as local wines.
Since the end of April, fishing has been allowed on the lake: you must buy a special permit, which is sold in every fishing store.
Basic moments
One of the main advantages of Lake Balaton is that it is a famous tourist attraction, popular not only in the republic itself, but also in other countries, especially neighboring ones. There is a resort area around the lake, and today the lake itself is a real center for family recreation. Moreover, active recreation: in addition to traditional fishing, vacationers engage in sailing and surfing, rowing and water skiing. The presence of mineral and thermal springs makes this pearl of Hungary also a medical resort, where hundreds and thousands of people improve their health.
Due to its shallow depth, Lake Balaton warms up well in summer, up to almost 26° C. On average, its temperature during the season is 21-22 degrees. Thanks to such comfortable indicators, as well as the highest level of service and traditional Hungarian hospitality, Balaton ranks as one of the leading places among the most visited resorts of the Old Continent. A continuous strip of sandy beaches on the southern coast and the picturesque landscape of its northern shores, where there are mountains, orchards, vineyards and the ruins of ancient fortresses, not only creates the complete illusion of a seaside holiday, but also makes the reservoir and its surroundings one of the most unique places in Europe .
History and legends
The predecessor of Lake Balaton was the Pannonian Sea, which existed several million years ago. Due to geological shifts, the seabed has undergone significant changes. It rose, which in turn led to changes in the landscape. At the same time, increased volcanic activity was observed in this area. Its result was the appearance of a large number of mineral and thermal springs. They predetermined the current “fate” of Balaton as a popular health resort.
The shallow depth of the “Hungarian Sea” largely influenced the fact that people began to settle on its shores from time immemorial. These were the tribes of Slavs and Germans, Celts and Thracians. In the 1st century AD, the Romans settled here and founded an entire province - Pannonia. In the 6th century they were supplanted by the Avars. The 500-700s can be called a kind of transition period to future statehood. The peoples who lived here had mixed Romano-Slavic-Avar origin, but did not have a state as such. Somewhat later, in the 9th century, the Slavs formed the Blaten Principality here. The capital of this formation was a city with an unusual name - Blatnograd, located near the Balaton coast on the Zala River. Nowadays, on the site of the former “capital city” there is a village with the same name.
Hungarian tribes came here at the beginning of the 10th century. After capturing the region, Stephen the Saint built an abbey in Zalavare (1019). Another abbey appeared on the Tihany Peninsula in 1055 - with the light hand of King Andras I. In the 16th century, several defensive fortresses grew along the northern shore of the lake. And only from the 18th century Balaton completely switched to a “peaceful” life: tourism began to actively develop. The once small villages have grown surprisingly quickly, turning into resort-type towns. Representatives of the Hungarian and Austrian elite loved to recover here. Subsequently, people began to come here not only for medical reasons: summer holidays on the lake came into fashion as a kind of obligatory attribute. If someone from the nobility, for various reasons, did not come here in the summer, the year was considered “lived in vain.”
In 1846, the transport capabilities of Balaton began to be actively exploited: shipping was opened on the lake. With the development of railway transport by the end of the 19th century, economic life began to boil with renewed vigor, and this continued until the Second World War, which disrupted the usual way of life. Particularly fierce fighting took place in the vicinity of Lake Balaton in March 1945. The tank and field armies of the Wehrmacht fiercely resisted the troops of the III Ukrainian Front. During the clashes, which went down in history as the Balaton operation, buildings and structures on the coast were seriously damaged. After the war, the new authorities began to gradually restore the lost tourism potential of the region.
Several legends are also associated with this unique body of water. Ancient people, who had no idea about complex geological and volcanic processes, wondered how so much water could accumulate in one place. This is how a myth was born that one hardworking digger was bothered by a large stone, and he decided to move it away so that nothing would interfere with cultivating the field. But it turned out completely differently: from under it a source with very clear water burst out to the surface, gradually filling the entire valley, and it turned into a whole lake, which the Hungarians themselves call “Balchi”.
Another local legend says that at the bottom of Lake Balaton there is a church, and inside there is a beautiful girl. She cries constantly and inconsolably, and until this flow of tears stops, the water in Balaton will not dry up. If you believe this legend and judge by the current state of the water surface, the poor concubine does not even think of stopping...
Features of Lake Balaton
Researchers, of course, did not find any church, much less a crying girl, at the bottom of the “Hungarian Sea.” But they were quite impressed by the velvety sand covering it. The water itself does not look so beautiful, since it contains a lot of plankton. But since this component plays a key role in the Balaton ecosystem, vacationers “forgive” nature for the lack of transparency in the water. But it is very clean, which is confirmed by regular inspections by sanitary and epidemiological services and independent experts. Hungarians, proud of their “sea” (the country has no access to the world’s oceans), claim that you can even drink from it.
The color of Balaton water is like a chameleon: mostly light green, but can change depending on the time of day or weather conditions. The climate is in many ways reminiscent of the Mediterranean. If there are cloudy days, they are very rare. It’s also good here in winter; there are no severe frosts and, accordingly, no icing. The thickness of the ice cover does not exceed 10-20 cm. Although it happened (but extremely rarely) that the ice crust reached 60-70 cm in thickness. The only trouble is the strong winds: they blow both in winter and in summer. They are potentially dangerous for fans of sailing (the yacht may capsize) and even small vessels.
The depth of the lake, as noted above, is small. However, its level is not the same for the entire coast. On the southern shore, even if you walk 200-300 meters from it, the water will still be knee-deep. It’s not for nothing that the Hungarians call Lake Balaton “the largest puddle in Europe” or even a “swamp”. On the opposite bank, everything is different: the depth of a man’s height and even a little more begins after 20-30 meters!
Coast and beaches
There are many resort towns along the perimeter of both shores of Lake Balaton. These are Balatonalmadi, Tihany, Balatonfüred, Keszthely (in the north) and Balatonlelle, Siofok, Fenjod, Blatonboglar (in the south). They are somewhat similar to one another, but at the same time they are different. They have one thing in common: it’s nice to come here on vacation and gain health and strength for the whole year.
The Balaton beaches also differ from each other. On the northern coast the bottom is rocky. The depth does not increase gradually, as in the south, but more steeply. Because of these features, its beaches are more suitable for experienced swimmers. They prefer not to travel to the northern coast with small children. Keszthely and Szigetfürdő are some of the nicest places here. Many excellent beach villages can be found near the villages of Tihany, Zanka and Balatonfüred.
The southern side, especially the coastal strip, is a real find for those who are not very good swimmers and vacationers with small children. The kids splash carefree in the water, the depth of which barely reaches 50 cm, and parents don’t have to worry too much about them (although, of course, you need to keep an eye on your children). The villages of Kenesh, Aliga and Akarattya are located here. Their beaches as one “look” to the south, so vacationers can bask in the gentle rays from morning until almost sunset.
When talking about local beaches, one cannot fail to mention their infrastructure. Some have water slides and animation. In others, vacationers are taught the basics of fitness and aquafitness. On Lido Beach, for example (this is on the northern coast), in addition to children's animation, there are water ski tracks. And Denesdias beach in the south can rightfully be called a children's beach: there is a playground where exciting programs for the youngest are organized during the season.
Many resorts, including some individual baths, are not located directly on the shores of Lake Balaton, but this does not make them any less popular. One of these resorts where you can not only relax, but also improve your health, is Heviz. Its main attraction is the lake of the same name, the largest thermal reservoir in Europe.
Not far from it is the health resort Zalakaros, famous for its Granite bath. The bathhouse in the city of Marzali is also well known to vacationers, where thousands of people improve their health every year.
Another center of resort life is the already mentioned Siófok, whose hallmark is the Galerius entertaining bath.
Without exception, all baths have large pools. Vacationers can enjoy water activities designed for both adults and children.
Recreation and entertainment
The entire southern coast, from Balatonberen to Balatonlelle, is one continuous beach. Siófok is rightfully considered the center of the region, its summer “capital”. A rich and varied entertainment program awaits representatives of all ages. The length of the beach is 17 km, and everywhere you can find opportunities for both sports and just active recreation. There is music everywhere and discos are open, so it is not surprising that Siófok has become a place of “pilgrimage” for young people.
In the city of Balatonfüzfö - this is already on the northern shore of Lake Balaton - there is a grandiose sports center. There is everything here for a connoisseur of active recreation to truly “unwind” his soul: a swimming pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, football fields. Those who like to practice shooting spend time at the local shooting range. Bobsledders will enjoy the year-round track. Add to this the presence of numerous yacht clubs, places for activities, horse riding and an excellent cycling route between the cities and in the surrounding area.
In Balatonfüred, one of the largest cities on the northern coast, there is a cardiological sanatorium known not only in Hungary, but also far beyond its borders. The resort is known for its “Greek Village” complex, where there are many shops (this is a paradise for shopping fans!), restaurants and nightclubs. Directly on the coast there are many hotels and guesthouses. There are some within the city limits. You can move around the resort by electric train.
Lake Balaton also attracts fishing enthusiasts. But fishing is not allowed everywhere, only in places such as Alshoors, Balatonfüzfö, Balatonakli, Tihany and Balatonalmadi. However, the most popular among fishermen are the Inner Lake on the Tihany Peninsula, lakes in the villages of Zalamerene and Galambok and Lake Shoshto in the vicinity of Little Balaton, in Balatonsabadi. One of the inhabitants of the local waters - pike perch - is called the “king” of Balaton fish. In local restaurants, dishes made from it are a permanent part of the menu. Fishing officially begins at the end of April. Only without special permission will your fishing be considered illegal: you can purchase a document in every fish store.
Continuing the topic of active recreation, it should be noted that there are tennis courts and mini-golf courses in every resort town. Riding schools are open in Tihany, Keszthely, Santad, Nagyvazsony and other localities in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. In addition to restaurants and clubs, on the Balaton coast there are many cozy taverns where guests are treated to spicy Hungarian fish soup, catfish and silver pike perch dishes, the best local wines are poured, and where soul-stirring gypsy music is heard.
Attractions
Let's begin our acquaintance with the sights from the Tihany Peninsula - the calling card of this body of water, unique in all respects. It is the largest on Balaton, and the village of the same name is located here. In the center of the peninsula, favored by tourists, there are two of its pearls: the External (Kulsho-to) and Internal (Belsho-to) lakes. Their shores, surrounded by cones of dormant geysers, are covered with reeds and reeds. These lakes are as shallow as Lake Balaton itself. The depth here is 2-3 meters, no more.
The most famous historical monument in Tihany is the Benedictine Abbey of St. Anyosha. This is the oldest monastery in Hungary, founded in 1055. The date is precisely established, since the Latin original of the document has been preserved. The latter is also valuable as the oldest monument of the Hungarian language, since it contains about a hundred Hungarian words. The abbey has preserved ancient carved altars, which are a real work of art.
The territory of Tihany has been declared a conservation area by the government. Well deserved: this piece of land is distinguished not only by its convenient location and geographical features, but also by the presence of historical monuments and rare representatives of flora and fauna. And is it any wonder that a whole army of tourists flocks here every year - about a million people every year. In addition to its lakes, the Tihany Peninsula is famous for its lavender fields, spherical hills formed by geyser springs. There are over a hundred such hills in total, the most beautiful of them, covered with golden lichen, is called the “Golden House”.
In the Middle Ages, the center of the Balaton region was Keszthely, which received the status of a “rural town” at the beginning of the 15th century. Three centuries later, it was acquired by the wealthy Festetics family. They built a magnificent palace here - the third largest in the country. At the same time, it is the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing in the republic. Count Gyorgy Festetics opened the first agricultural institute on the continent, Georgikon, in Keszthely. A pedestrian street leads from the palace, along which there is the Marzipan Museum with its own confectionery, the equally famous Puppet Museum, as well as restaurants and cafes. The city regularly hosts festivals and concerts.
Behind the mountain of St. Gyorgy hides the small ancient town of Tapolca. True, it is not located directly on the shores of Lake Balaton, but tourists love it. It is here that there is a place that is perceived as another world - the Tapolca Lake Cave. It was formed as a result of hot water washing out entire halls and winding corridors in limestone, which were then filled with the purest water from karst springs.
On the northern shore, right at the top of the mountain, there is the Kishfaludi observation deck. The panorama of Lake Balaton from here is simply stunning. At least once in a lifetime, this picture created by nature itself is worth seeing. Not forgetting, of course, to take your camera with you.
But on the southern coast there is the world famous village of Balatonendred. There lives an interesting tradition of lace weaving, dating back to the beginning of the last century and adopted in Germany. Tourists, especially women, get acquainted with the history of this craft and, of course, learn the basics of the craft with enthusiasm.
In the north of Lake Balaton, near Szigliget, there is a 242-meter high Fortress Mountain. Its top is crowned by the ruins of an old fortress (hence the name) and village houses covered with reeds. The dwellings are located around the ruins in a semicircle. This rural settlement has preserved the traditional village structure. The historical part of the village is surrounded by a wall.
The attractions of Balaton are not only natural areas, historical monuments, medicinal baths and fishing spots. Wine and gastronomic routes with their unique cellars and restaurants have been preserved since ancient times. After all, the “Hungarian Sea” itself and other lakes in this area are rich in fish, there is a lot of game in the forests, and a variety of fruits are grown in the gardens. As they say, God himself commanded to use all these gifts. Among the wine villages, we can highlight such as Balatonboglar, Szigliget, Badacsony and the same Keszthely. For example, Badacsony wines enjoy legendary fame. The most famous of them are “Keknelu” and “Balatoni Surkebarat”.
A few words about group excursions and their costs. A trip by boat to the Tihany Peninsula will cost about 10 euros (a visit to the abbey is included in the stay program). A trip to Keszthely with a tour of the Festetics Palace without going inside and an excursion to Badacsony with a delicious lunch and tasting of local wines cost the same - about 18 euros. Do you want to take a yacht ride around Lake Balaton? Please. Cost about 14 euros. A stay at the Shumeg fortress, where you can watch a “knightly tournament” and dine in medieval style to the accompaniment of gypsy music, will cost approximately 33 euros. Excursion to Tapolca (the program includes visiting cave lakes and boating) – 17 euros.
How to get there
You can get to Lake Balaton from Budapest, the capital of Hungary, via a modern 115-kilometer two-lane motorway. In the Siófok area it joins the road encircling the lake. You can travel around the famous “Hungarian Sea” in a day (including stops in your favorite places).
A railway is laid along the northern and southern coasts, connecting local resorts with Budapest. By train you can get to Siófok in 2 hours, Balatonfüred in 2.5 hours, Keszthely in 3 hours.
Balaton-Sermellek International Airport is located 11 km from Keszthely. The air harbor receives flights from many European cities: Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Stuttgart, Zurich. In summer, planes from Moscow, Frankfurt am Main, Düsseldorf and Hamburg land here.
Whatever the Hungarians call their beloved Balaton - the Magyar Sea or the European Sea - Balaton is a large lake. But in order to avoid disappointment, it is better not to imagine a holiday on Lake Balaton in Hungary before the trip as similar to beach tours to Turkey, Greece or Spain. We will tell you what Lake Balaton is and how to organize a vacation on Balaton.
The Hungarians call Lake Balaton a sea and it is completely justified: its length is almost 100 km, and it’s the same 100 km from Budapest to the first beach on Balaton.
Balaton has its advantages - cool weather, fresh water in the lake, green grassy beaches and the absence of all-inclusive hotels.
Balaton is located in the western part of Hungary. The water in it is ordinary, not thermal. Therefore, the swimming season at Balaton is short - from mid-June to early September. A little earlier and a little later the weather may be excellent, or it may rain and it will become cold to swim. In winter, in the area of the lake, the temperature is below zero, the water freezes, everything freezes, and the resort “falls asleep” until summer.
Balaton is sometimes confused with its neighbor, located 5 km away, where the thermal water remains warm in winter and the resort is open all year round. Although Heviz is tiny, hundreds of times smaller than Balaton.
How to get to Lake Balaton on your own
The nearest airport to Lake Balaton is Sarmellek (12 km from Keszthely). The airport operates from April 1 to October 31, it even has a page on its website in Russian, but there are no regular flights from Russia. Sometimes during the summer season charter flights are launched to Sármellek for tourist groups. From Budapest Airport to Lake Balaton it is about 120 km.
By car
The most convenient option is to travel by train from Delhi railway station (Deli palyaudvar metro station on the M2 red line). From early morning (4.30) until night there are about 20 trains to Siófok on the schedule. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, tickets can be purchased at the box office.
Buses to different cities on Lake Balaton depart from several bus stations in the capital. Nepliget main station is located at the metro station of the same name. There are at least 5 flights per day. The ticket price for train and bus is approximately the same, 15-20 euros, but some buses have wi-fi. Bus schedule .
Travel between resorts on Lake Balaton
- A comfortable way to see resorts and visit different beaches is to rent a car. During the day you can ride around the lake with stops at beaches and attractions.
- The railway connects the cities on the coast, and it is convenient and inexpensive to travel between them by train.
- The most romantic transport is ships and ferries, which are available from April 19 to October 5. Water transport runs between 20 settlements.
For example, for a trip to Lake Balaton from Budapest for one day, the following route is convenient:
- come to Siófok by train or bus;
- cross to Tihany by boat;
- from there take a bus to Balatonfured;
- in the evening go back to Budapest.
If you plan to move every day, it is profitable to buy a card Balaton Mix for trains and ships. A one-day pass with unlimited travel for an adult costs 3,300 forints. They are sold at stations and marinas.
There is plenty of space around the lake for cyclists - there are special paths everywhere. There are rental points in all cities, in hotels.
Balaton Resorts
People come to Balaton to breathe fresh air, swim, drink mineral water, sail, eat delicious food, have fun and taste Hungarian wines. Doctors do not recommend combining a holiday at Lake Balaton and treatment at Heviz.
Where to stay on the south coast
In the southern and western parts the lake is shallow. To swim, you have to walk 500 meters from the shore. There is a gentle entrance to the water, a sandy bottom, good for children to splash around. The main resorts in the south are Siofok, Santod, Balatonföldvar, Fonyod.
You can also stay in the villages between them - housing for every taste is available everywhere on Lake Balaton. The beaches stretch for kilometers. In cities they are paid and equipped like everywhere else in Europe.
In Siófok, most beaches have a green lawn, shaded by trees. This city is called the summer night capital of Hungary. Festivals, concerts, tours of the best bands follow each other, nightclubs and bars await guests.
Northern coast of Lake Balaton
The northern part of the lake is deeper than the southern one, but the bottom here is rocky. From the green lawn of the beach or embankment there are steps leading into the water. They have railings and are comfortable for adults, but are not suitable for small children to swim in.
Popular resort areas are Keszthely, Badacsony, Tihany, Balatonfured and Tapolca. Keszthely has thermal springs, the Tihany peninsula enchants with lavender fields and views of the ancient abbey.
Balatonfured
The town of Balatonfüred on the northern shore is the star among Balaton resorts. The ancient aristocratic resort with baths and waters is now more democratic than a century ago, but also leisurely. There is no nightlife here like in Siófok.
People come here to a famous medical center to treat the cardiovascular system and recover from heart surgery. The city is not hot in summer, pleasant in autumn and spring; walks along the ancient streets and pedestrian paths outside the city help you feel stronger.
Vacationers try to come to Balatonfüred at the end of August, when the Borhetek wine festival begins.
What to see on Lake Balaton
Avid yachtsmen come to the lake to watch regattas, German pensioners come to play squash and drink mineral water. Active tourists conquer cycling and walking routes around Lake Balaton. There is something for people of all ages to do.
The attractions of Lake Balaton are located near the resorts. You can get there on your own or take excursions to the underground lake in Tapolca, the Festetics Palace in Keszthely. Tourists are invited to winery tastings.
Families with children will find it interesting summer bobsleigh park in Balatonfüzfö, there are several obstacle courses and exciting bobsleigh tracks. Park website.
Between Tihany and Fured is Annagora water park, which is open from June to August. More information about prices and work schedule at