Lake Balaton
★ 4.6🇭🇺 Lake BalatonSuggested visit 2-3 daysBest season May to September, good for swimming and cycling
LakeResortCycling
The largest lake in Central Europe, its volcanic north shore and shallow southern beaches the Hungarian summer.
Overview
Covering about 592 square kilometres, Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. The southern shore is shallow and gently shelving, good for families, while the north is volcanic hill country producing wine around the abbey at Tihany. Towns such as Keszthely have palaces and a thermal lake, and the peninsula and wetlands at the western end suit cycling and birdwatching, with much of a lakeside cycle path now complete.
History
It became a resort for Hungarian nobles and townspeople in the 19th century and a mass holiday destination in the 20th, and remains the country's main summer getaway.
Highlights
- •Tihany abbey and the lake view
- •The shallow southern beaches
- •Keszthely palace and the thermal lake
- •The lakeside cycle route
Practical tips
- •Prices rise sharply in season — book early
- •The south shore is shallow but deepens further out; watch children
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- The shore is free; some beaches charge entry
- Opening hours
- Shore open all day
- Local food
- Gulyás, halászlé fish soup, Tokaji wine
- Getting around
- About 1.5 to 2.5 hours by train from Budapest to the lakeside stations.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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