Lake benetton hungary. The most interesting places on Lake Balaton

Hungary (Balaton in particular) is still undeveloped territory for Russian tourists. Mostly Germans vacation there. Russian speech can be heard in Budapest, but in such a province as the surroundings of Lake Balaton, you will meet our compatriots only occasionally. But in vain. German tourists, who know a lot about inexpensive and high-quality recreation, have chosen this largest lake in Europe since the end of the nineteenth century. The area of ​​the reservoir is 596 square kilometers. But it is not its size that attracts domestic and foreign tourists. It has a unique climate, special water, excellent beaches and many healing springs. In this article we have collected reviews about Lake Balaton: its attractions and resorts, entertainment and prices for hotels, food and other services.

Where is Lake Balaton located?

The lake is located approximately one hundred and twenty kilometers from Budapest. And if you choose a European country like Hungary for your holiday, Balaton will delight you with its warm waters within two and a half hours of the train journey. The lake is connected to the capital by a modern two-lane highway. Reviews mention that some sections of this excellent U71/M7 highway are toll roads. With your own or a rented car you can reach Lake Balaton in an hour and a half. The lake stretches over eighty kilometers. Its shores are completely dotted with resorts of various specializations. In the north you will be greeted by the charming towns of Tapolca, Balatonfüred, Tihany, Badacsony and Keszthely. On the southern coast are the resorts of Fonyod, Balatonföldvár, Santod and Siófok. Reviews note that if you travel by car, you can drive around the reservoir during daylight hours, and even swim in the places you like.

When is Hungary (Balaton) most attractive for a holiday?

The country itself lies in the temperate climate zone. Winters in some regions (for example, in Pushta) are quite severe. However, Balaton is an exception. It has a unique microclimate, close to the Mediterranean. In January, the thermometer rarely drops below +6 degrees. And summers here are hot and dry. This is explained by the location of Balaton (the reservoir lies south of the Carpathian Mountains): the ridges reliably shelter it from the cold northern winds. Water pleases tourists even more than the climate. It contains a high percentage of iodine, so it creates an almost complete illusion of a sea holiday. Since the bottom of Lake Balaton is completely covered with sand, the water warms up quickly. Already at the beginning of June its temperature reaches +22 degrees, and in the July heat it stays at +27... +28 degrees. In windy weather, the water becomes much warmer than the air. Among other things, it is slightly alkaline, which has a good effect on the condition of the skin. You can swim in the lake from spring to early November, but the peak season is in the summer months.

Balaton beaches

Reviews indicate that the northern and southern shores of the reservoir are noticeably different. The first one is more rocky. It goes steeply downwards with ledges. The entry into the water here is relatively abrupt. The depth exceeds the average height of a person already thirty meters from the shore. But there is no need to be upset and refuse an amazing trip because of this: the European country of Hungary gives its guests a completely safe beach holiday. Balaton is equipped with rescue towers along the perimeter. Although if you are not confident in your own abilities or come with small children, you should, of course, prefer the southern shore of the lake. It is shallow, strewn with silky sand. It may not appeal to those who don’t like to wade a hundred meters into knee-deep water to a more or less acceptable depth, but small children can splash around without any fear. The beaches on Balaton are mostly paid. Some reviews say one euro per day, others say two or even three. There are also wild beaches, which are a narrow strip of coastline in close proximity to the road. And if you come to the equipped recreation areas after six in the evening, you can swim and sunbathe absolutely free.

Which resort to choose

Each place has its own charm. As for the northern coast, Keszthelye and Szigetfürdő are highly praised by reviews. Villages such as Tihany, Zanka and Balatonfured have beautiful beaches. If you have set yourself the goal of getting a bronze tan on Lake Balaton (Hungary), reviews recommend choosing the east coast. Villages such as Aliga, Akarattya and Keneshe face south, and the sun shines here from early morning until sunset. Holidays in Keszthely and Siofok reminded Russian tourists of Sochi: here are the same noisy, cheerful cities with a lot of entertainment. But there are also disadvantages in such places: crowds of people on the beaches, all kinds of discos thunder in the evenings. The Russians have already begun to develop Siófok. Tihany fully lives up to its name. This resort will be appreciated by lovers of a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature. Many historical attractions are located in Fonyod and Keszthely. Balatonfured enjoys the reputation of a respectable and, accordingly, expensive resort. For treatment on the waters, tourists go to Tapolca (where cave therapy is practiced), Balatonfured, and Lake Heviz.

Where to stay

Under socialism, when everything seemed to be the property of the people, holidays on Lake Balaton in Hungary were available only to the party elite and their offspring, the “golden youth”. Now demand has created supply. The range of prices for rental housing at Lake Balaton is enormous. There are luxury hotels where a room costs more than a hundred euros per night, and modest hostels. The private sector also provides options. You can rent a room for 10-15 euros per day. Apartments will cost more. Reviews say 30-40 euros, depending on the resort and the technical equipment of the rooms. If you have a Schengen visa, tourists advise, you can come to the lake and choose a resort and accommodation to suit your taste.

Hungary, Lake Balaton: holidays, prices

Judging by the reviews of Russian tourists in 2013-2014, the cost of accommodation, food and entertainment on the lake pleased them. Prices in Hungary have not increased much this year. Dinner for two with a bottle of wine still costs twenty euros. And relaxing in a restaurant listening to gypsy music costs a maximum of fifty. Tourists advise purchasing a Balatoncard if you come for a long vacation to Lake Balaton. Hungary, where prices are already low compared to Western Europe, offers discounts to tourists visiting for a week or more. Such discount cards will allow you to save on hotel accommodation, meals in some restaurants, as well as in entertainment and medical institutions located on the lake. As for excursions, a yacht ride will cost 14 euros, a boat trip along the cave river in Tapolca - 17, a visit to the abbey on the Tihany Peninsula - ten.

Treatment at Lake Balaton

Not only beach and sightseeing holidays, but also wellness holidays are possible here. Hungary (Balaton, thermal lake Heviz, underground lakes Tapolca) is famous for its mineral springs and thermal pools. The region lies on the site of an extinct volcano. The once violent tectonic activity of the earth left its mark in the form of geysers and hot springs. That is why the ancient Romans (great lovers of thermal baths) chose Lake Balaton. According to legend, they built the first baths and hospitals on its banks. Now Balaton is one of the main sanatorium centers in the country. The local resorts have their own specialization. For example, diseases of the cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system are treated in Balatonfüred. And Tapolca specializes in the rehabilitation of people suffering from asthma, respiratory allergies, and pulmonary emphysema. Reviews from experienced travelers also recommend visiting the Tihany geysers.

Lake Balaton has long attracted attention. It is so large that tourists and locals call it the sea. The area around Lake Balaton is a good place to relax. There is a well-thought-out infrastructure and well-maintained beaches. The publication will tell you what travelers themselves think about this place.

general information

Balaton is a lake in Hungary, which is located in the western part of the country. The reservoir stretches for almost a hundred kilometers, so it is considered the largest in Europe. It is not for nothing that it is also called the Hungarian Sea. The average distance to the bottom of the lake is 3 meters. In the deepest place this value does not exceed 13 meters. The water in Balaton is silky and has a yellowish-green tint. Surprisingly, in the evening it is warmer than the air. In summer, the lake warms up to 20-26 degrees. Warm waters have a good effect on the nervous system, providing a relaxing effect. There are many attractions, vineyards and entertainment options around the lake.

Balaton comes from the Slavic word blato and is translated as swamp. The reservoir was so named because of its shallow depth and greenish tint of water, which is obtained due to the large accumulation of plankton.

Local residents tell tourists that Lake Balaton hides many treasures. According to one legend, a girl is crying at the bottom of a pond in a church. Until her tears end, there will be warm water, geysers and healing springs in Balaton.

Lake location

Geographically, Balaton is located in the Middle Danube Valley, about a hundred kilometers from Budapest. The area of ​​the lake is almost six hundred square kilometers. The entire perimeter of the reservoir is surrounded by resort villages. In the north of Lake Balaton there is a Hungarian national park. A protected nature reserve runs along the southwestern coast. It is a wetland area that has become a haven for a variety of birds.

How to get to Lake Balaton

The nearest airport is 135 kilometers from Budapest. As reviews of Lake Balaton show, tickets are much cheaper during the high season. But you can save a lot if you travel to Hungary by car or on a bus tour. The transport infrastructure in the vicinity of Lake Balaton is well developed. From Budapest the lake can be reached via a modern motorway. In the south and north of Lake Balaton there is a railway that connects the resort with the capital. Also, passenger ships constantly sail along the lake itself, stopping at every pier.

Difference in time

When planning your vacation in Lake Balaton, keep in mind that local time will differ from Moscow. In summer, a new day begins one hour earlier. In winter, the difference is minus two hours.

When is the best time to go?

Most tourists love to travel to Central Europe in the summer and late spring, as reviews of Hungary show. Lake Balaton will be most interesting in terms of recreation in August. If it is not possible to go on vacation this month, then you can go in June or July.

For an active pastime on the water, vacationers recommend visiting the northern shore of Lake Balaton. It has long been a popular area. As practice shows, tourists most often stay in three-star hotels that serve breakfast.

Water in Lake Balaton

It is worth noting that the water in the lake is warm, clean, but not transparent due to the plankton living there. But it doesn’t scare off vacationers at all. Every year more and more tourists gather here.

Overall the lake is very shallow. You will have to move about three hundred meters away from the shore to swim a little. Such places are great for families with children. These are the southern shores with pleasant velvet sand.

Those who like to dive and swim in the depths should go to the north of Lake Balaton. There you can dive well under water already twenty meters from the shore. The bottom is rocky and quickly gains depth. These are Balatonfured, Keszthely and other resorts. For a feeling of extreme sports, you can go to the Tihany depression. Its depth reaches almost 13 meters.

The sunniest place is the eastern part of Lake Balaton. Those who like to sunbathe on the beach prefer to spend their holidays here.

It is worth noting that Balaton’s composition is practically no different from sea water. Therefore, the lake is beneficial for the skin and the body as a whole.

Entertainment

All conditions have been created for a comfortable stay in Lake Balaton. Vacationers have plenty to choose from here. Almost every resort village has sanatoriums, tennis courts, golf courses, volleyball courts and riding schools. Taverns with gypsy music and Hungarian cuisine add a special flavor. Activities in the surrounding area include coastal walks, boating, sailing and fishing. The lake is home to both common carp and silver pike perch. However, for fishing you need to get a special permit. There are also constant festivals in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. The photo above shows one of them.

Resort areas

Today Balaton is a popular tourist destination in Hungary.

You can stay in several resort areas:

• Siófok. It is the largest coastal town of Lake Balaton. This is the center of nightlife and a concentration of well-maintained beaches. The beautiful Shio River also flows here.

• Balatonfured. Very popular on the north coast. People usually come here to visit the famous Rabindranath Tagore Alley and healing springs.

• Tihany. Located next to Balatonfured. Here, relaxation on Lake Balaton is associated with viewing architectural sights.

• Santod. In this village you can entertain yourself with horse riding and riding parades, which are organized periodically. From here you can quickly get to the Tihany Peninsula by ferry.

• Keszthely. Excellent old resort town. It attracts tourists with its convenient beaches, authentic streets and the Festetics Palace, which is made in the Baroque style and is located in a picturesque park.

• Badacsony and Szigliget. The main highlight of these northern coastal villages are their cozy restaurants. They serve exquisite and delicious Hungarian wines, for which many tourists come. When visiting the villages, you should definitely look at the ruins of the ancient Castle Hill fortress.

Cost of holidays in the vicinity of Lake Balaton

As a rule, hotel accommodation is very cheap in Hungary. Holidays on Lake Balaton are also quite affordable. At the same time, local hotels offer their guests high-quality meals twice a day.

For clarity, you can consider the price of a week's vacation in Lake Balaton (when staying in a 3-4-star hotel).

• Balatonfured - 298-812 euros (21-57 thousand rubles).
• Siofok - 316-943 euros (22-66 thousand rubles).
• Tihany - 342-565 euros (24-39 thousand rubles).
• Balatonmaldi - 436-582 euros (30-41 thousand rubles).

Tourists who have already visited the lake say that some more expenses need to be added to these amounts. This is a Hungarian visa (80 euros/5600 rubles), a plane ticket (250 euros/17500 rubles) and medical insurance (1 euro/70 rubles for one day). If you plan to include an excursion program in your vacation, then budget about 50 euros/3500 rubles for it.

Travelers note that on average, a week's vacation on Lake Balaton costs a thousand euros/70,000 rubles. Of course, if you wish, you can purchase a ticket to a local sanatorium for a ridiculous price.

What to bring home?

It is also recommended to take some money with you for souvenirs, handicrafts, Hungarian delicacies and national alcoholic drinks. Travelers are happy to bring them home from Lake Balaton. You should pay attention to souvenirs with images of a lake, painted porcelain and a Rubik's cube, which were invented in Hungary. Girls are happy to buy clothes from local designers. Good gastronomic gifts would include marzipan sweets, Hungarian salami, Tokaji wine, herbal balm and fruit vodka.

To summarize, it must be said that Balaton perfectly combines beach, therapeutic and youth recreation. Both active tourists and relaxed couples with children can have a great time here. Despite the fact that food and accommodation in Hungary are inexpensive.

Balaton is a famous lake in Hungary, the largest freshwater body of water in Central Europe. The inhabitants of the country themselves call it the “Hungarian Sea” for its grandiose size, unusual landscape, unique, iodine-rich, clean water and special microclimate. Balaton is the most important resort center in Hungary. People come here for beach and active recreation, as well as for treatment and wellness: there are many thermal and mineral healing springs around the lake.

Business card

Lake Balaton is located in western Hungary, 90 km from Budapest, on the Middle Danube Plain. Its area is almost 600 sq. km, its width reaches 12 km, and its length is 78 km. The bottom of the reservoir is covered with fine sand.
A unique feature of the lake is its shallow depth - about 3 m. Only in one place - in the Tihany depression near the Tihany Peninsula - the distance to the bottom is 12.4 m.
Many beach and health resorts have been built on the shores of Lake Balaton. They are usually divided according to their belonging to the northern and southern coasts. On the southern coast are Santod, Siófok, Fonyod, Tapolca, Balatonlelle, Balatonbolgar and Balatonföldvár. In the north - Szigliget, Balatonfüred, Revfülep, Badacsonytomaj, Tihany, Keszthely and Balatonkenes.
The area around Balaton has the protected status of a National Park and contains many natural beauties.

History and modernity

Millions of years ago, on the site of Lake Balaton there was a sea. As a result of volcanic activity, the local landscape has changed greatly and the sea has risen. These places were inhabited back in the Iron Age; in later times, Romans, Slavs, and Germans lived here. In the 18th century The local nobility began to build their mansions around the lake, and hydropathic clinics arose at the same time. And at the end of the 19th century. Lake Balaton was already a popular resort area.

What to see, where to visit

The coast and surroundings of Lake Balaton are rich in cultural, architectural and natural attractions. The shores of the lake are decorated with colorful towns and villages with a rich history. The oldest of them is Keszthely. Here you can see the beautiful Baroque Festetics Palace - the former residence of a wealthy Hungarian family.
On the northern shore of Balaton there is a protected peninsula Tihany, towering over the strait like a watchtower. The 900-year-old Two-Tower Church and Benedictine monastery have been preserved here. Opposite the peninsula in the village of Santod there is a baroque manor from the 18th century. with a giant wine cellar, and in the village of Siglitet there are the ruins of a 13th-century fortress.
No less interesting is the oldest resort of Lake Balaton - Balatonfured. Almost every house of his is protected by the state as an architectural monument.
Among the natural attractions of Balaton, the most famous are the picturesque lakes Kumsheto and Belsheto (internal and external lake) on the Tihany Peninsula. They were once tributaries of a large lake, but are now completely independent of it.
Another asset of Balaton is a unique cave with underground lakes of the purest karst water near the town of Tapolca. This is not only a geological rarity: the special microclimate of the cave helps in treating the respiratory system.
Near the lake there is a second remarkable cave - the 100-meter Locii - the largest in the vicinity of Lake Balaton.
Not far from the coast lies the Kalsky Basin - saline lakes surrounded on three sides by extinct volcanoes and pastoral villages. On the edge of the most beautiful of them - Szentbekkalaysky - there are numerous stone “babas” - volcanic formations of unusual shape. Other lava masterpieces, extinct volcanoes and dried-out geysers are preserved in the Balaton Uplands National Park and Mount Szent-György. There are bizarre lava tubes here that look like an organ and are about a meter in diameter.
A lot of tourists are attracted by one of the main natural treasures of the Hungarian Balaton - Lake Heviz - the largest thermal reservoir in Europe, filled from an underground mineral spring. Its area exceeds 4.5 hectares and its depth reaches 40 m. The water of Heviz has weak radioactivity and, together with local mud, is used in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Beaches

The swimming season on Lake Balaton in Hungary lasts from spring to late autumn. The beaches on different shores of the lake differ significantly from each other. In the northern part, the coast is rocky, and the bottom goes down quite steeply: after 20-30 m from the shore, the depth can already exceed the height of an adult, so it is better to swim here if you are a good swimmer.
The southern coast is suitable for families with children. The water here is shallow - near the beaches the depth does not exceed half a meter and increases gradually: almost everywhere you can walk along the bottom for 200-300 m and not swim. In addition, this area has sandy beaches.
Sunbathers are attracted to the eastern resorts of the lake near the villages of Akarattya, Kenesh, Aliga. Here the coast is illuminated by the sun from early morning until almost evening.
The West Bank is traditionally chosen for recreation by middle-income people who spend a long time at Lake Balaton.

Springs and healing

The Balaton coast is the most important health resort in Hungary. Thousands of people come here to improve their health with the help of local mineral and thermal springs rich in hydrogen sulfide. The most famous of them, the Heviz Geyser, is located at the foot of the Keszthely Mountains. Its temperature is 38 °C. Bathing in its water helps with many diseases.
Many hydropathic baths have been built near Lake Heviz. The village of Siglitet, as well as the balneological resort of the northern coast - Revfulep, are also famous for their healing water. Here, from under the ground, there are many carbon dioxide springs that have a general strengthening effect.
Springs with similar water composition are located in Balatonfüred. A large and reputable cardiology center has been opened here.
Among other famous balneological resorts, it is worth highlighting Balatonföldvar and the Kali Valley, which is famous for its carbon dioxide geyser Kekkuti, which means “blue spring”.
The Zalakaros medical complex is popular among families with children. It features swimming pools with healing water and water attractions.

Medical specialization

Balaton resorts specialize in the treatment of various diseases:

• rheumatism,
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system,
• respiratory diseases, nervous, muscle pathologies,
• gynecology,
• diseases of the blood, cardiovascular system,
• skin diseases,
• diseases of the digestive system,
• metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus).

Contraindications:

• active stage of tuberculosis,
• increased thyroid function,
• malignant tumors,
• thrombosis,
• bronchial asthma,
• pregnancy.

Entertainment and active recreation

Without exaggeration, the Hungarian Lake Balaton can be called a paradise for lovers of active recreation. There are excellent opportunities for yachting, sailing, fishing, water skiing and even surfing. Tennis courts have been built on the coast, and horse tourism is widespread.
Fans of cycling try to conquer the “Bicycle Ring” - a circular route around the lake, and fans of walking - numerous forest routes on the northern shore. You can also hunt in the vicinity of Lake Balaton, although you must first obtain permission.
Balaton offers no less opportunities for educational and cultural recreation. Every year the Golden Shell folklore festival and the Valley of Arts festival are held here, within the framework of which film screenings, exhibitions, literary readings, and music concerts are held. Hotels and tourist centers organize various recreational activities and excursions both in coastal cities and in more remote regions.
Young people vacationing at Balaton should visit Siófok - the “summer” or “night” capital of this lake region. Every season there are many discos and concert venues.

He has not lived the full life of a tourist and traveler who has not visited the wonderful Lake Balaton and plunged into its opal, yellowish-green waters. Not only residents of Hungary, but also people from all over the world come here to improve their health and gain new experiences. Getting to it from the capital of Hungary, Budapest, is not at all difficult, since the distance is only 100 kilometers.

Geographical information

The largest freshwater body of water in Europe covers an area of ​​about 600 square meters. km. It stretches from southwest to northeast for 79 km. Its width ranges from 1.2 to 12.4 km. The average depth is 3.5 m, and the maximum (near the Tihany Peninsula) is 12.5 m. In the warm season, the water warms up to 22-27 °C. The southern side is shallow, and the northern side has steep banks and an equally steep and rocky bottom.

Today, the coast of this impressively sized body of water is a developed tourist region that offers guests excellent European-level service and a wide selection of entertainment. All conditions for a comfortable stay have been created here for both young people and couples with children.

Although the huge lake was known to the ancient Romans, who called it Pelso, which meant “small”, nevertheless, its serious scientific research was carried out only in the 20th century (AD, of course). It was found that millions of years ago a sea stretched here, which became smaller as a result of strong tectonic shifts; it was called Pannosky.

There are not many mind-boggling, fascinating, mysterious stories similar to the legend of the Loch Ness monster about Lake Balaton, but it is still considered one of the most interesting places in Hungary - a “floating island” among thermal waters.

Lake shore and surroundings

This is a popular resort with the largest beach on the north coast. There is an ancient Roman Catholic church here, and next to it is the famous chapel of the Holy Right Hand. The chapel is built on the holy relics of King Stephen, revered in Hungary as a national relic. Nearby is a well-preserved 13th-century reform church.

This is a small village with a local landmark called the Turkish House, which is an old courtyard whose chimney resembles a head in a turban. There are quarries here, where red stone for construction was mined in the past.

This ancient town, like no other, fits the definition of “first”. Judge for yourself. This is the first hydropathic clinic in the country. It was from here that the first steamship once set off to ply the waters, and here the yachtsmen created their first club.

But the past, rich in history, is not the most important thing. Novelist Mora Yokai Museum, housed in his eclectic style villa, the magnificent statues of great writers lining Tagore Walk and many other attractions literally attract the curious.

Wonderful, colorful holidays are held here. On the last Saturday of July for 170 years it has been held Anna's ball, where the prom queen is chosen.

In May, on the site in front of the magnificent rose garden, a celebration of the opening of the season and raising the sails.

Tihany

This is a peninsula that cuts into Lake Balaton for several kilometers, dividing it into two unequal parts. Once upon a time, Tihany was an island connected to the mainland by a small drawbridge, and its deep history dates back 2.5 million years.

Now Tihany is one of the most beautiful places on the northern coast. Here you can see unique plant species that are not found anywhere else in Hungary.

In the very center of the peninsula lies Lake Belsoto located in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Its depth is approximately 2 meters, and it itself is located at a level 25 m higher than the level of Lake Balaton. There are apparently no fish in it, so it’s rare that a fisherman leaves here without a catch.

One of the historical treasures of the peninsula is a monastery of impressive architecture preserved from time immemorial.

As the story goes, it was founded in the 11th century by order of King Andras, who wanted to build his own tomb here.

And on the Tihany Peninsula there is an open-air museum built in the shape of a small fishing village.

This is the name of a mountain, similar in outline to a coffin, which was once a real volcano. Today its height is less than 500 m, but the gentle slopes are covered with column-shaped fossilized lava flows, rare in nature.

There are spread out here vineyards, and the good wine “Grey Monk”, produced by the monks of the Order of St. Paul, is famous throughout Europe.

The presses were built more than 200 years ago, one of them is Rose Szegedi's house– a beautiful building that now houses the Museum of Literature.

But perhaps the most welcoming building in the area is the tavern, located in a former wine cellar.

In the village of Badacsonytomaj lived the artist József Egri, a painter who painted the lake all his life; now a museum of his work has been created in this house.

A unique place located nearby - chain of underground salt caves near the town of Tapolca.

They lie at a depth of 20 meters and are famous for their healing air; this is one of the speleological clinics, of which there are only five in Hungary. This air is especially useful for people suffering from asthma. After you sail in a boat through the karst waters of the underground Lake Tavash, you will have the most extraordinary impressions for many years!

What do you think could be so interesting here? – You’ll never guess! - It’s here!

It was created by the traveler Endre Nagy. Zebras, camels and buffalo roam the safari park among the real huts of the savage Maasai tribe, and the museum's rich collection represents African ethnographic exhibits and hunting trophies, most of which belong to Nagy.

Another attractive place is the huge Csodabodyos stalactite cave, for which you must register in advance for a tour.

There are two types of excursions in the cave: regular - for 1.5 hours (400 m) and extreme - for 4 hours (900 m).

This is the oldest settlement, which was a major trading center in the Roman period. Among the many preserved historical attractions, it is worth noting. This real Baroque palace consists of 101 rooms, including library, numbering 86 thousand rare volumes.

The Helikon Palace Museum in its 16 halls presents a magnificent exhibition reflecting ancient life and entertainment, among which hunting was special.

And, of course, you can find out more about Lake Balaton in the museum, which is called -.

Thermal Lake Heviz- another one of the natural attractions of this area.

It was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and is recognized as the largest thermal reservoir in Europe. In some places the depth can reach 40 meters, and the water temperature is +40 °C. The bottom of the lake is covered with healing mud, and the water also has healing properties. From a deep cave located under water, springs gush out: two thermal springs, the water temperature of which is +42 °C and +38 °C, and one cold - mineral. As a result of their mixing, the same “living” water is obtained, for which tens of thousands of tourists come here. In addition to health treatments, people receive real aesthetic pleasure: the thermal pond impresses with magnificent red water lilies growing on the surface of the water.

This is the second most important thermal spring on the coast. Its temperature reaches +80 °C. There is a huge health and tourism complex on the territory of which there are many swimming pools with thermal and mineral water.

The resort of Zalakaros offers tourists a wide range of entertainment. For example, here you can go on water rides, go surfing or take a romantic trip on a yacht.

It is the largest city and port on the south coast. The great composer who created Csardas, Imre Kalman, was born here. His museum contains personal belongings, sheet music, and a grand piano, the keys of which preserve the memory of fiery melodies.

Presents about 3,000 exhibits of mineral resources of the Carpathian Basin.

Evangelical Church made of Finnish wood, which was built by Imre Makovec, surprises with its unusual style.

Here, above picturesque parks with magnificent statues, it rises 45 meters water tower, which has become a symbol of the city. There is a lot to admire in Siófok.

Other attractions of the lake that are of interest to tourists are located in the north Szigliget fortress and standing a little further from Tapolca is a real bastion Sumeg.

The Hungarians have long had a meaningful saying: “Before the walls of Sümeg fall, it is too early to pray to Mecca.” In Sümeg, real knightly tournaments are often held, which end with a candlelit dinner in one of the fortress halls.

Tourists often visit Herend plant where porcelain is made.

Hereditary craftsmen will show you the art of work and even help you make a porcelain rosette yourself. Be sure to take it with you as a souvenir of this amazing place - Lake Balaton!

Video

Video report on the trip around the lake from IAEST students:

Fun music video from locals:

Lake Balaton and the resorts located on its shores are considered one of the most popular and sought after among tourists from around the world (mainly European). People come here not only for the beautiful nature and beach holidays, but also for various entertainment and wellness.

When choosing a vacation spot, take into account the fact that the lake coast is divided into northern and southern. The southern side is perfect for a beach holiday; the entrance to the water here is gentle, and the depth near the shore is shallow. These places are perfect for a family holiday, especially with children. The shallow depth also means that the water here is several degrees higher.

Among the most popular resorts located on the lake, it is worth highlighting the largest resort town of Siófok, located on the southern coast in a very beautiful place, next to the place where there is a canal connecting the lake with the Danube. The place is very lively and popular, this is also evidenced by the fact that Siófok is called the capital of nightlife in Hungary. If you want to combine relaxation with night parties, then you can safely choose this resort. In the vicinity of Siófok there are many good sandy beaches and several sanatoriums that offer a wide range of medical and health treatments.

If we talk about the northern coast, Balatonfured is rightfully considered the most popular resort there. The resort gained popularity thanks to the mineral water springs located here, which were discovered during the Roman era. There is a drinking pump room right in the city center, from which anyone can try the water. Balatonfüred is a great place for hiking and cycling. Once in this city, vacationers take great pleasure in strolling along the Rabindranath Tagore Alley, where there are numerous sculptures of famous people who have ever vacationed in this beautiful place.

At the western tip of the island there is a small resort town of Keszthely, which boasts not only convenient beaches, but ancient, authentic streets. The atmosphere here is simply incredible, and if you prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday amidst stunning nature, you need to pay attention to this resort first.

In the central part of the northern coast, you can relax at the Revfulep resort. This is one of the most popular balneological resorts on Balaton with a large number of mineral springs that come to the surface directly from the ground. The resort is surrounded by mountains and the weather conditions here are such that tourists come here all year round.

Another resort, which is primarily famous for its mineral springs, is called Revfülep. The water here has not only healing properties, but also a pleasant taste, what can we say if many restaurants include it as a special item on the menu. The resort is beautiful and quite contrasting, here modern buildings are intertwined with ancient houses. The top of this resort offers stunning panoramic views. In summer, the local beaches are always full of vacationers, but at other times the resort does not experience a shortage of vacationers.

When you consider options with different resorts on Lake Balaton, be sure to pay attention to the unique health resort like Tapolca. The uniqueness of this resort lies in the fact that the treatment uses not only mineral waters, but also cave therapy. The cave itself is located in the central part of the city and its climate has a beneficial effect on the human body, helping to cope with various diseases (especially the respiratory system).

Whatever resort you choose for relaxation and recreation, you can be sure that the infrastructure there will be developed at the proper level, the beaches are well-groomed, clean, equipped with changing rooms, toilets, showers, in some places there are special stairs for going into the water, many cafes, shops. To be fair, it should be noted that paid beaches look much preferable to free ones.