Top 10 List of “Must See” Attractions at the lake Balaton by Balaton Hotels Org
However this list is subjective everyone shall agree: those things just must be seen when you are on holiday at lake Balaton!
#10. Shipping on the lake Balaton
Public transport ships are available almost in every bigger harbour, they are not expensive. The cruise takes generally 1,5 hours. (for example: Füred to Siófok, Tihany to Alsóors, Badacsony to Balatonboglár). Sail cruises are available as well, it is fun when you have company for party!
Here is a link to the timetables and etc…
#9. Tagore Walk at Balatonfüred
After shipping, take a relaxing walk on the favourite place of the famous hindoo poet Rabindranah Tagore. Meanwhile walking take some wine, beer, ice-cream or a special scone called lángos and sit down, enjoy it under the shady leaves. The sunset is always beautiful from there. By the way, the just reconstructed historic city of Balatonfüred is 1 minute away from the Tagore Alley, worth to see. (1-2-3 hours)
#8. Festetics Palace, Keszthely
There aren’t too many old castles, halls, palaces and mansions left in Hungary mainly due to the world wars in the last century (and there are other reasons of course). But at Keszthely you can find a tiny palace, it takes 1 or 2 hours to look around, nice family program.
Here is the official page of the Festetics Hall (in hungarian)
Here is a nice PANORAMA VIEW of the Festetics Hall
#7. Thermal lake, Hévíz
When you’re down on the south-west, or you have visited Keszthely don’t miss the thermal lake and bath of Hévíz. Take some life-belt thing or beach mattress with you, here you will get rest! Well Hévíz Lake is not connected to lake Balaton directly, but it gives a unique feeling so it just must be seen; nevermind the weather, it’s always open and warm! (Some parts of the thermal lake Hévíz are roofed) Plan at least 3-4 hours to stay.
#6. Bicycle tour around the lake Balaton
This is fun and also a great challange! Take your bike, map, credit card (mobile, tooth-brush, etc.) and go! Personally I found it’s easier to bike when you go counter clockwise (around the lake). Accomodation, hotels and meal can be found everywhere aroun the lake Balaton. Don’t forget to taste wines of different areas (like Csopaki Olaszrizling, Tihanyi Merlot, Badacsonyi Szürkebarát or Boglári Kékfrankos..)! Normally the tour needs 3-5 days.
Here is a map with bike routes around Lake Balaton (shown with green lines)
#5. Ship cruise by night
Mainly suggested to go only when the weather is clear, the full-moon is on /or similar/ and there shall be no wind. Take sailboat if you can. From the middle of the lake, when you sliding silently, you are going to see all the city lights around Balaton. It is just untouchable, completely different from cruising at daytime. Very romantic so better take your love with you!
#4. Badacsony and it’s Mountain
Badacsony is one of the determinative wine regions of the lake Balaton area. From the lovely harbour with its typical Balaton feeling walk up to the old volcano where the wine “grows”. Don’t drink and eat too much upwards it is just not healthy. Downwards who cares. Usually 2-3 hours is enough to look around
#3. Tihany
Here you will find really nice view of the northern part of the lake, a tiny abbey and village full of nice old houses and souvenirs. Worth to take a walk around it is not more than 2 hours. After sweating on the sun go down and find refreshing beaches on the lakeside.
#2. Siófok “party district”
However Siófok is also a typical Balaton town, young people should not miss it, because of its nightlife. Party, music, freedom. Most of the facilities like hotels, apartments, discos, bars, cafes are in the close area of the city harbour (as usual around the lake). By daytime the guys are down on the sandy beaches you should go there too!
#1. Kagyló Restaurant, Balatonfüred
This is something what sould not be missed. Travel back in time and experience the typical native ’70-’80 Balaton feeling. First order “nagyfröccs” from rizling (it is a refreshing mixture of soda and wine) and gypsy steak, these are my favourites too. Then relax and enjoy the summer, chat, watch people passing by. If you think this is not funny then order one more nagyfröccs. And again…
