An ocean of impressions from Lake Balaton
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A trip to Hungary would be incomplete without visiting Balaton and its surroundings. The country’s leading natural attraction is the largest lake in Central Europe. It covers an area of over 600 square kilometers and is 78 kilometers long. Despite its enormous size, Balaton cannot be called a deep-water lake. Its maximum depth is only 12.2 meters, and the average depth is barely more than 3 meters. These figures do not prevent Balaton from remaining a favorite tourist attraction for many years. Its 235-kilometer coastline is home to many small towns, each of which is also worth the attention of travelers.
Travel planning
Lake Balaton is a unique lake that everyone who travels around Europe should visit. However, before doing this, you need to plan your trip carefully. Only then will visiting Hungary and its main natural attraction be as exciting as possible and leave you with an ocean of impressions.
The best way to get to Balaton is from Budapest. It is less than 100 km from the nearest reservoir point, so the trip will not take much time. The choice of suitable transport will be as wide as possible, from a train to a rented car. Budapest can be easily reached from dozens of countries around the world. The capital of Hungary has an international airport that operates successfully, receiving flights from different continents every day. Vienna, Bratislava, and Zagreb can be considered backup options. All these cities are also located a relatively short distance from Balaton, and you can get to the lake by car or bus.
Most of the coastline consists of small towns and their natural surroundings, so looking for housing in these towns is best. For travelers with unlimited financial resources, hotels, many of which are in the area around the lake, are also a good option. The cost of accommodation varies widely and depends on the level of comfort offered.
To get the most out of your visit to Balaton, you must have several essential items. First of all, this concerns night vision goggles and other similar optics. It will allow you to explore the area around the lake even after sunset and safely get to your overnight stay. Travelers will also need various items and clothing that protect against rain. It is a common occurrence around Balaton and can sometimes ruin a trip. All visitors should also have a camera with them. Although it will not convey all the beauty of the lake, it will allow you to capture the most interesting moments of the trip. The rest of the set of items is chosen arbitrarily depending on the needs of the traveler and the purpose of his visit to Hungary.
Which lakeside towns and villages should you visit?
Villages and small towns on all sides surround Balaton. All of them are attractive and interesting, so you should pay attention to most of them. To do this, you should gradually move from one settlement to another and thoroughly explore them. If you do not have enough time for this, visit at least three popular places, which we will discuss in more detail.
Tihany
The most unusual place on the shore of Lake Balaton is the village of Tihany. It attracts attention with its old houses with thatched roofs, an abundance of vegetation and several good points for observing the lake. Due to its location on a hill, this village is above the water level, which allows you to see Balaton from a different angle. Tihany is popular among travelers. There are always many people here, so you won’t be able to relax alone. In the vicinity of the village, you can see several amazing natural locations. They all become even more beautiful for photographers against the backdrop of Balaton.
Siofok
There are many beautiful places on Lake Balaton, but the most popular among travelers is Siófok. This town is located on the southern shore of the lake. It is known for its unique atmosphere and variety of entertainment. Several points in Siofok offer stunning views of the lake. The city also has many architectural landmarks built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Siófok is suitable for lovers of active recreation. There are good hiking trails, cycling routes and ideal locations for observing various living creatures in its vicinity. In the city, there are several places where you can enjoy the nightlife and get a full range of pleasures in one trip.
Keszthely
The ancient town of Keszthely is a popular tourist destination and a must-see for all travelers exploring Lake Balaton. Keszthely borders the westernmost point of the lake. It is ideal for traditional recreation and enjoying the natural scenery. There are several locations near the town where you can watch birds and wild animals while armed with long-range thermal binoculars. Keszthely is also known for several architectural masterpieces, among which the Festetics Palace stands out. For lovers of quiet walks, the town has a promenade. It allows you to enjoy the views of Lake Balaton and relax on its shore.
Top attractions
Balaton and its surroundings are full of various attractions. Many of them are unique not only for the region but for Hungary. Due to travel time restrictions, it is impossible to see each of them with your own eyes. However, try to see at least the most famous attractions. We will tell you more about them in detail.
Szigliget fortress
To the north of Balaton is a small village called Szigliget. It is famous for being built between two former volcanoes and is popular due to the presence of a unique medieval fortress. The latter is considered one of the main attractions of Balaton, which people come to see not only from different regions of Hungary but also from dozens of countries. This object was built many years ago at an altitude of 239 meters. At that time, such a feature made the fortress inaccessible to enemies. However, today, the high location of the medieval building allows everyone to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the lake. You can only get to the highest point of the fortress on foot. To do this, you must overcome many steps and pay a symbolic amount for an entrance ticket.
Kőhegyi Kilátó
Since ancient times, people have enjoyed the beauty of Lake Balaton. They constantly looked for places with the best view and built unique observation towers. Initially, such objects were used for visual patrolling of the surrounding area and receiving information about the enemy’s advance. However, today, they are built exclusively to create ideal points for viewing the lake. Relatively recently, Kőhegyi Kilátó was built in Siófok. This observation tower is one of the main attractions of Balaton. It has many steps, after which every traveler can enjoy the stunning landscapes and views of the lake. The observation tower also looks attractive and often becomes a good background for photographs.
Festetics Palace
In the city of Keszthely, located northwest of Balaton, there is a unique Festetics Palace. This architectural object was built in the 19th century, although its construction began in 1745. The palace has been well preserved to this day, and today, it houses a local museum. It is visited annually by several thousand people, including you. Another feature of this attraction is a magnificent garden around the palace. It was planted in the 19th century, after which it was expanded many times. Today, it is a popular place for visitors to walk around the museum. In warmer months, the surroundings of Festetics Palace become a venue for various outdoor events.
Balaton is one of the largest lakes in Europe. It is a natural pearl of Hungary and a real magnet for tourists. The reservoir and its surroundings are ideal for dozens of outdoor activities, traditional recreation and various health events. Once you visit this famous Hungarian lake, you will immediately fall in love with it and leave with an ocean of positive impressions.
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