Long stretch of Balaton coast is being nationalised: less beach for tourists

The Erzsébet of the Carpathian Basin Foundation for Children will be closing off the waterfront area in front of the Erzsébet camp in Fonyódliget at Lake Balaton. The area, known for its tranquil tree-lined beach where various activities like dog-walking, cycling and fishing coexist peacefully, will no longer be accessible.

The Erzsébet Camp, boasting an extensive coastline along Lake Balaton and offering stunning views of the north shore panorama, spans one and a half kilometres, as per its its website. However, shared access to the beach will cease this year. The camp’s owner, the Erzsébet for the Children of the Carpathian Basin Foundation (Erzsébet a Kárpát-medencei Gyermekekért Alapítvány), told 24.hu that starting in 2024, the beach adjacent to the camp will be exclusively reserved for campers, thus enhancing the safety of children at the camp.

The local government and the Erzsébet Foundation

The local government of Fonyód was unaware of the planned closure of the beach, as they currently claim ownership of the area. Nonetheless, the Fidesz–led town is in the process of swapping the waterfront area with the state. Although the exchange has yet to be finalised, according to a law amendment published in the Hungarian Gazette in December 2023, the state intends to transfer ownership of the beach area to the foundation for children and youth programmes. In return, the city will receive two suburban properties and one inland property, including a valuable waterfront area whose future use remains uncertain.

The foundation had previously acquired some waterfront areas near the Erzsébet Camp in Fonyódliget in 2019. However, a law amendment at the time required them to ensure access and proper use of the government-owned area. The foundation is reportedly also aiming to acquire a private road around the camp, currently utilised by both cars and bicycles, which cannot be closed to public traffic.

The camp management has proposed closing the road, but neither the city nor the government office has agreed to this yet. The owner of the private road plans to close it but still allow cyclists and pedestrians access. Questions regarding the closure date and notification to the municipality remain unanswered by the foundation.

The Erzsébet Camp at Balaton

The Erzsébet camp in Fonyódligeti, situated along the Balaton coastline, has undergone a complete renovation in recent years. Spanning a kilometre and a half, the camp offers a picturesque view of the north shore. Modern and innovative yurt tents are set up at the camp, blending classic forest ambience with the Balaton atmosphere. Outdated buildings from the 1970s have been replaced with new yurt-type accommodations and programme venues, while existing structures have been renovated.

The Balaton camp comprises five sub-camps, each with 160 accommodations for camp-goers and brand-new bathrooms. The modern twin tents accommodate 10 people each, boasting thick walls and modern ventilation. Additionally, the communal spaces in the yurts, capable of housing up to 800 people, have been refurbished for relaxation and entertainment. The new programme venues aim to provide a diverse and accessible environment for all visitors to enjoy and unwind, according to Erzsébet Táborok.

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