Buffet prices at Lake Balaton to exceed the Adriatic level?!

The Adriatic or the Hungarian Sea? The decision is not easy; however, cheapness will no longer serve as a decisive factor when it comes to the question of where to spend the holidays this summer. This year, a 15-20% price increase can be observed at Lake Balaton; as a result of this, the popular Hungarian destination has reached the level of Adriatic buffet prices.

Thanks to the ease of epidemiological measures in Hungary, domestic tourism can exceed the pre-covid touristic season in 2019. However, this also results in skyrocketing prices at the most popular Hungarian destination, Lake Balaton, where product prices have been growing steadily over the last few years.

This year, the expensiveness is so significant that in some cases, the Hungarian Sea is already surpassing the prices of the popular Adriatic Croatia.

According to a recent survey, approximately every second respondent eats at a restaurant or buffet during their vacation, as well as entertainment options such as a musical dinner or a match broadcast has become more attractive for tourists this summer.

However, for this, we have to reach deep into our wallets,

since at one of the most popular Hungarian destinations, Lake Balaton, a price increase of 15-20% could be observed in the buffets compared to last year.

Accordingly, at some places, a Hungarian ‘lángos’ can cost 4 EUR (~ 1400 HUF) and a beer 3 EUR (~ 1000 HUF).

The recent survey carried out by Szállás.hu also revealed that, on a national scale, accommodation costs on average 11.5% more per person per night, while at Lake Balaton, the price increase is around 8%.

As the Hungarian news portal Turizmus reports, most travellers still prefer domestic holidays, but 18% plan vacations both in Hungary and abroad.

The most popular foreign destinations are Croatia (42%), Turkey (11.4%), Greece (11.4%) and Montenegro (5.7%).

Among those seeking the Croatian coast, Dalmatia and the Kvarner region attract the most Hungarians this year.

The Croatian discount chains like Lidl or Konzum have very similar prices as Hungary. However, as far as prices on the beach are concerned, there is a significant expensiveness with minimal differences compared to the Hungarian Sea.

The Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum have collected some of the most popular buffet food, as well as their prices, in order to provide a guide for how much we will be spending at the waterfront this year.

• Hamburger: 5-9 EUR
• Hotdog: 3-4 EUR
• Risotto: 9-13 EUR
• Lasagne: 10 EUR
• Schnitzel with french fries: 10.5 EUR
• Beefsteak and garnish: 22 EUR
• Pizza: 5-10 EUR
• Ice cream: 1-1.5 EUR
• Cocktail: 7 EUR
• Beer: 3 EUR
• Coffee: 1.2 EUR
• Limonade: 2.3 EUR

Comparing the prices of Adria with this year’s average prices at Lake Balaton, we can find roughly the same prices at the Hungarian Sea.

Read alsoBrutal prices at the beaches of Lake Balaton

Source: penzcentrum.hu; turizmus.com;