High season kicks off at Lake Balaton: here’s what to expect
The extended school year has delayed the start of the high season by a week. However, the warming weather and record-breaking heat suggest that it will last longer this year, with busy weekends potentially extending into September at Lake Balaton.
The average price of admission tickets to bathing facilities in Hungary has increased by 15 percent. The timing of these price hikes varies, with some facilities implementing them at the start of the peak season, while others have not yet done so, reports Világgazdaság.
Hungary boasts over 400 aquatic facilities, including swimming pools and temporary, locally managed beaches with just one or two pools. Of these, approximately 200-220 are considered tourist attractions and are open year-round, featuring both indoor and outdoor units.
No new bathing facilities have opened this year at Lake Balaton or countrywide. However, the renovated bath in Csorna, situated between Kapuvár and Győr, has been unveiled, and a significant reconstruction and extension have taken place in Makó, as reported by the general secretary of the bathing association.
Hotels with spa facilities, including several spa complexes, have also been inaugurated this year in various parts of the country. These hotel developments are typically located near attractions that significantly influence travel decisions and are close to bathing spots.
Price changes for beach tickets and restaurants during the high season
One positive aspect of this high season is the decrease in inflation, the stabilisation of energy prices and the absence of COVID-19 or other pandemics, making planning more predictable. “Ticket prices have increased differentially, by an average of 15 percent compared to last year, but not all at once. Some sooner, some later, but everyone has now started to raise prices,” said Zoltán Balogh, secretary general of the Hungarian Bathing Association.
Last year’s drastic food inflation had a noticeable impact, especially at Lake Balaton, with many people bringing food and drinks from home to the beaches. Buffet prices have not decreased this year either, but as Balogh pointed out, guests’ behaviour has also changed. Some bring food from home, while others indulge in a pancake or beer at the buffet. The inflation of the popular beach food, the lángos, has stabilised, with plain lángos available for as low as HUF 500 (EUR 1.27) and more elaborate versions costing up to HUF 1800 (EUR 4.6).
Discounts and gradual opening of beaches at Lake Balaton and countrywide
SZÉP cards can still be used to purchase tickets and pay for meals at most beach bars, which operators are counting on this year as well, according to the secretary general.
Although school holidays started later, many thermal baths participated in an initiative by the Hungarian Bathing Association, aimed at establishing a tradition. This campaign, named the Teacher-Student Beaching, included various special offers and discounts for the last three days of the school year.
On 1st May, the classic opening day of the beach season, outdoor units were operational almost exclusively in Hajdúszoboszló. However, outdoor pools and adventure elements were gradually introduced at beaches across the country, reaching full capacity by the end of the school year, as reported by the portal.
Read also:
MÁV summer schedule announced: More vehicles and easier access to Lake Balaton – Read here
Beaches at Lake Balaton: Entrance ticket prices increased by 50% in some places – Read here