Free beach access at Lake Balaton? Here’s how to swim for free at several popular resorts
Taking a vacation on the shores of Lake Balaton is becoming increasingly expensive, especially when daily admission fees to the beaches start to add up. The good news is that several popular Balaton towns offer options for free or discounted swimming if you time your visit right.
Balatonalmádi: Up to three free entry windows
Balatonalmádi has four pay-to-enter beaches (Wesselényi, Budatava, Káptalanfüred large and small), but each of them offers time slots when entry is free, according to Pénzcentrum. From 7:00 to 7:45 AM, the gates are open but the ticket booths are still closed—perfect for early-morning swimmers. Discounted tickets are available between 4:00 and 7:00 PM, and after 7:00 PM, entry is free once again until 10:00 PM.
Alsóörs: Free morning and evening dips
Alsóörs offers a similar setup: entry is free before 8:00 AM, making it ideal for those who want to start their day with a refreshing dip. In the evening, you can get in for free after 7:30 PM and enjoy the water until closing time.
Balatonkenese: Three hours of free night swimming
At the Alsóréti beach, no ticket is required after 8:00 PM, even though the beach is officially closed. Visitors can stay until 11:00 PM, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the “Hungarian sea” after the crowds have gone home.
Balatonmáriafürdő: Two hours of calm, free evening swimming
The Gróf Széchényi Imre Square beach closes its ticket booth at 6:00 PM, but the beach remains open and free to visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. It’s the perfect option for anyone looking to avoid both the heat and the crowds.
What to keep in mind
While these time slots offer a budget-friendly experience, some beach services might not be available during these hours: concession stands may be closed, lifeguards might not be on duty, and showers could be out of service. Entry systems may also be inactive, meaning you won’t receive a wristband for admission.
Smart planning leads to big savings
Beach admission can cost more than HUF 2,000 (EUR 5) in many places, so by carefully planning your visit, you could save thousands of forints each day. Balatonalmádi, Alsóörs, Balatonkenese, and Balatonmáriafürdő all prove that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a great summer getaway.
If you’re planning to relax by Hungary’s favourite lake this year, it’s worth checking the exact opening hours and discounted access times of your chosen beach, because sometimes, the best things in life really are free.
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