Discover the magic of Lake Balaton in autumn

The unique charm of Lake Balaton in autumn, with its cooler yet still pleasant weather and fewer tourists, invites you to explore this enchanting region. Magyarországom has compiled five fantastic activities to help you make the most of this beautiful season.

A trip to the Balaton Uplands

The witness hills of the Bakony-Balaton Uplands. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Horvabe

Autumn is a magical time for nature lovers, and the Balaton Uplands provide endless opportunities for exploration. The captivating landscapes of the Káli Basin and the witness hills of the Tapolca Basin, such as Szent György Hill, Csobánc, and Badacsony, are all waiting to be discovered. You can follow the routes of the National Blue Trail (Kéktúra), which offers breathtaking panoramas of Lake Balaton and its surroundings. Along these mountain hikes, you’ll come across charming small villages like Szentbékkálla, where unique natural formations and picturesque old farmhouses make every visit unforgettable.

Savour the best wines of the Balaton Uplands

Hungary is also famous for its exquisite wines. Photo: depositphotos.com

One of the highlights of autumn at Lake Balaton is the harvest season. The wine regions of the Balaton Uplands offer a unique experience as local cellars begin making new wines. Many wineries host harvest events where visitors can take part in grape picking and taste freshly pressed must alongside older, high-quality wines. The harvest season is also a lively social occasion, with many locations hosting music and dance parties, wine tastings, and cellar tours. For instance, the Badacsony Harvest allows you to sample the finest wines from local wineries while enjoying the scenic views at the foot of the vineyards.

Gastronomic adventures: discover local flavours

Photo: Facebook.com/vasnepe.hu

Autumn at Lake Balaton is not just for wine lovers but also for those passionate about gastronomy. During this season, many restaurants and inns feature special dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. From delicious fish dishes to fresh vegetables and fruits, there is a wide array of flavours to explore. The markets around Lake Balaton, such as the Tihany Market Place, offer a great opportunity to purchase homemade delicacies from local producers. You can also meet local artisans selling handmade products like cheese, honey, jam, and craft beer.

Autumn wellness at Lake Balaton

Hotel Vinifera Wine & Spa. Source: vinifera.hu

After the busy summer beach season, autumn at Lake Balaton is perfect for relaxation and recharging. The area boasts numerous wellness hotels offering a range of services, including thermal pools, saunas, massages, and other wellness treatments that help relieve stress and rejuvenate the body. Balatonfüred, for example, is home to the recently opened five-star Vinifera Hotel, a favourite wellness destination that also doubles as a wine hotel with excellent wine-tasting events.

Szigligeti Castle with stunning view of Lake Balaton

Photo: FB / Szigliget Várudvar

Another great advantage of autumn is the ease of visiting historic sites with fewer crowds. Szigligeti Castle is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles around Lake Balaton. This is the perfect time to explore every corner of the castle, admire the magnificent views of Lake Balaton, and delve into its rich history. The castle walls provide stunning panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, especially at sunset, the most beautiful time of year to see Lake Balaton. The castle also frequently hosts cultural events, medieval shows, and fairs, making every visit more exciting.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com