Lesser-known treasures around Lake Balaton
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When you think of Lake Balaton, swimming likely comes to mind first. However, beyond its bathing opportunities, the lake’s natural surroundings offer a wealth of experiences—from hiking in nearby mountains to exploring the cultural richness of local towns.
Lelépő has compiled four lesser-known but equally worthwhile places to visit around the lake.
The first spot is Vasút-ARTjáró in Balatonalmádi, a unique gallery located in the underpass between Wesselényi beach and the railway station. Here, painters and photographers with ties to the town showcase their works, often depicting scenes of Lake Balaton. Nearby, in Veszprém, the László Szilágyi Street Gallery can be found in the underpass of the Budapesti Road roundabout. This gallery focuses on modern art and is named after Szilágyi, a prominent local artist known as the “punk painter” at the turn of the millennium.
The second location is an eerie ghost town on the outskirts of Szentkirályszabadja, just a few kilometres from Lake Balaton. This abandoned housing estate once housed Russian and Ukrainian military officers and their families. The barracks, which offered luxurious living conditions, included grocery stores, a school, a kindergarten, a theatre and a cinema, sports facilities, pubs, restaurants, a post office, and a wine cellar. Today, the area is overgrown and open to the public for a small fee. Notably, the Russians once stored nuclear warheads here, which were removed during their withdrawal.
Walks on the hiking trails around Lake Balaton
For nature lovers, the hiking trails around Lake Balaton are a must. The Bakony Mountains are located nearby, and the Veszprém-Győr railway line runs through them. The section along the Cuha Stream valley is particularly beautiful, featuring viaducts, tunnels, and a forest railway station. If travelling by train, the stretch between Porva-Csesznek and Vinye is a highlight. The small forest station at Porva-Csesznek is a hub for several hiking routes and even has an exhibit on railway history.
