Lesser-known treasures around Lake Balaton

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.

Balatonalmádi. Photo: FB/Balatonalmádi Város

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.

Szentkirályszabadja. Source: PrtSc/YouTube/Mihály Gábor utazásai

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.

Wikimedia Commons by Gyöngyi Sztudva

One of the most picturesque valleys in the Bakony is the Cuha stream canyon, with its steep rocky walls, flowing stream, and adventurous footpath that crosses the stream multiple times. The parallel railway, with its viaducts and tunnels, is a protected historical site. The varied and easy circuits around the canyon are enhanced by the thrill of crossing the stream.

https://www.facebook.com/orszagos.kektura/photos/

The National Blue Trail (Kéktúra), which crosses the Bakony-Balaton region, starts from Sümeg and ends in Zirc, passing through Keszthely, Tapolca, the Balaton Highlands, and Bakony. Along the route, there are many natural wonders to explore. Not far from Sümeg are the Tátika and Rezi castles, both offering stunning panoramic views.

The ruins of the Palatine monastery of Tálod stand in the forest near Nagyvázsony, and the Pannonian observatory in Bakonyszentlászló near Zirc is a treat for natural history enthusiasts. The Dragon Cave on the side of Szent György Hill is also worth a visit, where, according to legend, cold air flows from the dragon-inhabited cavern.

Read also:

• Escape the hustle and bustle of the city: Discover the Hungarian countryside and nature retreats!
• 5 great summer day trip destinations in Hungary for families with children