Transdanubia, western Hungary · Hungary
Central Europe's largest lake, a shallow, warm inland sea with volcanic hills, vineyards, an abbey peninsula and a lively summer shore.
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, about 77 km long and 14 km across at its widest, but only around 3 metres deep on average, so its water warms quickly in summer. It has been Hungary's favourite holiday destination for over a century, called the 'Hungarian sea', and every summer the shores fill with families, sailors and swimmers.
The two shores are different. The south shore is flat, with sandy beaches and lively resort towns such as Siófok, known for parties. The north shore is hilly and more attractive, with volcanic hills around Badacsony, vineyards, lavender fields, and historic towns. The Tihany Peninsula has a Benedictine abbey from the 11th century and views of the lake, and Balatonfüred, an elegant spa town, has a shady promenade named after the poet Rabindranath Tagore.
At the western end, Keszthely has the grand baroque Festetics Palace, and nearby Hévíz has the largest thermal lake in Europe. The region is also a wine country, producing crisp whites like Olaszrizling and Kéknyelű. Two or three days on the north shore gives the best taste, ideally in June or September.
Why visit
Balaton is Hungary's summer playground, with a scenic north shore and excellent wines.
Shallow and good for swimming.
A landmark peninsula.
Badacsony vineyards.
Keszthely and Hévíz.
A path around the lake.
Main attractions
The north shore has the best sights.
A baroque abbey church on a hill, above a village of thatched cottages, with views over the lake and lavender fields in early summer.
Tip Go in late June for lavender.
A basalt hill with terraced vineyards, hiking trails and wine cellars, and beautiful views of the lake.
Tip Climb it in the morning.
An elegant spa town with a tree-lined waterfront promenade, a heart hospital and a sailing harbour.
Tip Stroll at sunset.
A grand baroque palace with a library of 86,000 volumes, formal gardens and a museum.
Tip Allow two hours.
Europe's largest biologically active thermal lake, warm enough to swim in year-round.
Tip Bring water shoes.
The party resort town on the south shore.
Tip Go for the beaches and nightlife.
Things to do
Balaton is for water, wine and cycling.
Warm and shallow.
Tip Go in July or August.
A 200-km cycle route around the lake.
Tip Hire a bike.
From Tihany to Szántód.
Tip A short crossing.
Volcanic whites.
Tip Try Kéknyelű.
Boats for rent.
Tip Book a lesson.
Thermal lake.
Tip Go in winter.
Local food
Balaton's food is lake fish and wine.
The lake's signature fish.
Where to try it Lakeside restaurants.
Fried flatbread.
Where to try it Beach stalls.
A crisp white.
Where to try it Wine cellars.
From Tihany.
Where to try it Shops.
A summer must.
Where to try it Promenades.
Accommodation
Base on the north shore.
Transport
Balaton is 90 to 130 km from Budapest.
Trains, buses and ferries link the shore.
When to go
Balaton peaks in July and August, though these are the busiest months.
Quiet, with some facilities closed.
Swimming and festivals.
Harvest and calm.
Cold, with the lake sometimes freezing.
Worth planning around: Weekends in peak July and August.
Itinerary
The peninsula and the wine hills.
Abbey and promenade.
Wine.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Yes, especially in summer.
The north shore is more scenic.
Yes, from June to September.
1.5 to 2 hours.
Swimming and wine.
No, about 3 metres on average.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Lake Balaton, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central Hungary, on the Danube, Hungary
Hungary's capital, with the Parliament, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Széchenyi thermal baths, the Great Market Hall, ruin bars and Danube views.
Don't miss The Parliament building lit up on the Danube at night, seen from a river cruise or the Buda bank.
Explore Destination — BudapestBaranya, southern Hungary, Hungary
A Mediterranean-feeling city with early Christian tombs, the Gazi Kasim Pasha Mosque, a four-towered cathedral, Zsolnay ceramics and nearby Villány red wines.
Don't miss The Mosque-Church on Széchenyi Square, a domed Ottoman mosque topped with a cross.
Explore Destination — PécsGyőr-Moson-Sopron, western Hungary, Hungary
A well-preserved medieval town on the Austrian border, with the Fire Tower, Roman and Gothic remains, Baroque streets, Kékfrankos wine and an easy trip to Lake Fertő.
Don't miss The view from the Fire Tower's balcony over the medieval rooftops of the old town.
Explore Destination — SopronRead next
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