Balaton coast. Hungary, Balaton: prices, reviews. Where to go on vacation with small children
Unique tourist region. You can really spend the perfect vacation here: sunbathe on the sandy beaches of the south coast, explore the mountain landscapes of the north, wander through the ruins of ancient fortresses or take a dip in the thermal baths. No wonder the lake is very popular with Europeans, many of whom prefer its resorts to trips to the Mediterranean. And all thanks to the climate, infrastructure "on the level" and a variety of entertainment for guests of all ages.
beach holiday
When you bask under the rays of the sun at Balaton, it seems that you are on the seashore. The beaches of the resort towns are equipped with everything you need: sun loungers with umbrellas, showers, changing cabins. Some places have heated pools and playgrounds with rides. Tourists craving for activity can play volleyball, go water skiing or take a yacht cruise.
They have been swimming since May, but the water is still cool at this time. The temperature of the lake rises to a maximum of +28 °C in July and drops to +20...+22 °C in September.
The longest beach on the south coast is in Siofok. Restaurants, bars and clubs are located on 17 km of the coastal strip, attracting fans of noisy parties and discos. Family travelers will love Balatonfured, Keszthely and Gyenesdias. On the beaches of these resorts for children, there are water slides and special play areas. For adults - an impressive list of entertainment from water polo to windsurfing.
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Excursions and active rest
There are plenty of sightseeing routes in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. The beauty of nature can be appreciated in national park Balaton upland, where geysers, blocks of hardened lava of intricate shape and craters of extinct volcanoes are found everywhere.
Along the coast there are three wine regions of Hungary with their own production and vineyards: Badacsony in the northwest, Balatonmelleki in the north and Balatonfüred in the northeast. Gastronomic tours with tastings to local wineries are very popular with tourists.
The Tihany Peninsula is a whole kaleidoscope of sights. A Benedictine abbey from the 11th century dominates the hill. King Andras I is buried in the main temple of the monastery. A picturesque village is located nearby, built up with traditional Hungarian houses.
Keszthely is home to the 18th-century Festeich palace and park complex, where you can admire the sumptuous interiors of state rooms, antique furniture and priceless works of art. The castle library contains old books and engravings.
One of the features of Balaton is fishing, for which hundreds of travelers come here. Everyone has a chance to catch a crucian weighing 2.5 kg. This is what passionate lovers peck at to stand on the shore with a fishing rod.
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For body and soul
Many tourists go to the lake to improve their health. The locals are famous useful properties. Mineral springs are diverse in composition and are used to treat a number of diseases. In the sanatoriums and spa hotels of Zalakaros, Balatonföldvar, Balatonfüred, Revfülöp, Tapolca, you can undergo therapy and rehabilitation courses, alleviate chronic ailments, and simply pamper yourself with beauty treatments, while enjoying impeccable service. Two weeks of such a rest will give a charge of vivacity for months to come.
Developments
In the summer, there are many holidays at the Balaton. Wine festivals are held in resort towns, where guests are treated to Hungarian cuisine and wine from local farms all day long. All this is accompanied by dances, performances of folk ensembles and fun competitions.
One of the most significant events is the Balaton Sound electronic music festival in July, where eminent DJs come together. For a few days, the southern shore of the lake turns into a huge entertainment area with stages, restaurants, pubs and attractions.
In July-August, near Kapolch (20 km north of Balaton), the Valley of the Arts festival takes place, where you can see interesting theatrical performances and films, get acquainted with the work of progressive artists, and listen to poems by contemporary poets.
Europe's largest Lake Balaton is located in the western part of Hungary, on the Middle Danube Plain. The size of this reservoir, one might say, is inversely proportional to its depth. Only in Tikhanskaya harbor it in some places reaches 12 meters, in the rest it barely reaches three.
Apparently, this circumstance influenced the fact that many call the lake "the largest European puddle." Despite such an offensive nickname, Balaton has undeniable advantages that attract many tourists from all over Europe.
Geography and history of the lake
Isn't it true that the word "swamp" is heard in the name of the lake? This is no coincidence. Firstly, the places here are really partly swampy, there are many small streams, thermal springs.
And secondly, Russian word the swamp and the Hungarian Balaton have one common Slavic root - blato, which, in fact, means "swamp". In the modern Slovak and Slovenian language, the name of the lake closest to the Old Slavonic version has been preserved - Blatenske, Blatno jazero.
The geological age of the lake is several tens of thousands of years. Thanks to violent volcanic activity and tectonic shifts, the lake gradually formed from the ancient Pannonian Sea.
These places were inhabited even before the rise of the Roman Empire. In different historical periods, the Romans, Avars, peoples of the Kestel culture settled here. Starting from the 9th century, these territories were occupied by the Slavic peoples, who founded the Blaten principality here, with the center in the present village of Zalavar.
After the arrival of the Hungarians in the 10th century, the construction of churches, abbeys, castles and fortresses began along the banks of the lake, many of which have survived to this day.
legends
Locals like to tell two legends, both of which relate to the history of the lake:
One tells how a farmer, wanting to remove a huge boulder from his allotment, accidentally released a spring, which filled the surroundings.
Another claims that the lake is the tears of a beautiful girl languishing in a dungeon at the bottom of the lake.
The fairy tale is a lie, of course, but the truth is that the lake is indeed fed by numerous springs and streams. And the mineral composition of thermal water, in fact, is somewhat reminiscent of chemical composition human tears. Beautiful legends are always based on real history, no matter how we feel about them.
Resorts
The entire coast of the lake (and it is considerable, 236 kilometers!) Is a chain of cities, villages, villages, passing one into another. The entire infrastructure, which has developed especially actively over the past 25 years, is set up for tourism.
Sandy bottom, shallow depth, warm and pure water, convenient entrance to the lake attract families with small children. Regardless of age, every tourist will find entertainment for themselves here. Numerous cafes, restaurants, hotels, hostels, apartments eliminate the problem of where to stay and what to eat.
Conventionally, the shores of Lake Balaton are divided into North and South. The shores differ slightly in vegetation, but in general they are similar to each other. The towns are also slightly different from each other, but still have their own little features.
Keszthely
A small town in the west of Lake Balaton, in the name of which the history of the ancient Kestel culture is preserved. In the city you can look at the beautiful baroque palace, which once belonged to the Festetics princely family. A small street leads from the palace to the marzipan museum with its own confectionery and the puppet museum.
In addition, four kilometers from the city is the famous thermal lake Heviz, whose healing water relieves many ailments. Of course, all this is available in addition to beautiful beaches, water sports, sailing.
Szigliget
Calm, quiet town, in which there is no stormy resort life. But there are the ruins of an ancient fortress of the XIII century and excellent wine from a local grape variety.
Badacsonytomai
Another center of winemaking on the coast of the lake. Famous throughout Hungary, Surkebarat and Keknjelu wines are made here. On the basalt mountain located near the city, there are many restaurants and cafes serving wines from local cellars. And with observation deck offers breathtaking views of the entire lake.
Revfulep
This small town is a balneological resort, one of the many cities located along the shores of the lake. Mineral springs, the picturesque Kali valley, a chain of mountains covered with forests and a warm lake - what could be better for boosting health and Have a good mood for the whole year!
Tihany
The ancient settlement is located on the peninsula of the same name, on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. The main attraction of Tihany is the church and the Benedictine monastery on the highest hill of the peninsula. The two domes of the church are visible from afar. A particularly beautiful panorama of them opens from a ferry or a pleasure boat. It is interesting that the document, which contains the exact date of the founding of the monastery, 1055, is in itself a monument of culture and Hungarian writing.
Balatonfured
Another famous resort. Here is the cardiological clinic, famous all over Europe. In addition to improving health, there is something to do and see. Almost every building in the town has historical and cultural value.
Tapolca
In this town there is a cave with a unique microclimate that has a beneficial effect on the lungs, helps with asthma, bronchitis and other chronic diseases.
Siofok
The most popular place on the entire coast of Lake Balaton. The city is filled with restaurants, nightclubs, expensive hotels and private villas. Here stop those who are disgusted by a calm, quiet, measured resort life. Music festivals, exhibitions, celebrity concerts often take place in this city. People come here for entertainment, shopping and vibrant nightlife.
Balatonföldvár
We can say that this is the most bohemian place on Balaton. The fact is that the village was built according to a premeditated plan. All expensive villas, alleys, marina, cafes and hotels are successfully integrated into the surrounding landscape. Beautiful views very quickly began to attract here not only the rich, but also artists. As often happens, they made the city recognizable and popular.
Location on the map
How to get to the lake
From the capital of Hungary to the first locality the lake is only 115 kilometers away. You can get to Balaton from Budapest in about an hour and a half. In the area of Siofok, the motorway merges with the road encircling the entire lake.
Along the northern and southern coasts laid Railway, which connects the capital with resort towns. By train from Budapest to Siofok can be reached in 2 hours, to Keszthely in 3 hours.
Balaton-Schermelek International Airport is located 11 kilometers from the city of Keszthely. The airport is small, but planes arrive here from Berlin, London, Copenhagen, Stuttgart, Zurich. In the summer, regular flights are open to Balaton from Moscow. In addition, you can fly here from Frankfurt am Main, Dusseldorf and Hamburg.
From Moscow and St. Petersburg you can fly to Vienna or Budapest, from there you can get to Balaton by bus, by taxi, by rented car (this method is preferable for those who are going to travel around the coast).
The "Hungarian Sea" is definitely worth attention if you have several days to travel around the country. Here you can relax by the water, see interesting places, taste the best wine in Hungary and add health with healing springs.
Lake Balaton has long attracted attention. It is so large that tourists and locals call it the sea. It is good to relax in the vicinity of Balaton. There is a well-thought-out infrastructure and well-maintained beaches. What travelers themselves think about this place - the publication will tell.
general information
Balaton is a lake in Hungary, which is located in the western part of the country. The reservoir stretches for almost a hundred kilometers, so it is considered the largest in Europe. No wonder it is also called the Hungarian Sea. On average, the distance to the bottom of the lake is 3 meters. In the deepest place, this value does not exceed 13 meters. The water in Balaton is silky, has a yellowish-green tint. Surprisingly, in the evening it is warmer than the air. In summer, the lake warms up to 20-26 degrees. Warm waters are good for nervous system having a relaxing effect. There are many attractions, vineyards and entertainment options in the vicinity of the lake.
Balaton comes from the Slavic word blato and translates as a swamp. The reservoir was so named because of the shallow depth and greenish tint of water, which is obtained due to the large accumulation of plankton.
Locals tell tourists that Lake Balaton is fraught with many treasures. According to one legend, a girl is crying at the bottom of the reservoir in the church. Until her tears run out, there will be warm water, geysers and healing springs in Balaton.
Lake location
Geographically, Balaton is located in the Middle Danube Valley, about a hundred kilometers from Budapest. The area of the lake is almost six hundred square kilometers. The reservoir is surrounded by resort villages around the entire perimeter. In the north of Lake Balaton there is a national Hungarian park. A protected nature reserve runs along the southwestern coast. It is a wetland that has become a haven for a variety of birds.
How to get to Balaton
The nearest airport is located 135 kilometers from Budapest. As reviews of Lake Balaton show, tickets are much cheaper during the high season. But you can save a lot if you go to Hungary by car or bus tour. The transport infrastructure in the vicinity of Lake Balaton is well developed. From Budapest, the lake can be reached via a modern motorway. In the south and north of Balaton there is a railway that connects the resort with the capital. Also, passenger ships constantly go along the lake itself, which stop at each pier.
Difference in time
When planning your vacation in Balaton, keep in mind that local time will differ from Moscow. In summer, a new day starts one hour earlier. In winter, the difference is minus two hours.
When is the best time to go?
Most tourists like to travel to Central Europe in the summer and late spring, as reviews of Hungary show. Lake Balaton in terms of recreation will be most interesting in August. If this month is not possible to go on vacation, then you can go in June or July.
For an active pastime on the water, vacationers recommend visiting the northern shore of Lake Balaton. It has long been a popular area. As practice shows, tourists most often stay in three-star hotels that serve breakfast.
Water in Balaton
It is worth noting that the water in the lake is warm, clean, but not transparent due to the plankton living there. But he does not scare away vacationers at all. Every year more and more tourists gather here.
In general, the lake is very shallow. You will have to move about three hundred meters from the shore in order to swim a little. These places are perfect for family vacation with kids. These are the southern shores with pleasant velvet sand.
Fans of diving and swimming in depth should go to the north of Lake Balaton. There you can dive well under water already twenty meters from the shore. The bottom is rocky and quickly gains depth. These are Balatonfured, Keszthely and other resorts. For a feeling of extreme sports, you can go to the Tihany depression. Its depth reaches almost 13 meters.
The sunniest place is the eastern part of Lake Balaton. Those who like to sunbathe on the beach prefer to spend their holidays here.
It is worth noting that Balaton in its composition practically does not differ from sea water. Therefore, the lake is useful for the skin and the body as a whole.
Entertainment
All conditions are created for a comfortable stay in Balaton. Vacationers here have plenty to choose from. Almost every resort village has sanatoriums, tennis courts, golf courses, volleyball courts and riding schools. The taverns with gypsy music and Hungarian cuisine give a special flavor. Nearby activities include coastal walks, boating, sailing and fishing. The lake is home to both common carp and silver pike perch. True, for fishing you need to obtain a special permit. Festivals are also constantly held in the vicinity of Lake Balaton. The photo above shows one of them.
Resort areas
Today, Balaton is a popular tourist destination in Hungary.
You can stay in several resort areas:
- Siofok. It is the largest coastal town of Balaton. This is the center nightlife and a concentration of well-maintained beaches. The beautiful river Shio also flows here.
- Balatonfured. Very popular on the north coast. Usually people come here to visit the famous Rabindranath Tagore alley and healing springs.
- Tihany. Located next to Balatonfured. Here, rest on Lake Balaton is associated with viewing architectural sights.
- Santod. In this village, you can entertain yourself with equestrian sports and horse riding parades, which are held periodically. From here you can quickly get to the Tihany Peninsula by crossing.
- Keszthely. Great old resort town. It attracts tourists with convenient beaches, authentic streets and the Festetics Palace, which is made in the Baroque style and is located in a picturesque park.
- Badacsony and Szigliget. The main highlight of these northern coastal villages are cozy restaurants. They serve exquisite and delicious Hungarian wines, for which many tourists come. When visiting the villages, you should definitely take a look at the ruins of the ancient fortress of Castle Hill.
The cost of recreation in the vicinity of Lake Balaton
As a rule, accommodation in hotels is very cheap in Hungary. Rest on Lake Balaton also turns out to be very budgetary. At the same time, local hotels offer their guests high-quality two meals a day.
For clarity, you can consider how much a weekly vacation in Balaton will cost (when staying in a 3-4-star hotel).
- Balatonfured - 298-812 euros (21-57 thousand rubles).
- Siofok - 316-943 euros (22-66 thousand rubles).
- Tihany - 342-565 euros (24-39 thousand rubles).
- Balatonmaldi - 436-582 euros (30-41 thousand rubles).
Tourists who have already visited the lake say that some more expenses need to be added to these amounts. These are a Hungarian visa (80 euros / 5600 rubles), a plane ticket (250 euros / 17500 rubles) and medical insurance (1 euro / 70 rubles for one day). If you plan to include an excursion program in your vacation, then put about 50 euros / 3500 rubles on it.
Travelers note that on average, a weekly vacation at Lake Balaton costs a thousand euros / 70,000 rubles. Of course, if you wish, you can buy a ticket to a local sanatorium for a ridiculous price.
What to bring home?
It is also recommended to take some money with you for souvenirs, handicrafts, Hungarian goodies and national alcoholic drinks. Travelers are happy to bring them home from Lake Balaton. Attention should be paid to souvenirs with the image of a lake, painted porcelain and the Rubik's cube, which were invented in Hungary. Girls are happy to buy clothes from local designers. Good gastronomic gifts will be marzipan sweets, Hungarian salami, Tokay wine, herbal balm and fruit vodka.
Summing up, it must be said that Balaton perfectly combines beach, medical and youth recreation. Both active tourists and calm couples with children can have a great time here. Despite the fact that food and accommodation in Hungary are inexpensive.
He did not live a full life as a tourist and traveler who did not visit the wonderful Lake Balaton and plunge into its opal, yellowish-green waters. Not only Hungarians come here, but also people from all over the world to improve their health and get new experiences. Getting to it from the capital of Hungary, the city of Budapest, is not at all difficult, since the distance is only 100 kilometers.
Geographic reference
The largest freshwater reservoir in Europe covers an area of about 600 square meters. km. It stretches from the southwest to the northeast for 79 km. Its width is from 1.2 to 12.4 km. The average depth is 3.5 m, and the maximum (near the Tikhany peninsula) is 12.5 m. In the warm season, the water warms up to 22-27 ° C. The southern side is shallow, and the northern side has steep banks and the same steep and rocky bottom.
Today, the coast of this impressive reservoir is a developed tourist region that offers guests excellent European-level service and a wide range of entertainment. All conditions for a comfortable stay are created here for both young people and couples with children.
Although the ancient Romans knew about the huge lake, who called it Pelso, which meant “shallow”, nevertheless, its serious scientific research was carried out only in the 20th century (AD, of course). It was found that millions of years ago, the sea stretched here, which decreased as a result of strong tectonic shifts, they called it Pannosky.
Exciting consciousness, fascinating, mysterious stories similar to the legend of the Loch Ness monster, Lake Balaton is not composed, but still it is considered one of the most interesting places in Hungary - a "floating island" among thermal waters.
The coast of the lake and its environs
This is a popular resort with the largest beach on the northern coast. Here stands an old Roman Catholic church, and next to it is the famous chapel of St. Right Hand. The chapel was built on the holy relics of King Stephen, revered in Hungary as a national relic. Nearby is a well-preserved reformed church from the 13th century.
This is a small village with a local attraction called the Turkish House, which is an old courtyard, chimney which resembles a head in a turban. There are quarries here, where building red stone was mined in the past.
This ancient town, like no other, fits the definition of "first". Judge for yourself. This is the first water treatment facility in the country. It was from here that the first steamboat once set off to surf the waters, and here yachtsmen created their first club.
But the past, rich in history, is not the most important thing. Mora Yokai Novelist Museum, located in his eclectic style villa, magnificent statues of great writers along the Tagore alley, and many other attractions literally attract the curious.
Wonderful, colorful holidays are held here. On the last Saturday of July, for 170 years, the Anna's ball, on which the queen of the ball is selected.
In May, on the site in front of the magnificent rose garden, celebration of the opening of the season and raising the sails.
Tihany
This is a peninsula that cuts into Lake Balaton for several kilometers, dividing it into two unequal parts. Once upon a time, Tihany was an island connected to the mainland by a small drawbridge, and its deep history goes back 2.5 million years.
Now Tihany is one of the most beautiful places northern part of the coast. Here you can see unique plant species that are not found anywhere else in Hungary.
In the very center of the peninsula lies Lake Belseto located in the crater of an extinct volcano.
Its depth is about 2 meters, and it is located at a level that is 25 meters higher than the level of Lake Balaton. There are apparently invisible fish in it, so a rare fisherman leaves here without a catch.
One of the historical treasures of the peninsula is a monastery of impressive architecture preserved from time immemorial.
As the story goes, it was founded in the 11th century by the decree of King Andrew, who wished to build his own tomb here.
And on the Tihany Peninsula there is an open-air museum built in the form of a small fishing village.
This is the name of the mountain, similar in shape to a coffin, which was once a real volcano. Today its height is less than 500 m, but the gentle slopes are covered with rare in nature - streams of petrified lava in the form of columns.
Spread out here vineyards, and the good wine "Grey Monk", produced by the monks of the Order of St. Paul, is famous throughout Europe.
The wine presses were built over 200 years ago, one of them is Rosa Szegedi's house- the most beautiful building, which now houses the Museum of Literature.
But perhaps the friendliest building in the area is a tavern located in a former wine cellar.
In the village of Badacsonytomaj, the artist Jozsef Egri lived - a painter who painted the lake all his life, now a museum of his work has been created in this house.
A unique place located nearby - chain of underground salt caves near the town of Tapolca.
They lie at a depth of 20 meters and are famous for their healing air, this is one of the speleological clinics, of which there are only five in Hungary. This air is especially useful for people suffering from asthma. After you sail in a boat through the karst waters of the underground lake Tavash, you will have the most extraordinary impressions for many years to come!
What do you think could be so interesting here? - You won't guess at all! - It is located here!
It was created by the traveler Endre Nagy. Zebras, camels and buffalo roam the safari park among the real huts of the savages of the Maasai tribe, and the rich collection of the museum presents African ethnographic exhibits and hunting trophies, most of which belong to Nagy.
Another attractive place - not so long ago, a huge stalactite cave Chodabogyosh for which you need to book in advance.
There are two types of excursions in the cave: normal - for 1.5 hours (400 m) and extreme - for 4 hours (900 m).
it ancient settlement, which in the Roman period was a major shopping center. Among the many preserved historical sights, it is worth noting. This real Baroque palace consists of 101 rooms, including library, numbering 86 thousand rare folios.
The Helikon Palace Museum in its 16 halls presents a magnificent exposition reflecting the ancient life and entertainment, among which hunting was special.
And, of course, you can find out more about Lake Balaton in the museum, which is called that -.
thermal lake Heviz- Another of the natural attractions of the area.
It was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and is recognized as the largest thermal reservoir in Europe. In some places, the depth can reach 40 meters, and the water temperature is +40 °C. The bottom of the lake is covered with therapeutic mud, the water also has healing properties. From deep cave, located under water, beat the keys: two thermal, the water temperature of which is +42 ° C and +38 ° C, and one cold - mineral. As a result of their mixing, the same “living” water is obtained, for which tens of thousands of tourists come here. In addition to wellness treatments, people get real aesthetic pleasure: the thermal reservoir impresses with magnificent red water lilies growing on the surface of the water.
This is the second most important thermal spring on the coast. Its temperature reaches +80 °C. There is a huge health-improving and tourist complex, on the territory of which there are many pools with thermal and mineral water.
Zalakaros resort offers tourists a wide range of entertainment. For example, here you can ride water rides, go surfing or take a romantic trip on a yacht.
It is the largest city and port on the south coast. The great composer who created Czardas, Imre Kalman, was born here. His museum contains personal belongings, notes, there is a piano, the keys of which keep the memory of incendiary melodies.
Represents about 3,000 exhibits of minerals from the Carpathian basin.
evangelical church made of Finnish wood, which was built by Imre Makovec, surprises with its unusual style.
Here, above the picturesque parks with magnificent statues, rises to 45 meters water tower, which has become a symbol of the city. There is a lot to admire in Siofok.
Other sights of the lake that are of interest to tourists are located in the north Szigliget fortress and standing a little further Tapoltsy is a real bastion Shumeg.
The Hungarians have long had a meaningful saying: "Before the walls of Sümega have fallen, it is too early to pray to Mecca." In Sümega, real knightly tournaments are often held, which end with a candlelit dinner in one of the fortress halls.
Tourists often visit Plant Herend where porcelain is made.
Hereditary craftsmen will show you the art of work and even help you make a porcelain rosette yourself. Be sure to take it with you as a keepsake of this amazing place - Lake Balaton!
Video
Video report about the trip around the lake from IAEST students:
Hilarious music video from locals:
Lake Balaton is located in the west of Hungary and is the largest in the central part of the continent. Its coast is a famous resort area with access to numerous mineral and thermal springs. There are excellent conditions for a fun pastime with the family, active rest and serene unity with nature. A unique feature of the lake is its shallow depth, averaging 3 meters. The deepest place reaches 12 meters and is located in the region of the Tikhany depression. There is a lot of plankton in the lake, so the transparency of the water here is quite low. The bottom is lined with sand, as a result, the surface of the water has a gray-greenish tint, which can vary depending on the season. In summer, the water temperature is kept at around +24, and sometimes reaches +29 degrees.
How to get to Lake Balaton?
In 2016, Utair plans to re-launch a charter flight (UT 865/866 flights) from Moscow to Lake Balaton. Departure from Vnukovo (Moscow) arrival at Sarmellek Airport (Hung. Sármellek Nemzetközi Repülőter), sometimes simply called Balaton Airport, is located on the western coast of the lake near the city of Keszthely (Hung. Keszthely).
A more economical way to get to the lake is to fly to Budapest, for example, using the services of the budget airline WizzAir, and then by bus or train to the desired city. Timetable for buses and trains.
If you are going to rest at Balaton with a child, or just want to quickly and comfortably get from International Airport named after Franz Liszt (Budapest Airport) to the place of rest, we recommend pre-booking an individual transfer on the KiwiTaxi.ru website.
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Where to stay at Lake Balaton?
Today, Balaton is considered the most visited and promoted resort in Hungary, where a huge number of tourists from all over the world come to relax every year. Along with beach holiday sailing and fishing are very popular here.
The coast of Balaton can be divided into southern and northern.
The southern side of the lake has a gentle entrance to the water, and the depth of human growth is sometimes achieved only at a considerable distance from the shore. These places are especially recommended for families, because here children can splash even dozens of meters from the shore, plus the water temperature here is higher than in the north.
The largest city on the coast of Lake Balaton is located just on the south coast, next to the canal connecting the lake with the Danube, Shio and is called - Siofok(Hung. Siofok). Sometimes it is also called the "nightlife capital" of Hungary. It is one of the most popular resorts in the country. In its vicinity there are many good sandy beaches. There are also sanatoriums where you can improve your health.
Siofok - The largest city at Lake Balaton
Village santod(Hung. Szantod) is known for the fact that there is a crossing to the Tihany Peninsula, built back in 1802. And a kilometer from here is an 18th-century manor built by Benedictine monks. Now this place is called Szántódpuszta (Hungarian: Szántódpuszta), large summer parades of horse riding and other equestrian sports are held here.
Further along the southern coast are other towns and cities (Fonyod (Hung. Fonyod), Balatonföldvár (Hung. Balatonföldvár), Balatonboglar (Hung. Balatonboglar)), which also have a well-established infrastructure for beach and outdoor activities.
Most of the beaches at Balaton are wide and green, well-equipped, there is everything that vacationers may need: showers, toilets, changing rooms, stairs to descend into the lake, entertainment programs for children, cafes and shops, the only negative is that they are paid. Free beaches can also be found, but they are much inferior in comfort.
The northern side of the lake is characterized by a rocky shoreline and a sharp depth. On most beaches, the entrance to the water is by stairs, but there are also gentle ones. The place is less suitable for families with children, but for good swimmers and fans of fishing, just what you need.
The most popular resort on the north coast - Balatonfured(Hung. Balatonfured). Healing springs brought him fame. mineral water discovered in the Roman era. Now in the central square of the city in the pump-room, anyone can taste the water. In the city, along the coast of the lake, the picturesque alley of Rabindranath Tagore stretches with many monuments and sculptures to famous people who have ever been here. For those who like to ride a bike, there are bike paths.
Not far from Balatonfured is a peninsula Tihany(Hung. Tihany), where the same bike can be reached in 20 minutes. Here you can touch the historical and religious, visiting the Benedictine abbey of St. Anjos located on the peninsula (Hung. Tihanyi apatsag) founded in the 11th century.
Further west are two villages Badacsony(Hung. Badacsony) and Szigliget(Hung. Szigliget) are famous for their wines, which can be tasted here in many local restaurants. In addition to wine, Segliget is also known for the ruins of an old fortress of the 13th century, which are located on Castle Hill, which also offers an excellent view of the lake.
Another popular holiday destination on the north coast, rather even on the northwest, is Keszthely(Hung. Keszthely). This is a real city with a large resort area. Therefore, in the evenings there is something to see, where to go. Of the attractions, Keistthely boasts a Gothic Franciscan church, built in 1386, and the beautiful Festetics Palace (Hung. Festetics castely), surrounded by a beautiful park.
On the northern coast of Lake Balaton, 6 kilometers from the city of Keszthely, there is a thermal lake Heviz (Hungary. Heviz), which was formed in the crater of a long-extinct volcano and is the largest European thermal lake. Its depth is approximately 40 meters, and the temperature is from +26 in winter to +34 degrees in summer. The water source is located in an underwater cave, which has a diameter of about 18 meters. The bottom of this lake is covered with healing mud, and the water also has very useful properties. Amazingly beautiful lotuses float on the surface of Heviz. Today, there is a famous balneological center here, which is often visited by guests of the Balaton resort area. Up to 12 years old, swimming in Lake Heviz is prohibited.
Resting on Lake Balaton, you should definitely visit the city Tapolca(Hung. Tapolca), located 30 km from Keszthely and 40 from Balatonfured, respectively. The city is known for its karst caves and underground lake. Tavash(Hung. Tavas), where you can ride a boat.