Discover Hungary's jewel box: The magical Balaton

27. 12. 2023. 27. 12. 2023.
Discover Hungary's jewel box: The magical Balaton

Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is the pride and treasure of Hungary. With its unique beauty and diverse possibilities, Lake Balaton is an attractive destination for tourists every year. If you haven't been here yet, now is the time to explore this magical lake and its surroundings.

Unmissable Sights of Lake Balaton

  • Siófok
    Siófok is located on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, on the banks of the Sió channel that divides the lake into two parts. Siófok is the main resort town of Balaton, where sunny beaches, sparkling nightlife and countless events guarantee excellent entertainment.
  • Tihany
    One of the most characteristic settlements of Balaton is Tihany, the settlement on the peninsula that rises from the middle of the lake. Visit the Benedictine abbey, enjoy the wonderful view of the lake, and stroll through the charming streets of the port.
  • Balatonfüred
    Balatonfüred is famous for its healing springs and the atmosphere of its pleasant walks. The Blaha Lujza promenade is located here, where cafes, restaurants and boutiques await visitors. Don't miss the Tagore Promenade either!
  • Badacsony 
    If you are interested in wine and the landscape, Badacsony is the place for you. Badacsony Hill is an excellent location for wine tastings, and the view of the lake and its surroundings from its top is impressive.
  • Keszthely
    Keszthely is located on the western shore of Lake Balaton, where the Zala River flows into the lake. Visit Festetics Castle, one of the most beautiful castles on Lake Balaton, and wander through the heart of the city.

Activities and Entertainment

  • Water Sports:
    Balaton is an excellent place for water sports enthusiasts. You can try sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or even water skiing.
  • Cycling:
    The cycle path around Balaton is an exciting challenge for all cyclists. Explore the surroundings of the lake by cycling in the fresh air!
  • Wellness and Spa:
    There are numerous wellness hotels around Lake Balaton where you can relax with baths, massages and other pampering services.
  • Cultural Experiences:
    Don't miss the programs of the Balaton Summer, where concerts, festivals and cultural events await visitors.

Partying around Lake Balaton

Parking can be an important aspect when traveling on the shores of Lake Balaton. Well-equipped parking spaces are available for visitors in almost every settlement on the lake. Central parking lots are easily accessible in cities and tourist centers such as Siófok, Balatonfüred or Keszthely, where it is possible to stop the vehicle for a longer period of time. There are often paid parking lots near the beaches and major attractions, where you can spend the day on the shores of the lake and easily reach the sights of the area. It is worth finding out about the parking fees and possible restrictions in advance so that you can smoothly enjoy the experiences offered by Lake Balaton.

You can find paid public parking lots in the following Balaton settlements:

  • Badacsony
  • Balatonboglár
  • Balatonfenyves
  • Balatonföldvár
  • Balatonfüred
  • Fonyód
  • Keszthely
  • Siófok
  • Tihany
  • Zamárdi

The price of parking in public spaces ranges from HUF 200 to 800 per hour.

The above information is informative and may differ from the real data in some cases. To view the current parking tariffs, click the button below!