Keszthely: attractions and parking

Located on the western shore of Lake Balaton, Keszthely is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the region. Thanks to its rich historical heritage, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, it is an excellent destination for anyone who would like to immerse themselves in Hungarian history and enjoy the leisure opportunities offered by Lake Balaton. Here are some sights worth visiting if you find yourself in Keszthely:

1. Festetics Palace

Keszthely’s best-known attraction is the Baroque-style Festetics Palace, located in the heart of the town. Built in the 18th century, the palace was once the home of the Festetics family and now operates as a museum. Visitors can see the Helikon Library, rooms furnished in period style, and the carriage and hunting exhibition. The palace park is a wonderful place for a pleasant stroll.

2. Balaton Museum

The Balaton Museum offers an insight into the history, wildlife, and folk culture of Lake Balaton and its surroundings. Its interactive exhibitions are not only informative but entertaining, making them a particularly recommended activity for families.

3. Keszthely Municipal Beach

During the summer months, Keszthely Municipal Beach is one of the most popular destinations. Beachgoers can enjoy clean water, a sandy shore, water slides, and sun loungers and pedal boats for hire. There are also restaurants and cafés near the beach.

4. Amazon House Visitor Center

This recently renovated historic building hosts exhibitions and museum programs. Visitors can learn about Keszthely’s past and the history of the Festetics family.

5. Pethő House and Main Square

Keszthely’s town center invites visitors to enjoy a pleasant stroll. With its Baroque-style Main Square, cafés, restaurants, and historic Pethő House, it is an ideal place to take a break. The surrounding streets are also home to numerous small shops and gift stores.

6. Close to Lake Hévíz

Although it is not located directly in Keszthely, the famous Lake Hévíz lies just a few kilometers away. It is the world’s largest natural thermal lake and makes a perfect addition to your itinerary if you are looking for relaxation and wellness experiences.

7. Georgikon Farm History Exhibition Site

Georgikon, Hungary’s first agricultural higher education institution, was established in Keszthely. At the exhibition site, visitors can learn about the history of agriculture and everyday peasant life.

Parking in Keszthely

Several parking zones are available in and around Keszthely town center, with parking hours and hourly rates varying by season. The hourly rates below apply to the summer season; lower rates are in effect outside the season. You can find the current rates on the Keszthely parking page. Parking fees vary by zone and vehicle category. The most expensive zone is zone 8301, where the hourly rate is HUF 520 for passenger cars, light trucks, and vans, and HUF 1,560 for trucks and buses. Parking is limited to a maximum of 3 hours here. In zone 8302, passenger cars and smaller commercial vehicles can park at the lower rate of HUF 440 for up to 4 hours. Rates in the other zones (e.g., 8303, 8304, 8309) are even lower—for example, in zones 8303 and 8309, passenger cars can park for just HUF 360 per hour, with no time limit. Before parking, it is worth checking the exact zone number, as it determines both the fee payable and the maximum permitted parking time.

Last updated: 27. 10. 2026.