RECHARGE IN HUNGARY
Scenic hikes. Lakeside landscapes. Historic cities. Explore this gem of a holiday destination!
ACTIVITIES
RESORTS
HOTELS
INSIDER TIPS
WHY VISIT HUNGARY?
Fresh-air therapy
There’s no better feeling than being in the great outdoors! With lakeside beaches, swimming and sailing, there’s plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Take in the sights of the calm waters on a bike ride around Lake Balaton.
Set off on a hike along the Lóczy Gejzír trail and discover lush forests and meadows, babbling brooks, ruins and ancient chapels. Or venture to the Tapolca Lake caves for an extraordinary day out.
Historic culture
At the Western side of the lake is Keszthely - the oldest town and ‘capital’ of Lake Balaton. There you’ll find Festetics Palace, an aristocratic mansion surrounded by beautiful grounds.
A trip to Badacsony will reveal lakeside slopes, covered in grapevines. These vineyards inspired the expressionist painter József Egry, and you can see some of his works at the József Egry Memorial Museum. The village of Szigliget is also a must-see, with its scenic hilltop castle as the main attraction.
Relax and recharge
If you want to kick back and relax, there’s no better way to do this than from the largest lake in central Europe! You’ll find plenty of waterside spots to unwind, from peaceful areas of grass to stretches of sand with bars, restaurants, and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
For ultimate relaxation, head to Hévíz with its healing waters. Lake Hévíz is Europe’s biggest thermal lake, fed by hot springs that gush 60 million litres of water a day! Perfect for bathing all-year round, warm up in winter and enjoy the natural minerals in the water and mud, while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Meet Tamas, RCI guide for Hungary.
“There’s so much to do around Lake Balaton and it’s fantastic for family holidays. You can visit the lakes all-year round, but there are more activities on offer during the summer months. From beach volleyball, water polo and games of giant chess, to cycling and kayaking – you’re guaranteed fun!
I’d definitely recommend renting a car to explore nearby towns and villages – particularly Balatonfüred, Keszthely and Tihany with its baroque abbey. I’d also recommend a trip to Szigliget - the view from the top of the castle is spectacular, with panoramic views of the lakes. For a day out sightseeing, Hungary’s capital Budapest is just over an hour away from central Lake Balaton.
Sample the local Hungarian gastronomy and enjoy the traditional fishermens’ soup, Lángos (deep fried flatbread with different toppings), goulash soup, chicken paprikash (which is like a casserole), or for a sweet treat – try Kürtőskalács (a delicious pastry).”
INSIDER TIPS
The best time to visit Lake Balaton is in late spring through to September. June through to the end of August is the main season, with temperatures reaching almost 40 degrees. If you want to avoid the crowds, opt for a visit during May or September. In the winter, you can even ice-skate on the lake!
You can fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is just over an hour away from the lakes by car.
Be sure to do your research on public transport options for bus and shuttle services, or you can rent a car if you prefer the flexibility of getting around on your own.
From popular music festivals including Balaton Sound, to concerts and classical music events, there are plenty of opportunities to make your trip memorable. As the Lake Balaton region is famous for its white wine, there is also the Balaton Wine and Gourmet festival, along with other wine and food events throughout the year.
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