LAKE BALATON

Lake Balaton, or The Balaton, is a freshwater lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary. It is the largest lake in Central Europe, and one of its foremost tourist destinations.

The peak tourist season extends from June until the end of August. The average water temperature during the summer is 25°C, which makes bathing and swimming popular on the lake. 

In the summertime, trains run frequently from the Déli train station in Budapest.

Reasons to go

swimming and sunbathing

You should know that the south bank has shallow, while the north bank has deep water. So if you are with children or can't swim, we recommend to go to the south part of the lake. 

Recommended towns in the south: Siófok, Szántód, Balatonlelle, Fonyód

Recommended towns in the north: Balatonalmádi, Balatonfüred, Badacsony, Keszthely

relaxing, wine tasting, horse riding

Of course you can still enjoy the lake at the uplands, yet we think that this part of the Balaton is more suitable for relaxing, walking, and simply admiring the beauties these places offer. 

The best idea is to find lodging at locals, and if you are lucky, you will find a room or a little cottage like the on in the picture. 

(We actually stayed in this beautiful cottage in Salföld in 2013.)

Recommended villages:

Salföld

Kisörspuszta

Ábrahámhegy

party and nightlife

If you are up for some real fun, then you should attend the Balaton Sound festival that takes place in Zamárdi every year in July. During the 4 days of craziness you can enjoy the music and water.

Beside Balaton Sound the best nightlife places can be found in Siófok.

CNN also has a quick guide to Lake Balaton, you can read the article by clicking here.