Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton, referred to as "Hungary's Sea", is situated right in the middle of Transdanubia. With length of 77 kms and width of 2-14 kms it accounts for Central Europe's largest body of water. Between Tihany and Szántód, it has a narrow passage of 1,5 km. It is shallow, the average depth being 3 m. Along the shore more than 40 settlements are lined up: villages, towns, holiday camps. During high season in the summer, holiday makers are carried by ships and ferries from one shore to another.

Keszthely, the largest town in the Balaton Region, lies west of the lake.The Baroque Festetich Castle, the Gothic style Parish Church and the Balaton Museum are well known nationwide. The Agriculture University evolved from the Georgikon School for Agriculture, the first institution of this kind in Europe, founded in 1797.

The spa Hévíz (Heviz) lies in the neighbourhood of Keszthely . The five-acred warm water pond of Hévíz, fed by several underground thermal springs, accounts for Europe's largest.

The beach of Lake Balaton at Siófok (Siofok) is one of Hungary's most frequented holiday places. Siófok's port serves as harbour for most Balaton sailing boats. Close to the promenade stands the house of Imre Kálmán, the renowned operetta composer. His house is now museum.

The Peninsula of Tihany, reaching deeply into the lake, abounds in natural and etnographical curiosities. The Abbey of Tihany is a precious historic monument. Its deed of foundation dates back to 1055. Badacsony, Csopak, Balatonfüred, Szigliget, Balatonboglár: these are the most famous villages in the Balaton wine-growing region.

If you need accommodation near Lake Balaton (Keszthely, Heviz, Siofok, Tihany) or you are looking for hotels in towns of Lake Balaton, please send us an email: info@budapestrooms.com

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