Lake Balaton, “the Hungarian Sea”
Lake Balaton is the most popular summer holiday destination in Hungary, famous for its many lakeside towns, local wines, lakeside festivals, and more.
- • Lake Balaton, affectionately known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’, is the absolute largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, located just a short drive from Budapest.
- • The lake is divided by its shores: the southern shore is famous for shallow, warm water perfect for family beaches and summer parties, while the northern shore features volcanic mountains and historic wine regions.
- • It serves as Hungary’s ultimate summer destination, widely famous for extensive sailing, cycling the 200km lake loop, and visiting the historic Tihany Peninsula.
If you’ve seen it all in Budapest, including all the thermal baths, it’s time to broaden your horizon and explore more of Hungary. If you’re visiting during the summer season, Lake Balaton is a must-see attraction in the countryside. Often called “the Hungarian Sea”, Balaton is the most popular holiday destination of the locals, and thanks to the small size of the country, it’s easily reachable from the capital – by car or public transportation. And once you’re there, we can assure you, you won’t want to leave. The warm water, the sweet local wines, the tasty lángos, the lakeside music, culture, and art festivals as well as the charming little towns of the area all offer different experiences just over 100 km from Budapest. Read on and find out which part of the Balaton you should discover first!
Northern and southern shores – the two faces of the Balaton
As the biggest lake in Central Europe with a 230 km-long coastline and 40 villages around it, Lake Balaton is certainly the number one summer getaway spot in Hungary. The south coast is famous for its shallow water that often heats up to 25-26 Celsius degrees during summer season, while on the northern bank, you can plunge into deeper and cooler waters. And if you can’t pick a side, you can also rent a kayak, a paddleboat, a stand-up paddle, or (with a license) take a sailing boat out to the open water.
Badacsony, the vineyard of Lake Balaton
Located on the north coast of Balaton, Badacsony is both the name of the mountain top and the town in that region. Thanks to its southern slopes and volcanic basalt soil, the hill is the most famous wine region by the Balaton. You can spend a day or so in the company of good food and wine as you casually hike up to the top, stopping by the many vineyards along the way. Once on the top, you will get a breathtaking view over the lake – something you simply cannot miss! Besides its tasty wine, Badacsony is also the gate of the Balaton Uplands National Park where you can explore the many hills on the northern bank of the lake.
Tihany, the place for relaxation and nature
If you prefer to slow down while on holiday, Tihany is definitely the place to be. Formed by an ancient volcanic crater, Tihany Peninsula is well-known for its trademark echo sounds, the sweet fragrance of lavender fields, and the Benedictine monastery atop the hill that offers yet another panoramic view over the Balaton and the region. The charming little town of Tihany is also definitely worth a stroll, and if you’re up for exploring more, you can look for a series of man-made caves from the 11th century, called Hermit’s Caves.
The party districts of Lake Balaton
Among the many faces of Balaton, you can find a buzzing nightlife at more than one corner of the lake. Without a doubt, Lake Balaton’s party capital is Siófok, located on the southern shores. From early June until late August, the town is vibrant with the sounds and lights of the nightclubs stretching along the waterfront. Besides Siófok, Balaton also has its own music festival, Balaton Sound, which happens yearly in Zamárdi, a town nearby Siófok.
Budapest’s nightlife also offers numerous entertainment venues, where you can find gay bars (e.g. Habroló Bisztró) and nightclubs for adults too.
How to get to Lake Balaton from Budapest
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Lake Balaton is by car. Take motorway M7 and get prepared for busy roads, especially during the weekends. If you’re going to the south shore, stay on M7 until you get to your destination, but if you’d like to get to the north shore, you will need to take the exit where M7 crossed Road 71. Don’t forget to purchase a motorway pass before starting your journey!
If you prefer to use public transportation, you can choose between train and bus services, running frequently from Budapest. Trains leave from the Déli Train Station (on the Buda side, metro line M2), while buses embark from Népliget Bus Station (on the Pest side, metro line M3). Bon voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lake Balaton called the Hungarian Sea?
Because Hungary is landlocked, the massive, almost 80km-long Lake Balaton serves as the primary summer beach destination for the entire country, earning it the nickname the 'Hungarian Sea'.
What is the difference between the north and south shore of Lake Balaton?
The southern shore is very flat with shallow, quickly warming water, making it ideal for families and beach resorts. The northern shore is mountainous, famous for deep water, historic towns like Balatonfüred, and extensive volcanic vineyards.
What is Tihany at Lake Balaton?
The Tihany Peninsula is a massive spit of land jutting out into the lake. It is crowned by the majestic Benedictine Tihany Abbey, offering sweeping panoramic views of the water.
