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Why you need to go to Lake Balaton
Hungary might not be the first place that pops into your mind for a summer holiday – but that’s only until you’ve heard of Lake Balaton. It packs in everything from fine wine sipping and lakeside lounging to picture-perfect quaint towns that'll make you feel like you’ve struck travel gold.
We’ll take you through where Lake Balaton sits on the map, what kind of weather to expect and the best things to do there to show you why it should be on your radar.
We’ll take you through where Lake Balaton sits on the map, what kind of weather to expect and the best things to do there to show you why it should be on your radar.
Where is Lake Balaton?
Sure, Budapest often takes centre stage. But head south-west from Hungary’s capital for just under two hours and you’ll find central Europe’s largest lake – so big, it’s nicknamed the ‘Hungarian Sea’. This place opens up a whole new side of the country, one where pretty lakeside towns, rolling vineyards and wild landscapes are all within easy reach. When it comes to the main towns to base yourself, you’ve got Balatonfüred on the northern shore of the lake and Siófok on the south side.
What’s the weather like in Lake Balaton?
July and August crank up the heat at Lake Balaton to a warm 35°C – ideal for those long lakeside days and that typical summer holiday feel. These peak months come with a lively atmosphere, as the resort towns and their bars and restaurants fill up with energy.
Expect temperatures to mellow out to around 25°C during the spring and early autumn months, like May and September. These are prime times to fill your days with lots of active things to do – and there’ll likely be fewer people around to photobomb your scenic snaps.
Things to do in Lake Balaton
1. Take a bike ride
Lake Balaton’s a fab place to explore by bike, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or haven’t been on two wheels in years. With wide, gentle paths and roads, it’s an easy – and eco-friendly – way to get around. Hire a bike or e-bike, and book a guided tour if you’re after local insight. First time on an e-bike? Don’t sweat it. It’s as simple as riding a regular bike, but with a pull forward as you pedal, which comes in handy for those uphill moments.
Join a guided cycle route around Balatonfüred or Siófok to hit highlights like the lakeside promenades and their gorgeous gardens with some historic bits mixed in, like Siófok’s Water Tower (an over 100-year-old observation deck). With the breeze on your face and stunning views all around, it’s a top-tier way to get a feel for the area. And if you’re up to taking your wheels further afield, there’s loads more to see – but we’ll get to that later.
Join a guided cycle route around Balatonfüred or Siófok to hit highlights like the lakeside promenades and their gorgeous gardens with some historic bits mixed in, like Siófok’s Water Tower (an over 100-year-old observation deck). With the breeze on your face and stunning views all around, it’s a top-tier way to get a feel for the area. And if you’re up to taking your wheels further afield, there’s loads more to see – but we’ll get to that later.
2. Taste the local wine
With wine-making roots stretching back to Roman times, Lake Balaton’s home to lots of wineries and vineyards that are well worth visiting. Scattered around the lake, each wine region’s got its own unique flair and flavours. So, whether you’re a real wine buff or just someone who loves a good glass now and then, you can swirl and sip your way through the area’s standout whites, rosés and reds to find one or more that’s to your taste.
On a guided tour, expect to experience it all – peeking into barrel rooms brimming with aging wines, taste testing some for yourself and strolling through rows of lush grapevines. Don’t forget to take in the calming countryside views that go on for miles. And let’s be honest, these vineyards are prime selfie territory, so don’t be shy about snapping a pic with that glass held high.
On a guided tour, expect to experience it all – peeking into barrel rooms brimming with aging wines, taste testing some for yourself and strolling through rows of lush grapevines. Don’t forget to take in the calming countryside views that go on for miles. And let’s be honest, these vineyards are prime selfie territory, so don’t be shy about snapping a pic with that glass held high.
3. Visit a village that lives for lavender
There’s a tiny hilltop gem that’s a must-find during your hols – a village called Tihany. It’s a quick 35-minute hop from Balatonfüred, either by the 7355 bus or by bike. Top tip – if cycling, go for an e-bike to tackle those slightly steeper stretches with ease.
Tihany’s known for its lavender fields, which blanket the hills in purple during the peak of summer. When you reach the centre of the village, make your way to the little distillery, lab and shop. Take a tour to see how Lavender Tihany turn their lavender into all-natural products, like sleep serums, scented candles and even gin, or just grab a few goodies to take home.
If you’re not all lavendered out, stop by Rege Cukrászda, a café/bar where the lake views from the terrace are as charming as the lavender-inspired menu. And to top off the visit? Walk up the steps to Tihany Abbey and you’ll find a lookout spot with panoramic scenes of the lake in all its glory. Trust us, it’s worth the extra steps.
Tihany’s known for its lavender fields, which blanket the hills in purple during the peak of summer. When you reach the centre of the village, make your way to the little distillery, lab and shop. Take a tour to see how Lavender Tihany turn their lavender into all-natural products, like sleep serums, scented candles and even gin, or just grab a few goodies to take home.
If you’re not all lavendered out, stop by Rege Cukrászda, a café/bar where the lake views from the terrace are as charming as the lavender-inspired menu. And to top off the visit? Walk up the steps to Tihany Abbey and you’ll find a lookout spot with panoramic scenes of the lake in all its glory. Trust us, it’s worth the extra steps.
4. Lounge by the lake
Alongside days filled with exploring, why not fit in a beach day or two? Lake Balaton’s beaches are ideal for kicking back or diving into on-the-water activities – whatever your holiday vibe calls for. For a low-key afternoon, find a spot to pull out your holiday read at Gödrösi Public Beach in Tihany. It’s simple and no-frills, but rest assured the lake views are anything but. If you’re after more facilities, head to Esterházy Beach and Waterpark in Balatonfüred. With a sandy shore, grassy spots dotted with sun loungers, pools and waterslides for the kids, it’s popular with families and has even bagged a Blue Wave Flag award for its eco-friendly upkeep.
And if you’re up for more than just a dip in the water, there’s plenty to do. Hire a pedalo, paddleboard or rowing boat, glide across the lake’s calm, fresh waters and soak in the views – it’s a fab way to switch up your lakeside downtime.
And if you’re up for more than just a dip in the water, there’s plenty to do. Hire a pedalo, paddleboard or rowing boat, glide across the lake’s calm, fresh waters and soak in the views – it’s a fab way to switch up your lakeside downtime.
5. Walk a nature trail
Fancy a change of pace? Trade lakeside strolls for a nature walk and step into Lake Balaton’s wilder side. These free, well-marked trails are ideal for an easy wander, with picnic stops, wildlife-spotting moments and views that’ll have you reaching for your camera.
The Töreki trail is a standout. This 9km loop winds through shaded forests where branches form natural archways. Stop at the treehouse-like lookout tower to spot colourful water birds or follow the Cineage Stream – Lake Balaton’s only direct water source – past artificial lakes home to swans and ducks. A 35-minute bus from Siófok gets you to the trailhead at Balatonszéplak-alsó.
For something longer, try the Koloska Valley trail. This 12.7km out-and-back route leads to the Jókai lookout for panoramic town and lake views. Go early for deer spotting at the Wildlife Park and pack a picnic for those mid-hike munchies. A bus from Balatonfüred takes around 45 minutes to reach the starting point at the Koloska Inn. And you don’t have to walk the whole way – there's plenty to see in the first stretch.
The Töreki trail is a standout. This 9km loop winds through shaded forests where branches form natural archways. Stop at the treehouse-like lookout tower to spot colourful water birds or follow the Cineage Stream – Lake Balaton’s only direct water source – past artificial lakes home to swans and ducks. A 35-minute bus from Siófok gets you to the trailhead at Balatonszéplak-alsó.
For something longer, try the Koloska Valley trail. This 12.7km out-and-back route leads to the Jókai lookout for panoramic town and lake views. Go early for deer spotting at the Wildlife Park and pack a picnic for those mid-hike munchies. A bus from Balatonfüred takes around 45 minutes to reach the starting point at the Koloska Inn. And you don’t have to walk the whole way – there's plenty to see in the first stretch.
6. Set sail on a boat trip
If floating along the water sounds like your vibe, make your way to Balatonfüred, where boat trips kick off right from the promenade. You’ll spot the boats bobbing in the marina – head across the bridge and voilà, there’s the ticket office. These boats ooze nostalgic charm, complete with a fluttering Hungarian flag at the back.
A boat trip’s a winner on a warm, clear day – think fresh lake air and picture-perfect moments on the water. Most boats have a little bar inside, so you can grab a cold drink to sip at a wooden table as you glide along. There’s really something special about watching other sailing boats drift by as the lake sparkles under the sun. Take a second to close your eyes, feel the breeze and just soak it all in – though not for long, or you’ll miss the stunning views.
A boat trip’s a winner on a warm, clear day – think fresh lake air and picture-perfect moments on the water. Most boats have a little bar inside, so you can grab a cold drink to sip at a wooden table as you glide along. There’s really something special about watching other sailing boats drift by as the lake sparkles under the sun. Take a second to close your eyes, feel the breeze and just soak it all in – though not for long, or you’ll miss the stunning views.
Feeling like Lake Balaton just shot to the top of your travel list? Put your holiday plans in motion or get more inspo on our Lakes & Mountains homepage.
Author: Charlotte Baldwin
Last updated: 20.11.2024
Author: Charlotte Baldwin
Last updated: 20.11.2024