Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is recognized as the largest freshwater lake in Western Europe, it is located in Hungary. Once upon a time, a very long time ago, there was a real sea in this place, but the landscape has changed over time, and the size of the reservoir has decreased significantly. Despite this, some people in the country sometimes still call the lake the Hungarian Sea.

Description of Lake Balaton

It is located near the capital of Hungary, Budapest, you can get to it via a comfortable toll road, and there is also a free road. For those who do not drive, electric trains run here regularly; the journey takes just over an hour.

Around Lake Balaton there are a large number of places for recreation and recreation. Hydropathics were built because in the vicinity of the lake there are many mineral springs that are good for health. The lake gained wide popularity as a vacation spot at the beginning of the 19th century, when the first holiday homes, hotels and private cottages began to be built here. Beach holidays are common on the southern side of the reservoir; families with children come here. The bottom near the shore of Lake Balaton is not deep and very flat; the water depth near the sandy beach rarely exceeds 0.5 meters. There are many interesting sites around that will be useful to visit for tourists coming to Hungary.

Attractions near Lake Balaton

Keszthely is an ancient city, here you can admire fishing rods and houses that keep the imprint of bygone times. The main attraction of the city is the Festetics Palace; it used to be the ancestral home of a wealthy family. The castle was built in the Baroque style; the large-scale structure is surrounded by a park. Those who wish to take a tour of the castle will find luxurious 18th-century interiors - immaculate halls, grand staircases, columns, fireplaces, antique vases and other decorative items and furniture. The huge library also makes an unforgettable impression.

Tihany is a small peninsula on the northern side of Lake Balaton. There is a small town on it. It houses a Benedictine abbey, whose history began back in the 11th century. It is the main symbol of the lake. Local monks were the first to grow lavender in these places, and today it can be found everywhere here.

Balatonfured is considered the oldest health resort in this area, a town in the northeastern part of the lake. When exactly it was founded is unknown; the first mentions of the settlement date back to the beginning of the 13th century, and since the 18th century it received the official status of a water resort. The first steamship on Balaton departed from Balatonfüred to the opposite shore of the lake.

The lake is surrounded by natural and historical monuments; you need to allocate 2-3 days to explore its surroundings, and if you plan to have a beach holiday, you will definitely need at least a week. Lake Balaton is a truly interesting place with its unique cultural monuments and many places for quality recreation. Around it there are a large number of restaurants and cafes where you can try national Hungarian food and drinks.