Lake Balaton

With its 596 square kilometres, Lake Balaton in Hungary is the largest inland lake in Central and Western Europe.

The bathing lake not only offers good water quality, but also summer temperatures. Due to its depth, which is just three metres, the water temperature reaches about 27 degrees. Especially the south shore is suitable for families and children to relax and splash around. There you can walk a few hundred metres into the lake, as the water is very shallow. The "Balaton Riviera" area is a tip for spring: fruit and almond trees blossom colourfully at this time of year.

With 195 kilometres of shoreline, there are numerous bathing beaches and leisure facilities. The lakeside beaches offer large sunbathing areas. There are also many restaurants and cafés. For the little ones, there are also slides, trampolines or bouncy castles. It is also possible to rent water equipment. With holiday homes directly on the lake shore, Lake Balaton is also a popular destination for summer holidays.

Lake Balaton offers a wide range of leisure activities:
 

• The lake is excellent for fishing due to its abundance of fish. Fishing permits can be purchased at the harbours, tourist offices or travel agencies.
   
• Horse lovers can also pursue their passion at Lake Balaton. Horse riding has a long tradition here. There is a wide range of riding lessons and excursions for beginners and professionals.
   
• Those who like it sporty can play tennis at numerous places on Lake Balaton. Tennis lessons, equipment, or even the possibility to rent the court are offered.
   
• No motorized boats are allowed on the lake, which makes it the ideal place for sailing and surfing.
   
• The long shore is also suitable for an extensive bicycle tour. The 210-kilometre-long Balaton Cycle Path is recommended, where you can enjoy the nature of the area.
   
• The best holiday resort for party lovers is Siófok. Here you can party not only in clubs, but also “open-air”. In summer there is a wide range of disco boats.
   
• Those who are more in search of relaxation are well advised to visit a thermal spa. Bad Héviz is Hungary's most famous spa and the largest natural thermal lake in the world.
   
• The northern side of Lake Balaton has a long wine tradition. The Badacsony vineyard is considered a landmark of Lake Balaton. Wine is grown on the slopes of the extinct volcano. Many wine tours are offered locally.

• Lake Balaton is located in the west of Hungary.
• The holiday resorts around the lake can be reached by car and by train.