Time travel around Lake Balaton; how it looked in the past century and how it looks now – PHOTOS

Lake Balaton or as many Hungarians call it: “the Hungarian Sea” is one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and foreign vacation-goers. There were times when Germans flooded Lake Balaton’s beaches, and it has stolen the heart of many people who visited the largest lake in Central Europe. Whether to enjoy the festivals at the lake or just to go and relax away from the teeming cities, it is certainly a destination you will not regret visiting; hopefully, it will be possible soon.

In this article, we have collected 13 locations in the most popular cities around Lake Balaton to show you how time has transformed them to the places many people love today. Buckle up and get ready for time travel. If you are curious, you can find out why exactly is the largest lake of Central Europe called Balaton by clicking the link. 

Tihany

The Benedictine Abbey in Tihany is a beloved destination for many tourists and school trips. As well as a religious sight, the outlook from Tihany itself is stunning. For the most romantic places around Balaton, click the link.

The monument not far from the old building is still there, but the current, more modern building is the product of the ’60s and was renovated and upgraded in 2015 to be able to serve the need of the increased number of visitors.

Keszthely

Unfortunately, the old building of the Szigetfürdő or Sziget-strand was demolished in the ’60s, instead of renovating it. Still, luckily, in the second half of the 2000s, the building was reconstructed to imitate the old building, but the interior can provide the needs of the 21st century. In 2017, the two towers were entirely rebuilt, and it received new ornamental lighting.

The Uránia Theatre was built after 1910, which was the first movie theatre of the city. From the ’30s it was used as a garage and in 1964, the whole building was demolished and a “concrete box” was built in its place. Luckily, in 2002, the building’s reconstruction was finished, and it was redesigned by Csaba Csontos to imitate the old building’s façade. It is now home to the Balaton Kongresszusi Központ és Színház (Balaton Theatre and Congress Centre).

Although the ravages of time took the toll on some buildings, others are still standing (fore right) and the entire street leading up to the last few hundred meters in front of the Festetics Palace, have been reconstructed as a promenade with shops and heritage buildings.

Balatonfüred

The two bronze statues were gifted to Balatonfüred in 1941 after the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of István Széchenyi’s birth. They represent the two ancient occupations that Lake Balaton provided people with.