An ocean of impressions from Lake Balaton

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A trip to Hungary would be incomplete without visiting Balaton and its surroundings. The country’s leading natural attraction is the largest lake in Central Europe. It covers an area of ​​over 600 square kilometers and is 78 kilometers long. Despite its enormous size, Balaton cannot be called a deep-water lake. Its maximum depth is only 12.2 meters, and the average depth is barely more than 3 meters. These figures do not prevent Balaton from remaining a favorite tourist attraction for many years. Its 235-kilometer coastline is home to many small towns, each of which is also worth the attention of travelers.

Travel planning

Lake Balaton is a unique lake that everyone who travels around Europe should visit. However, before doing this, you need to plan your trip carefully. Only then will visiting Hungary and its main natural attraction be as exciting as possible and leave you with an ocean of impressions.

The best way to get to Balaton is from Budapest. It is less than 100 km from the nearest reservoir point, so the trip will not take much time. The choice of suitable transport will be as wide as possible, from a train to a rented car. Budapest can be easily reached from dozens of countries around the world. The capital of Hungary has an international airport that operates successfully, receiving flights from different continents every day. Vienna, Bratislava, and Zagreb can be considered backup options. All these cities are also located a relatively short distance from Balaton, and you can get to the lake by car or bus.

Most of the coastline consists of small towns and their natural surroundings, so looking for housing in these towns is best. For travelers with unlimited financial resources, hotels, many of which are in the area around the lake, are also a good option. The cost of accommodation varies widely and depends on the level of comfort offered.

To get the most out of your visit to Balaton, you must have several essential items. First of all, this concerns night vision goggles and other similar optics. It will allow you to explore the area around the lake even after sunset and safely get to your overnight stay. Travelers will also need various items and clothing that protect against rain. It is a common occurrence around Balaton and can sometimes ruin a trip. All visitors should also have a camera with them. Although it will not convey all the beauty of the lake, it will allow you to capture the most interesting moments of the trip. The rest of the set of items is chosen arbitrarily depending on the needs of the traveler and the purpose of his visit to Hungary.

Which lakeside towns and villages should you visit?

Villages and small towns on all sides surround Balaton. All of them are attractive and interesting, so you should pay attention to most of them. To do this, you should gradually move from one settlement to another and thoroughly explore them. If you do not have enough time for this, visit at least three popular places, which we will discuss in more detail.

Tihany

The most unusual place on the shore of Lake Balaton is the village of Tihany. It attracts attention with its old houses with thatched roofs, an abundance of vegetation and several good points for observing the lake. Due to its location on a hill, this village is above the water level, which allows you to see Balaton from a different angle. Tihany is popular among travelers. There are always many people here, so you won’t be able to relax alone. In the vicinity of the village, you can see several amazing natural locations. They all become even more beautiful for photographers against the backdrop of Balaton.

Siofok

There are many beautiful places on Lake Balaton, but the most popular among travelers is Siófok. This town is located on the southern shore of the lake. It is known for its unique atmosphere and variety of entertainment. Several points in Siofok offer stunning views of the lake. The city also has many architectural landmarks built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Siófok is suitable for lovers of active recreation. There are good hiking trails, cycling routes and ideal locations for observing various living creatures in its vicinity. In the city, there are several places where you can enjoy the nightlife and get a full range of pleasures in one trip.