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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: N/A
- Languages: Local language(s)
- Climate:
- Timezone:
- Population:
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Lake Balaton is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and most attractions are open.
- Visa Requirements
About Lake Balaton
Top Attractions
1. Tihany Peninsula: A picturesque area with stunning views, historic Benedictine Abbey, and lavender fields. The peninsula offers panoramic vistas of the lake and is a haven for nature lovers. 2. Balatonfüred: Known as the "capital of the northern shore," this charming town features elegant promenades, historic villas, and the famous Anna Ball, a traditional social event. 3. Keszthely: Home to the grand Festetics Palace, a beautifully preserved baroque mansion with a renowned library and museum, surrounded by lush gardens. 4. Badacsony: A volcanic hill famous for its vineyards, wine cellars, and breathtaking sunsets. The area is a hotspot for wine tasting and scenic walks. 5. Siófok: The largest and liveliest resort town on the southern shore, known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and family-friendly attractions.
Popular Activities
Swimming and sunbathing at the lake’s many beaches are top summer activities. Cycling around the lake on well-marked trails offers a fantastic way to explore the region. Sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking are popular water sports. Wine tasting tours in Badacsony and Balatonfüred provide insight into local viticulture. Cultural experiences include visiting historic sites, attending open-air concerts, and exploring local markets. Hiking in the Tihany Peninsula and Badacsony region rewards visitors with stunning views and unique flora.
Lake Balaton Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Hungary
- Duration Range: Swimming and sunbathing at the lake’s many beaches are top summer activities. Cycling around the lake on well-marked trails offers a fantastic way to explore the region. Sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking are popular water sports. Wine tasting tours in Badacsony and Balatonfüred provide insight into local viticulture. Cultural experiences include visiting historic sites, attending open-air concerts, and exploring local markets. Hiking in the Tihany Peninsula and Badacsony region rewards visitors with stunning views and unique flora.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Lake Balaton is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and most attractions are open. Pack swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and light clothing for summer, plus a jacket for cooler evenings. Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are common in hotels and restaurants. Respect local customs by greeting people politely and tipping around 10% in restaurants. Stay safe by swimming only in designated areas and keeping valuables secure. English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Hungarian phrases is appreciated.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $180
3 Available Tour Excursions in Lake Balaton
Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why Festetics Castle is one of the most known buildings of Keszthely? You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Keszthely. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most out of it!
Price: $190.49
Duration: 2 hours
The exclusive tour only in the Christmas period! This special times brings magic in Kesthei. Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautifully decorated places in Kesthei. You will feel spellbound with the charming atmosphere, which you can feel only this time of the year! What is the story of the Christmas tree? Who was the first to decorate it in the world? What magical things can happen during the Christmas period? Have you heard about Christmas spells? You will hear miraculous Christmas legends about Kesthei. You will visit. What makes it so popular? What local products must taste at Christmas? Fill your heart with the joy and experience magic of Kesthei.
Price: $236.63
Duration: 2 hours
From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period! Enjoy an exceptional view of the Balaton region that will be forever inscribed in your memory.
Price: $106.48
Duration: 2 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Lake Balaton.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Lake Balaton’s cuisine is influenced by Hungarian traditions and the region’s abundant freshwater fish. Signature dishes include fogas (Balaton pike-perch), served grilled or fried, and halászlé (fisherman’s soup), a spicy fish stew. Local specialties also feature freshwater crayfish, stuffed cabbage, and hearty stews. The area is famous for its white wines, especially from Badacsony. Dining customs are relaxed, with an emphasis on sharing and enjoying meals outdoors in summer. Noteworthy restaurants include Kistücsök in Balatonfüred, known for its traditional Hungarian dishes, and Halászbástya in Siófok, specializing in fresh fish.
Getting Around
Lake Balaton is easily accessible from Budapest by train or car, with the journey taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. The region is well-connected by a network of trains and buses that run along both the northern and southern shores. Local transportation is efficient and affordable, with regular services between major towns. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring remote areas, but cycling is a popular and eco-friendly alternative. Public transport tickets are reasonably priced, and taxis are available in larger towns.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Lake Balaton is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and most attractions are open. Pack swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and light clothing for summer, plus a jacket for cooler evenings. Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are common in hotels and restaurants. Respect local customs by greeting people politely and tipping around 10% in restaurants. Stay safe by swimming only in designated areas and keeping valuables secure. English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Hungarian phrases is appreciated.
Culture & Customs
Lake Balaton’s culture is rooted in Hungarian traditions, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and community. Social customs include greeting with a handshake and using formal titles when meeting new people. The region hosts several festivals, such as the Anna Ball in Balatonfüred and wine harvest celebrations in Badacsony. Local etiquette values politeness and respect for elders. Visitors are encouraged to participate in local events and try regional specialties to fully experience the area’s vibrant culture.
