Balaton Lake Hungary
Balaton – the lake on the west of Hungary, the hugest lake in Central Europe.
The distance to Balaton Lake from Zagreb city in Croatia – 174 km
The distance to Balaton Lake from Budapest city in Hungary – 90 km
Balaton Lake – Hungary resort – center of family rest and water types of sport: sailing, rowing, surfing, water skiing, fishing.
There are 25 kinds of fish in the lake, and its limited catch is aloud if you have a license. The most popular among fishermen is carp fishing. Lots of swans are living next to the Balaton.
Balaton – the most famous health-improving Hungarian resort with mineral and thermal springs.
On the Balaton Lake banks there are a lot of different mineral water springs.
An area of Balaton Lake is 594 sq.km, the length – 79 km, its width varies from 1.2 till 12.4 km, and the length of coastline – 236 km. Balaton Lake has an interesting form: it is stretched from south-west to the north-east, and these are the consequences of tectonic origin of the lake. Balaton has a form of basin along the south-east Bakony mountains foots on Pannonia plain.
Balaton sometimes being called the Hungarian Sea, because its size, and also because Hungary has no entrance to the real sea.
The unique characteristic of Balaton is its little depth. The middle depth of the lake is about 3 meters, and the only one really deep place of the lake – Tihany trough next to the big peninsula Tihany (12,5 m).
Because it’s small depth the water in a lake always warming quiet well; in summers the middle temperature of lake is 21-22 C, sometimes even 26 C. Water in Balaton is clean, but not transparent because of the presence of plankton. The most common water color – light-green, but the color can easily change during the day.
Tourism on Balaton started developing in 18th century. The coastal settles turned into resorts, where Hungarian and Austrian aristocracy was spending their time.
Firstly, Balaton was famous, in general, by its healing springs with mineral water, and later on rest on Balaton got a widespread popularity as a beach too.
Today along almost whole Balaton Lake coast placed little hotels,
private villas,
and private apartments for rest on Balaton and to offer villas to guests during the Balaton beach season.
Due to the unique lake’s climate and long sunny summer, rest on Balaton attracts guests from the middle of the May till the end of September.
Balaton Sights
Tihany peninsula
Tihany peninsula – the biggest peninsula on the Balaton Lake – and one of the most loved place of relaxed tourists. In the center of Tihany peninsula two lakes are located: Kyulshё (external) and Belshё (outer), surrounded by cones of extinct geysers. Coasts of the lakes are covered with reeds and cane, the depth doesn’t exceed 2-3 meters. On Tihany, besides everything, placed the benediction abbey of St.Anosh, which was formed in 1055 – the oldest monastery in Hungary. Document about the abbey foundation preserved. It is written in Latin, there are around 100 Hungarian words in it, and it is considered as the most ancient monument of Hungarian language.
The main pearl of abbey are the carved altars.
Кis-Balaton
Kis-Balaton – or the Small Balaton – guarded reserve – swamped territory to the south-west from Balaton, not very far from Keszthely city – the refuge of enormous amount of birds: storks, herons, wild geese, ducks and others. Local fishermen are building special boats for moving through shallow and reeded water. There is a reserve for buffalos on Small Balaton – its name is Kapolna-pusta. Territory of Small Balaton is being guarded, but a part of reserve is opened for visitor. In Keszthely city there is a Museum of Balaton.
Loci Cave
Loci Cave – the largest cave in Balaton Lake surroundings. The length of cave is more than 100 meters. Cave is discovered in 1892, but for visitors it was opened only in 1934. Loci Cave is located in the north from Balatonfüred, on the Tamasha mountains slopes. The formation of Loci Cave is a result of limestone erosion by hot thermal waters.
Nature park of Balaton Upland
Natural park of Balaton Upland – one of ten Hungarian nature parks, founded in 1997. Park stretches along all the north coast of Balatonfüred Lake till the Kёstheya in Bakony mountains. In the park there are a lot of dormant volcanos, ex-geysers, craters, lava exits, which have, sometimes, really wonderful forms. The biggest basalt “organ” is located on the St. Georg mountain.
Not very far from Tapolca town you can find an entrance into caves with underground lakes; the caves were opened in 1903. The visiting of the park is limited by special paths.
In caves of Balaton Upland some of breathing organs diseases are being treated by “cave air”.
Heviz Lake
Heviz Lake – the largest thermal European lake. It formed in the crater of dormant volcano. An area of thermal lake – 4.7 ha, depth – more than 40 meters, temperature of the water in the summer starts from 34 C, and in the winter goes down till 26 C. The source of hot thermal water is placed in natural underwater cave with diameter around 18 meters. The water in the lake is healing and not-radioactive, the bottom of lake is covered with healing dirt, and its surface – with lotus flowers. The diseases of locomotory system are being treated there.
Heviz Lake is located in 6 km from Keszthely resort (north-western ending of Balaton Lake), on the edge of Heviz city – in 210 km from Budapest city.
Heviz Lake – one of the most popular places in Europe for health treatment.
Legends of Balaton
Many old legends about Balaton Lake are existing. The most famous one legend of Balaton says, that on the bottom of the lake there is a church, where there is a girl, who is endlessly crying, and while she is crying, the Balaton won’t dry out.
Video about Balaton Lake:
Balaton resorts
Balatonfüred – Balaton Lake resort
The main attraction of Balatonfüred resort – healing mineral water springs. On the central square of Balatonfüred – Dod Square – in 1800 the drinking hall in honor of Lajos Kossuth was built, where those who are relaxing on Balaton are still drinking water.
Sanatoriums of Balatonfüred are specialized on cardiological diseases.
Apartments for rest – Balatonfüred resort
Apartments Levendula – guests rating 9.2 (10) – 10 min walk to Balaton Lake
Apartments Villa Muzsa DeLuxe – guests rating 8.9 (10) – 200 meters to Balaton Lake
Apartments Villa Еden – guests rating 8.7 (10) – 20 min walk to Balaton Lake
Apartments Georg Villa 3* – guests rating 8.4 (10) – 300 meters to Balaton Lake
Apartments Barbara – 100 meters to Balaton Lake
Apartments Panorama – guests rating 9.5 (10) – 1,2 km to Benedictine Abbey of peninsula Tihanj
Hotels – Balatonfüred resort Balaton lake
Hotel Andrea Pansio 3* Balatonfured
SUPERB rating 9.2 / 10
Review score based on 515 reviews
Situated: central location in Balatonfüred
Distance to beach: 500 meters
Add: rooms with balcony and flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, for guests air green garden with a sun terrace, swimming pool, barbecue facilities on site, 200 m in the town centre with restaurants and a children’s playground, the Füred Kiserdö Park is 300 m from the hotel, bicycle rental 5 min walk away, free shuttle service from the Aracsi train station, free private parking
Cost room 2 per: from 39 euro
Photo and discription the hotel Andrea Pansio 3* Balatonfured
Aparthotel Villa Balazs Balatonfured
FABULOUS rating 8.7 / 10
Review score based on 129 reviews
Situated:
Distance to beach: 10 min walk
Add: individually furnished rooms and apartments, cable TV, private bathroom, air conditioning, for guests fitness centre, solarium and sauna, the large garden for relax, breakfast buffet is provided each morning, many shops and restaurants – 10 min walk from the aparthotel, free parking
Cost room 2 per: from 44 euro
Photo and discription apartments of Villa Balazs Balaton
Hotel Gold House Pension 3* Balatonfured
SUPERB rating 9.4 / 10
Review score based on 145 reviews
Situated: close proximity to the center
Distance to beach: short stroll
Add: bed and breakfast – 10 rooms, blending comfort, brightness and a warm ambience, embrace the stylish surroundings and unwind in comfort, pool, garden, relaxation in the sauna,
this charming property presents the ideal base for your break
Cost room 2 per: from 48 euro
Photo and discription hotel Gold House Pension 3* Balaton
Hotel Villa Furjes 3* Balatonfured
SUPERB rating 9.2 / 10
Review score based on 199 reviews
Situated: in the centre of Balatonfüred
Distance to beach: 150 meters
Add: various air-conditioned accommodation units with modern furniture, balcony, free Wi-Fi, well-equipped kitchen and a dining area, for guests breakfast every morning, barbecue facilities, bike rental, organized wine tasting, Annagora Aquapark 5 min drive
Cost room 2 per: from 59 euro
Photo and discription hotel Villa Furjes 3* Balaton
Siofok – the Balaton Lake resort
Siofok resort is the hugest resort for rest on the southern coast of Balaton. On Sifok some of the most popular Balaton Lake beaches are located. Surroundings of Sifoc are attracting by old buildings of hotels and churches. The famous composer Emmerich Kálmán was born in Sifok.
In July there is a huge folklore festival “The Golden Shell” in Sifok. Here is a gateway, built in 1863, which allows to regulate the water level in Balaton. Sifok is known as a Balaton’s capital.
Apartments for rest – Siofok resort:
Apartments Luxury Apartment – guests rating 9.2 (10) – seafront of Balaton lake
Apartments Villa Riccardo – guests rating 9.2 (10) – 100 meters to Balaton lake
Apartments Club 218 Holiday Wellness – guests rating 8.8 (10) – 20 meters to Balaton lake
Apartments Bella Hotel 3* – guests rating 8.6 (10) – 150 meters to Balaton lake
Apartments Bella Hotel 3* Siofok
SUPERB rating 9.2 / 10
Review score based on 199 reviews
Situated: 150 m from the Petofi promenade, Siófok Beach Club and the city centre’s Sio Plaza
Distance to beach: 3 min walk
Add: apartments of various sizes offer free Wi-Fi and feature a terrace and a kitchenette, video-controlled parking, a few minutes’ walk through the charming wooded Jókai park, tickets to the Galerius Bath for a discounted price
Cost room 2 per: from 31 euro
Photo and discription apartments Bella Hotel 3* Balaton
Apartments Villa Maria Vende Siofok
GOOD rating 7.7 / 10
Review score based on 12 reviews
Situated: 500 meters to centre Siofok resort
Distance to beach: 250 meters
Add: en-suite rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi, apartments are equipped with a kitchenette, TV, bathroom with bath tub or shower, some units have air conditioning, for gusts barbecue facilities in the garden, bus and train station is 400 m away, the pedestrian area of Siófok, with various clubs and restaurants is just 200 m away
Cost room 2 per: from 38 euro
Photo and discription apartments Villa Maria Vende Balaton
Аpartments Balaton Beach Siofok
GOOD rating 7.7 / 10
Review score based on 12 reviews
Situated: 500 meters to centre Siofok resort
Distance to beach: 250 meters
Add: en-suite rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi, apartments are equipped with a kitchenette, TV, bathroom with bath tub or shower, some units have air conditioning, for gusts barbecue facilities in the garden, bus and train station is 400 m away, the pedestrian area of Siófok, with various clubs and restaurants is just 200 m away
Cost room 2 per: from 26 euro
Photo and discriptions apartments Beach Balaton Balaton
Hotels on Siofok resort Balaton
Hotel La Riva 3* Siofok
SUPERB rating 9.0 / 10
Review score based on 636 reviews
Situated: 500 meters to centre Siofok resort
Distance to the Beach Club: 50 meters
Add: located right on the shore of Lake Balaton, each room have flat-screen sat TV, air conditioning from 1 June to 31 August, for guests restaurant, pizzeria, bar, free parking, free Wi-Fi, for guests: wellness area with a Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, hot tub, salt cabin, aromatherapy, park in the closed car park of the La Riva
Cost room 2 per: from 26 euro
Photo and discriptions hotel La Riva 3* Balaton
Hotel Kentaur 3* Siofok
FABULOUS rating 8.8 / 10
Review score based on 764 reviews
Situated: short walk from the bus stop
Distance to beach: 250 meters
Add: each room has a balcony, overlooking Hotel Kentaur’s private park, cable TV, work desk, minibar, Wi-Fi is free in public areas, International and Hungarian cuisine are served in the restaurant and on the terrace, for guests table tennis and cycle next to Hotel Kentaur, children’s pool and a playground, massages, manicures and pedicures will be provided on request
Cost room 2 per: from 53 euro
Photo and discription room hotel Kentaur 3* Balaton
Keszthely resort Balaton Lake
Keszthely resort is the oldest city-resort of the western Balaton’s coast.
Rest in Keszthely of Balaton attracts by its quiet large amount of architecture monuments: gothic Franciscan church built in 1386, and one of the biggest Hungarian estates – Festetics palace with a beautiful park. Estate was built in 1745 and renovated in 1887.
Apartments for rest – Keszthely resort Balaton lake:
Apartments Tarr – guests rating 8.3 (10) – 100 meters to Balaton lake
Apartments Henеzi – 150 meters to Balaton lake
Аpartments Steinhaus Pension 3* – 200 meters to Balaton lake
Аpartments Club Hotel Abbаzia – guests rating 6.5 (10) – 500 meters to Balaton lake
Hotels on Keszthely resort Balaton lake:
Hotel Silatti Panziо Keszthely
VERY GOOD rating 8.4 / 10
Review score based on 486 reviews
Situated: 10 min walk
Distance to beach: 650 meters
Add: rooms and apartments are decorated with lively colours, feature a flat-screen TV, some also provide air conditioning or are connected to a common kitchen, wellness facilities: sauna and hot tub, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, breakfast is available on request, private parking
Cost room 2 per: from 27 euro
Photo and discription of room hotel Silatti Panziо Balaton
Hotel Erika Pension 3* Кеszthely
SUPERB rating 9.3 / 10
Review score based on 397 reviews
Situated: 15 min walk to Festetics Palace
Distance to beach: 11 min walk
Add: bright rooms have a spacious balcony overlooking the garden or the park, each room is equipped with a TV set, refrigerator, bathrooms with shower cabin, for guests buffet breakfast is served on the terrace, small library, free Wi-Fi in common areas, sun loungers are provided by the swimming pool, and guests can also relax in a sauna and a hot tub at an additional cost, play area for children and table tennis in garden, the nearby park includes a football field and basketball court
Cost room 2 per: from 44 euro
Photo and discription hotel Erika Pension 3* Balaton
Hotel Ilona Kis Kastеly Panziо Кеszthely
SUPERB rating 9.3 / 10
Review score based on 185 reviews
Situated: 800 meters to Festetics Palace
Distance to beach: 200 meters
Add: a quiet location in Keszthely, rooms and apartments with free Wi-Fi and cable TV, for guests lush green garden with a terrace, deck chairs and barbecue facilities, free private parking is possible on site, s huttle service is provided on request, the Balaton-Felvideki National Park can be reached within 6 km, the train station is 400 m from the hotel
Cost room 2 per: from 38 euro
Photo and discription rooms of hotel Ilona Kis Kastеly Panziо Balaton
Hotel Villa Melinda Кеszthely
SUPERB rating 9.1 / 10
Review score based on 22 reviews
Situated: 2 km to centre of Keszthely
Distance to beach: 100 meters
Add: rooms with a small refrigerator and satellite TV, a common kitchen, free Wi-Fi, some bright, spacious rooms come with a balcon, sauna is at the guests’ disposal for surcharge, free private parking, famous thermal town Hévíz is 5 km from the hotel, train and bus station is 700 m from the hotel
Cost room 2 per: from 31 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Villa Melinda Balaton
Tihany resort
Tihany – the resort for rest on Balaton lake, located on the Tihany peninsula
Apartments for rest – Tihanj resort:
Apartments Tihany Oаzis – guests rating 8.9 (10) – 300 meters to lake of Tihanj peninsula
Apartments Flora – guests rating 9.1 (10) – 100 meters to lake of Tihanj peninsula; 500 meters to Benedictine Abbey of Tihanj peninsula
Апартаменты FaDоra – 500 meters to lake of Tihanj peninsula; 1 km to Benedictine Abbey of Tihanj peninsula
Hotels of Tihanj peninsula:
Hotel Kora Panzio 4* Tihanj peninsula
SUPERB rating 9.3 / 10
Review score based on 169 reviews
Situated: on the Tihany Peninsula
Distance to beach: 10 min walk
Add: surrounded by the woodland, elegantly high-quality furnished rooms with balcony come equipped with cable TV, for guests rich breakfast, barbecue facilities, outdoor sun terrace overlooks the beautiful garden, outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, bike path runs right next to the Kora guest house, boat trip can be done from the Tihany Ferry Port 400 m away
Cost room 2 per: from 49 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Kora Panzio 4* Balaton
Hotel Barackvirаg Panziо 3* Tihanj peninsula
SUPERB rating 9.4 / 10
Review score based on 103 reviews
Situated: 10 min walk from the centre of Tihany
Distance to beach: 12 min walk
Add: rooms and apartments were renovated in 2013 with views of the garden, air-conditioning, cable TV, private bathroom with a shower, free Wi-Fi, heated outdoor pool opened from 15 May to 15 September, landscaped garden with a sun terrace and barbecue facilities, free covered parking, luggage storage, the Baroque-style Tihany Abbey is a 10 min walk, to the Tihany Port 3 km away
Cost room 2 per: from 31 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Barackvirаg Panziо 3* Balaton
Heviz Lake thermal resort
Heviz Lake is a popular place for relaxing and balneotherapeutic treatment in Hungary.
Heviz Lake is located next to the Heviz city of Balaton and in 6 km from Keszthely city.
Heviz Lake – the hugest thermal lake un Europe. Heviz Lake is neing filled from three springs, and the water is being updated each 48 hours. In the summer the water temperature reaches +35C, in the winter – +24C. Unique composition of Heviz Lake includes: potassium, sodium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bromide, iodide, fluoride, sulfate, carbonate peroxide, sulfide, metaboric acid, metasilicic acid, free carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen.
The treatment on Heviz Lake is recommended to people with diseases of locomotory system, joint pains, polyarthritis, osteochondrosis, chronic inflammation of the joints, radiculitis, inflammation of nerve endings and the failures of movements, connected with failure of bone apparatus, disturbed circulation, gout, increasing of potency, diseases of moving apparatus, connected with metabolic disorders.
Treatment on the Heviz Lake is contraindicated to people with active tuberculosis, raised function of thyroid, malignant tumor processes, thrombosis, bronchial asthma, pregnancy. Treatment on the Heviz Lake passes under the medical control.
Heviz Lake Online virtual trip //virtual.hevizonline.com
Apartments for rest – Heviz lake resort:
Аpartments Centrum – guests rating 8.4 (10) – 300 meters to Heviz lake
Аpartments Laguna – guests rating 8.1 (10) – 10 min walk to Heviz lake
Аpartments Villa Julia – guests rating 9.1 (10) – 800 meters to Heviz lake
Аpartments Relax – guests rating 8.3 (10) – 100 meters to Heviz lake
Аpartments Feng Shui Wellness – guests rating 8.9 (10) – 10 min walk to Heviz lake
Аpartments Hurkecz – 200 meters to Heviz lake
Аpartments Villa Zlata Praha – guests rating 8.7 (10) – 10 min walk to Heviz lake
Аpartments Kaiser – guests rating 9.1 (10) – 200 meters to Heviz lake
Аpartments Orel – guests rating 9.2 (10) – 600 meters to Heviz lake
Аpartments Hotel Kalma superior – guests rating 8.6 (10) – 5 min walk to Heviz lake
Hotels on Heviz Lake resort:
Hotel Villa Mediterran 3* Heviz lake
GOOD rating 7.6 / 10
Review score based on 55 reviews
Situated: in the centre of Héviz
Distance to Heviz thermal lake: 600 meters
Add: fully equipped rooms with balconies, for guests the rich and complimentary breakfast buffet, safety free car parking in the inner courtyard of the hotel, Villa Mediterran hotel is situated 600 meters from the thermal lake in the centre of Héviz
Cost room 2 per: from 35 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Villa Mediterran 3* Balaton
Hotel Palace Hеviz 4* Heviz lake
VERY GOOD rating 8.3 / 10
Review score based on 566 reviews
Situated: in the pedestrian zone of Heviz
Distance to Heviz thermal lake: 500 meters
Add: enjoy contemporary international and Hungarian cuisine, expert wellness and medical treatments and make use of the wide range of spa facilities, buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, wired and wireless internet is available in the public areas of the Palace Hotel Héviz free of charge
Cost room 2 per: from 88 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Palace Heviz 4* Balaton
Hotel SPA Hеviz 4* Heviz lake
VERY GOOD rating 8.0 / 10
Review score based on 256 reviews
Situated: uniquely located right at Lake Heviz
Distance to Heviz thermal lake: 500 meters
Add: modern rooms are air-conditioned, with cable TV, bathroom with hairdryer, some rooms have a balcony, have a park or lake view, entrance to bathing area at the lake is free for hotel guests, the Spa hotel’s wellness centre includes a hot tub and a wide range of massage, beauty treatments, restaurant of hotel serves Hungarian and international cuisine, free Wi-Fi in public areas, free private parking
Cost room 2 per: from 72 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Villa SPA Hеviz 4* Balaton
Hotel Villa City Center Hеviz lake
VERY GOOD rating 8.0 / 10
Review score based on 578 reviews
Situated: in the pedestrian area of Hévíz
Distance to Heviz thermal lake: 400 meters
Add: city views rooms were renovated in 2012 have cable TV, refrigerator, private bathroom with shower, free Wi-Fi, free private parking, restaurants and shops can be found in the vicinity of the Hévíz Villa, for guests hot and cold beverages at the on-site bar with a terrace, the local bus station is 300 m away, Keszthely resort is 7 km, FlyBalaton Airport can be reached within 15 km
Cost room 2 per: from 44 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Villa City Center Hеviz Balaton
Hotel Danubius Health Spa Resort Aqua 4* Heviz lake
VERY GOOD rating 8.4 / 10
Review score based on 834 reviews
Situated: in the centre of Hévíz
Distance to Heviz thermal lake: 500 meters
Add: all rooms of the hotel have a private balcony, sat TV, complimentary bathrobes, offers a health centre and large SPA area, free Wi-Fi, health centre offering thermal water therapy, phototherapy and mechanotherapy, the SPA area features thermal baths, indoor and outdoor pools, different saunas, a solarium and a sun terrace, the beauty centre offers massages, a hairdresser, pedicures and manicures, for guests in the fitness room Yoga and aquaerobics classes and obtain advise from the personal trainers, the all-inclusive catering includes buffet breakfast
Cost room 2 per: from 107 euro
Photo and discription of hotel Danubius Aqua 4* Balaton
Hotel NaturMed Hotel Carbona 4* Heviz lake
FABULOUS rating 8.6 / 10
Review score based on 328 reviews
Situated: in the best rated area in Hévíz
Distance to Heviz thermal lake:
Add: NaturMed Hotel Carbona in Hévíz welcomes you all year round in a Mediterranean environment with a magnificent visual bath, a water surface of 1000 m2, with air-conditioned rooms, with a thermal bath evoking the atmosphere of Roman times and with numerous opportunities for therapeutic methods and wellness!
Cost room 2 per: from 119 euro
Photo and discription of hotel NaturMed Carbona 4* Balaton
Get to Balaton Lake
Balaton Lake is navigable.
Passengers’ low boats and catamarans are flowing through the lake regularly. There are more than 20 piers on the lake; boats are, mostly, flowing along coasts and stopping on the each of piers.
Railway is paved along the northern and southern coasts of Balaton Lake. It connects resorts of Balaton and Budapest city.
Time of trip from Budapest to the resorts of Balaton Lake: to Balatonfüred – 2.5 hours, to Sifok – 2 hours, to Keszthely – 3 hours.
In 11 km from Keszthely located an international Hungarian airport – Balaton – Sármellék.
Airport Balaton- Sármellék accepts planes from Berlin, Zurich, Stuttgart, Copenhagen, London. In the summer, also, from Frankfurt, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Moscow.
Official Web of Balaton airport www.flybalaton.com