Lake Balaton

Balatonfured which includes signage
Siofok which includes a square or plaza, a city and a fountain
Festetics Palace showing a castle and heritage architecture
Balatonfured showing a statue or sculpture and a park
Tihany showing flowers


Discover historical buildings, sail over aquamarine waters and party on a beach at one of Hungary’s most popular vacation destinations.

Beautiful natural scenery, watersports and historic landmarks are some of the features of a vacation at Lake Balaton. This is central Europe's largest freshwater lake and the region encompasses hills, mountains and lakeside towns and resorts. Hike through the landscape, take a boat cruise across the water and tour a splendid 18th-century Baroque palace.

The lake stretches for approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) and there are many beaches along its shoreline where you can relax and swim. In addition to swimming there are lots of other water-based activities here, including sailing, surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding. Stay active when you are back on dry land by cycling along lake-side paths that extend for more than 124 miles (200 kilometers) around the body of water.

Carve out some time to tour the lake’s towns and villages. Explore BalatonfüredOpens in a new window on the lake's northern shore. Visit museums housed in old villas, drink from a mineral spring well and walk along the Tagore Promenade. Go to TihanyOpens in a new window, located on the Tihany Peninsula for its medieval Benedictine abbey. Nearby is a geyser field.

Journey to KeszthelyOpens in a new window on the western shore to see the majestic FesteticsOpens in a new window Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece built for a noble family. Enjoy the party atmosphere at SiófokOpens in a new window, the biggest town on the lake. Refresh your body in nearby Heviz, a town famed for its spas.

Take advantage of the lake’s scenic backdrop with some outdoor adventures. Hike through the Balaton Upland National Park, see the large basalt columns of the Káli Basin and try bird watching in the Kis Balaton wetlands area. Among the species you might see are white-tailed eagles and ospreys. In winter, go ice skating, ice sailing and ice windsurfing when the lake freezes over.

Reach Lake Balaton by driving from Budapest, a journey that can take up to 2 hours, depending on which part of the lake you are visiting. There are also train services from the Hungarian capital to several historical and picturesque destinations around the lake.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Kistücsök Food & Room

Kistücsök Food & Room

4 out of 5
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 25., Balatonszemes
Kistücsök Food & Room
Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

1 out of 5
Lellei utca 1-2., Balatonszemes
Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping
Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

2 out of 5
Balatonlelle
Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela
Club Tihany Resort

Club Tihany Resort

4 out of 5
3 Rév u., Tihany
Club Tihany Resort
Beautiful Apartment for 8 Persons

Beautiful Apartment for 8 Persons

3 out of 5
Balatonlelle
Beautiful Apartment for 8 Persons
Studio Apartment for 2-4 Persons

Studio Apartment for 2-4 Persons

3 out of 5
Balatonlelle
Studio Apartment for 2-4 Persons
Appartment for 10-16 Persons

Appartment for 10-16 Persons

3 out of 5
Vasút street 23 Balatonlelle, Balatonlelle, Somogy County
Appartment for 10-16 Persons
Balchill House With Sauna And Jacuzzi

Balchill House With Sauna And Jacuzzi

4 out of 5
Balatonszepezd, Veszprém County
Balchill House With Sauna And Jacuzzi
Fülöp Panzió

Fülöp Panzió

2 out of 5
Revfulop, Veszprém County
Fülöp Panzió
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton offers a wealth of activities for tourists, including relaxing spa experiences and thrilling sailing adventures. Essential services like airport pickup make your journey hassle-free, while the region's adventure baths provide a unique way to unwind. Whether you seek a tranquil retreat or an action-packed getaway, Lake Balaton has something to suit every traveller's desires.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit Katona Borház, only 11.3km from Lake Balaton. If you're up for a drive, Sio Plaza, located 25.7km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and a variety of shops perfect for family outings.

Recreation

At the Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst serene outdoor vibes, just 9.7km from Lake Balaton. For sports enthusiasts, Veszprem Arena, located 33.8km away, offers an exciting stadium experience. Alternatively, the Golfclub Imperial Balaton, 27.4km from the lake, promises more golfing pleasure.

Adventure

Nordica Síaréna offers thrilling skiing experiences, located 45.1km from Lake Balaton, where you can enjoy a vibrant sports atmosphere. Similarly, Epleny Ski Arena, also 45.1km away, provides excellent skiing facilities and an exhilarating environment for sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Lake Balaton, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. The Tamasi Cultural Center in Tapolca offers cultural performances and romantic atmospheres, while the Siófok Ferris Wheel delivers thrilling adventures. For amusement, Balatonibob Leisure Park provides exhilarating rides, making for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton offers a delightful blend of attractions, perfect for travellers seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and beach relaxation. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, historic monasteries, and impressive monuments that showcase the region's rich heritage. Whether you’re lounging by the water or immersing yourself in local culture, Lake Balaton promises a memorable holiday filled with diverse activities.

  • Platán Strand: Nestled 8.0km from Lake Balaton, Platán Strand offers a delightful beach experience. With its sandy shores and refreshing waters, it’s perfect for relaxation and sunbathing, ideal for soaking up the serene beach vibes.
  • Balatonlelle Amusement Park: Located 6.4km away, this amusement park is a haven for families. With various rides and outdoor activities, it promises adventure and fun for all ages, making it a fantastic spot for creating lasting memories.
  • Rádpuszta Medieval Church Ruin: Just 6.4km from the lake, this historical monument envelops you in cultural vibes. Explore the remnants of the medieval church and appreciate the fascinating history and stunning surroundings of this tranquil site.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Balaton

To save money during your visit to Lake Balaton, consider travelling in February or October to November when prices are generally lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure better rates, and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days for stays. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals or filter results by budget and eco-friendly options. For transport, utilise the local buses for affordability, and explore free activities like lakeside walks. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through Expedia can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Balaton are February and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Lake Balaton is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Balaton is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Balaton is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Lake Balaton with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.