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Lake Balaton landscape
Explore Hungary

Discover Lake Balaton

Central Europe's largest freshwater lake offers pristine beaches, world-class wine regions, exciting water sports, and charming historic towns. Your complete guide to Hungary's premier destination.

Featured Destinations

Top Attractions

From sandy beaches to historic wine cellars, Lake Balaton offers diverse experiences for every traveler

Lake Balaton beach Beaches

Best Beaches at Lake Balaton

Discover the finest sandy beaches along Lake Balaton's 197-kilometer shoreline. From family-friendly shallow waters to vibrant resort beaches with excellent facilities.

North & South Shores Top Rated
Badacsony wine region Wine

Wine Regions Around Balaton

Explore Hungary's renowned wine regions surrounding Lake Balaton. Taste exceptional wines from Badacsony, Balatonfüred, and other historic wine-producing areas.

Wine Tasting Multiple Regions
Tihany Abbey History

Historic Towns & Villages

Visit charming historic towns like Tihany, Keszthely, and Balatonfüred. Discover medieval abbeys, baroque palaces, and traditional Hungarian architecture.

Historic Sites Year-Round
Activities

Things to Do at Lake Balaton

From water sports to cycling, Lake Balaton offers endless activities for active travelers

Water Sports

Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities on Lake Balaton. The lake's consistent winds make it ideal for water sports enthusiasts.

Cycling Routes

The 200-kilometer cycling path around Lake Balaton offers stunning views and passes through vineyards, beaches, and historic villages.

Thermal Baths

Relax in natural thermal baths around Lake Balaton. The region's geothermal springs offer therapeutic benefits and year-round swimming.

Wine Tasting

Visit local wineries and cellars to sample Hungary's finest wines. The volcanic soil around Balaton produces exceptional white wines.

Plan Your Visit

Essential Travel Information

Everything you need to know for your Lake Balaton adventure

Sailing on Lake Balaton Activities

Water Sports & Activities

From sailing and windsurfing to fishing and swimming, discover all the water-based activities available at Lake Balaton. Equipment rental and lessons are widely available.

Multiple Sports May-September
Cycling path around Lake Balaton Cycling

Cycling Around Lake Balaton

Complete guide to cycling the entire Lake Balaton circuit. Route maps, difficulty levels, bike rental locations, and scenic stops along the way.

200km Route 3-5 Days
Practical Tips

Travel Planning Guide

Essential information for visiting Lake Balaton

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August) offers warm weather and full beach facilities. Spring and autumn provide milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent conditions for cycling and wine tasting. Winter is perfect for thermal baths.

Getting There

Lake Balaton is easily accessible from Budapest by train (2 hours) or car (1.5 hours). Regular train services connect major towns around the lake. Ferries operate between north and south shores during summer.

Accommodation

Choose from hotels, guesthouses, campsites, and private rentals. Book early for summer months. North shore offers more upscale options, while south shore provides budget-friendly alternatives.