Lake Balaton

Written by Chloe Davies, Keith Roberts
07/09/2025
Captivating sunset view across Lake Balaton, emphasizing serene water and scenic horizon.
Molnár Tamás Photography™, Pexels

Lake Balaton is Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, offering a diverse holiday experience from relaxing on its beaches to engaging in various water sports and exploring historical towns and vineyards.

Siófok is the primary hub for nightlife and entertainment with its numerous festivals and buzzing scene, attracting many younger visitors. Zamárdi hosts major music festivals, while Balatonfüred offers a more sophisticated atmosphere with lively dining and social spots. Towns across the lake feature busy restaurants and options for party boat experiences during the summer months.

Top 6 Things to do in Lake Balaton

Exploring Lake Balaton involves a diverse range of activities, from historical site visits and cultural immersion through wine tasting to active water sports and serene cycling routes.

1. Explore Tihany Peninsula and Abbey

Discovering the Tihany Peninsula provides a captivating journey through history and natural beauty. The iconic Benedictine Tihany Abbey, founded in 1055, sits majestically atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views across Lake Balaton. Inside, you can explore its Baroque church, royal crypt, and museum exhibitions that delve into the region's rich past. Beyond the abbey, the peninsula is known for its picturesque village, lavender fields (especially vibrant in summer), and a unique 'echo' phenomenon. Wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy lavender-infused treats, and take in the breathtaking vistas.

Cost: Abbey entrance for adults is typically 3,100 HUF (approx. 8 EUR). Guided tours in English or German can be arranged for groups, costing around 25,000 HUF (approx. 65 EUR) per group, in addition to individual tickets.

Transport: From Balatonfüred, a local bus (line 7355) runs to Tihany village, with a fare of approximately 450 HUF (around 1 EUR) for a 20-minute journey. Taxis from Balatonfüred to Tihany would be significantly higher, likely starting from 15,000 HUF (approx. 40 EUR) or more. For those arriving by car, parking is available, often costing around 2,000 HUF (approx. 5 EUR) for a full day in peak season.

2. Indulge in Wine Tasting in the Badacsony Wine Region

The Badacsony region, characterized by its volcanic hills on the northern shore, is a prime destination for Hungarian wine. Exploring the local vineyards and wineries allows one to sample unique, mineral-rich wines, most notably Olaszrizling. Many cellars offer guided tastings accompanied by local cheeses and cured meats, providing insight into the viticulture traditions. The experience is enhanced by the picturesque setting and often spectacular lake views from the vineyard terraces.

Cost: Individual wine tastings vary, but a basic tasting session at a winery could range from 3,000-8,000 HUF (approx. 8-20 EUR) per person, depending on the number and quality of wines. Organized private tours from Budapest that include multiple wineries and transport start from around 140 EUR per person (for larger groups, prices per person might be lower) .

Transport: Badacsony is accessible by train and bus. A train journey from Balatonfüred to Badacsony typically costs around 1,500-2,000 HUF (approx. 4-5 EUR) and takes about an hour. Local buses also serve the area. Within Badacsony, many wineries are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the main village. Taxis in the region can be costly, with a short ride likely starting from 3,000-5,000 HUF (approx. 8-13 EUR).

3. Go Sailing or Take a Scenic Boat Cruise

Experiencing Lake Balaton from its waters is a quintessential activity. You can rent a sailboat for a more active experience (requiring a license or a skipper) or join a relaxing boat cruise. Public ferries connect various lakeside towns, offering a convenient way to travel while enjoying the scenery. Sunset cruises are particularly popular, providing stunning views as the sun dips below the horizon. For those seeking speed, fast boats are available on routes like Siófok–Balatonfüred. Many options also cater to party-goers with dedicated party boats during the summer.

Cost: Hourly sailboat rentals (with skipper) start from approximately 39,000 HUF (approx. 100 EUR) for smaller boats for a few hours. A full-day private sailing experience can range from 145,000 HUF (approx. 370 EUR) in low season to 175,000 HUF (approx. 450 EUR) in peak season for up to 4 passengers, with additional charges per person for more. Public boat cruises (e.g., 1-2 hour sightseeing tours) typically cost 2,000-4,000 HUF (approx. 5-10 EUR) per person. Ferry crossings, such as Tihany-Szántód, cost around 700 HUF (approx. 2 EUR) for adults and 800 HUF (approx. 2.10 EUR) with a bike.

Transport: Sailing charters and public cruises depart from major ports like Balatonfüred and Siófok. Public ferries operate regularly between key towns such as Siófok, Balatonfüred, Tihany, and Fonyód to Badacsony. These ports are often central and accessible by local buses or on foot from accommodation.

4. Cycle the Balaton Bike Path

The scenic Balaton Bike Path, a 200 km route circling the entire lake, provides an excellent way to explore the region at your own pace. The southern shore offers generally flat terrain, while the northern side features rolling hills and occasional climbs, rewarding cyclists with stunning views of vineyards and the lake. Renting a bike allows for flexibility to stop at charming villages, wineries, or viewpoints along the way. It is suitable for all levels of riders.

Cost: Bike rental typically costs around 2,500-3,000 HUF (approx. 6-8 EUR) for a full day. Multi-day rentals might offer slightly better rates. E-bike rentals are also available at a higher cost.

Transport: Bike rental shops are prevalent in major towns around the lake, such as Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Keszthely. Many segments of the path are accessible directly from these towns. If you wish to cycle only a part of the lake, ferries can transport bikes across the narrowest point between Tihany Peninsula and Szántód for a small fee.

5. Relax on a Lake Balaton Beach

Lake Balaton boasts numerous beaches, offering diverse experiences from bustling resort areas to quieter, family-friendly spots. The southern shore, known for its shallow waters, is ideal for families and casual swimming. Siófok's main beach is expansive with palm trees and loungers, while Zamárdi offers a 3 km long free beach with views of the Tihany Peninsula. Many beaches provide facilities for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports like pedal boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, Siófok also offers a lively party scene during the summer months.

Cost: Many beaches around Lake Balaton are free to access, particularly those on the southern shore. Some beaches are paid, offering additional amenities; their entrance fees can vary but are typically low (e.g., a few hundred HUF). Pedal boat rentals are usually inexpensive, around 2,000-4,000 HUF (approx. 5-10 EUR) per hour. Kayak rentals are around 7,000 HUF (approx. 18 EUR) per day for a single-person kayak. SUP board rentals are approximately 34-50 EUR for 2-3 hours.

Transport: Beaches are easily accessible within the lakeside towns. Public transport (buses, trains) connect most towns. Within towns like Siófok or Balatonfüred, many beaches are within walking distance or a short local bus ride.

6. Visit Festetics Palace in Keszthely

In the town of Keszthely, at the western end of Lake Balaton, stands the magnificent Festetics Palace. This 18th-century Baroque palace is one of Hungary's largest and most impressive stately homes. Exploring the palace provides a glimpse into aristocratic life, with beautifully restored rooms, extensive museums (including a coach museum and a hunting museum), and serene English-style gardens. It is a cultural highlight that offers a break from the lakeside activities and a dive into Hungarian heritage.

Cost: Adult entrance fees for Festetics Palace typically range from 4,000-6,000 HUF (approx. 10-15 EUR) depending on which exhibitions you wish to visit (e.g., palace interiors, coach museum, palm house, park). There are often discounts for students and seniors.

Transport: Keszthely is well-connected by train and bus from other major Balaton towns. From Budapest, direct trains run to Keszthely. Once in Keszthely, the palace is a walkable distance from the town center and the train station, usually around 15-20 minutes on foot. Local buses and taxis are also available in Keszthely. A short taxi ride within Keszthely might cost 1,500-3,000 HUF (approx. 4-8 EUR).

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