A Region of Resorts
Badacsony
The four wine-growing villages at the foot of the distinctive box-shaped mountain of Badacsony are pleasant and welcoming, but it is the home-grown wine and views from the forested hillside that attract the crowds. The national park on the flat top of the mountain is well worth exploring and has a number of spectacular lookout posts.
Balatonfüred
The elegant town of Balatonfüred, with its Baroque high street, was one of the first tourist towns on Balaton and maintains an air of elegance and superiority even today. The origins of its opulence can partly be traced back to the town's mineral springs ("füred" means "baths") and the town is now home to one of Europe's top heart hospitals. In the 19th century, Balatonfüred was something of an artists colony famously patronised by Hungarian opera legend Lujza Blaha and famous author and politician Mór Jókai.
Hévíz
The spa town is not actually on Balaton, but it is near enough to Keszthely to make it a worthy day trip if the weather turns cold. The water of the exotic Gyógy-tó is warm enough to swim in all year round, even when there is snow on the roofs of the wooden structure that extends over the thermal lake. The town itself is a collection of spa hotels and spa complexes.
Keszthely
Keszthely, on the westernmost tip of the lake, is the only town that does not live entirely from tourism, making it worth visiting even in winter, when the lake is frozen and often suitable for walking and skating on. The pedestrian street in the town centre and the Festetics Castle are the main attractions, as well as the beaches and sailing possibilities. If you are in Keszthely, it is worth making the trip to Héviz.
Siófok
The party capital of Balaton, Siófok is where the crowds go on July and August weekends, culminating in the public holiday on 20 August. The focal point is the Coca-Cola Beach House where big-name Hungarian bands play to the sun-baked revellers. The promenade along the beach front is a hedonist hotspot with enough bars and restaurants for a small city.
Tihany
The rocky peninsula that almost splits Balaton a third of the way along attracts hoards of visitors in the summer season, and the beautiful Abbey Church and the Benedictine Monastery hark back to this small town's early life as a religious centre. However, the wilds of the national park – Hungary's first – is large enough to provide an escape the crowds if necessary. Tihany can be approached by bus from nearby Balatonfüred or by ferry from Siófok, Szántód and Balatonföldvár.
Zalakaros
A state-of-the-art bathing complex has recently been created in the village of Zalakaros, 30 kilometres south of Keszthely. Designed for the mass spa tourist market, high-quality relaxation is guaranteed. Nature lovers will also feel at home in the surrounding countryside, where you will find birds, wildlife and even a bison reserve.
North and West of Lake Balaton there are many spa resorts. The oldest and most famous is at Hévíz five miles from Keszthely, featuring Europe's largest thermal lake, the world's second largest. The first spa here was opened in 1795. With a temperature that rarely goes below 85-90 degrees, regardless of the season, Héviz has such voluminous springs feeding it that the entire lake replenishes itself every 24 hours. The therapeutic power of minerals of Lake Héviz is so strong that it is recommended to limit your soaking to 20 minutes at a time. An enclosed causeway leads to the center of the lake where you'll find a palacsinta (crepe) bar, massage, float rental and other services. Stay at a deluxe spa hotel close to the lake or in one of the many apartments or houses that may be rented.
While some spas, such as Hévíz or Sárvár are close to castles and vineyards, others like Bük Spa are located in areas packed with active vacation opportunities like golf or horseback riding.
After a few days of mud packs, relaxation therapy, massage and soaking, return to Budapest revitalized and rejuvenated - and fly home feeling years younger!
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Find out more about Lake Balaton! You can download an e-brochure here or visit the region's official website.
Hungary is a land of festivals, a cultured country with a proud musical heritage, a place of wine production and regional delicacies, and keenly protected folk traditions. Events are hosted throughout the year, featuring performances of song, dance and theatre, demonstrations of folk art or equestrian pageantry, and tables that heave with tasty food and drink. They are times of colour and energy and collective good will. So what events can you look forward to during your holiday at Lake Balaton?
Hotel Annabella, Balatonfüred
For a romantic, family & outdoors holiday come to Balatonfured – this friendly town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton offers parks and old trees, harbour, promenade, museums, ‘Csarda’ inn restaurants & endless wine groves. Come and explore the charming villages dotted around the ‘Hungarian Sea’!!!
Hidden between trees, the Hotel Annabella*** is a pretty holiday hotel situated directly on Lake Balaton’s shores. From the hotel’s private beach one has the unforgettable views of the Tihany peninsula, and that of the Lake’s southern shore.
Transfer from FlyBalaton airport is easy and only takes about 55 minutes.
Not to be missed!!!
Balatonfured Wine Festival is held annually in mid August.
Open-air concerts and organ conerts in the Lutheran church during July and August
The Anna Ball – Held on 29 July
Hotel Annabella***
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Deák F. str. 25.
Tel:+36 /87 889 431 Fax: +36 / 87 889 435
Email: sales.balatonfured@danubiusgroup.com
www.danubiushotels.com/annabella
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Danubius Hotels
The Danubius Hotels Group has 23 hotels in Hungary. The hotels are located in the most popular cities visited by foreign tourists: Budapest, Balatonfüred, Bükfürdő, Győr, Hévíz, Keszthely, Pécs, Sárvár and Sopron. For bookings and further information click here.
Driving in Hungary
There is a zero tolerance policy with respect to drink driving, if you consume a drop of alcohol, do not get behind the wheel. Outside urban areas, vehicle headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. The M1, M3, M5 and M7 motorways are toll roads, stickers must be purchased in advance at petrol stations and on-line. A four day pass costs 1170 Ft, a weekly pass 2550 Ft, and a monthly pass 4200 Ft.
Hotel Helikon, Keszthely
Combine an Activity Break with a Culture Fun Break at this sport and resort hotel!
The 3* Helikon is situated on the Shores of Lake Balaton with it own private beach in the charming baroque town of Keszthely – capital of the Balaton region.
Located just 20 minutes away from Fly Balaton airport, it is an ideal location for sport enthusiasts, culture seekers and families .
Sporting and entertainment
The private island beach of the hotel offers water sports and entertaining activities:
wind- surfing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, paddle boating & splashing in a mini auqa park.
Further sporting facilities: badminton, petanque, billiard, bowling alley, cycling, hot air balloon flight & boat trips.
Two indoor and eight outdoor tennis courts offering lessons for beginners, the Danubius Premier Fitness Club offers superb fitness and gymnastics to individuals with tailor made plans & classes for groups also: a swimming pool & sauna …and for pampering – a beauty salon.
Hotel Helikon***
H-8360 Keszthely, Balatonpart 5.
Tel: +36 83 889 633 Fax: +36 83 889 609
E-mail: helikon.reservation@danubiusgroup.com
www.danubiushotels.com/helikon
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Car Hire
All the major international players in the car rental market are present in Hungary. If you are planning to extend your trip to neighbouring countries, make sure you clear it with the hire company, some companies have restrictions on taking rental cars into bordering countries.
COMPANIESAvis
Tel.: +36 1 318 4240
Budget Rent a Car
Tel.: +36 1 214 0420
Europcar Inc.
Tel.: +36 1 477 1090
National
Tel.: +36 1 477 1083
Fox Autorent
Tel.: +36 1 382 9000/9003
Hertz
Tel.: +36 1 296 0997
Americana Rent-a-Car
Tel.: +36 1 350 2542
Recentcar
Tel.: +36 30 474 1826
Hotel Karos Spa, Zalakaros
Hotel Karos Spa****superior in Zalakaros is a premier wellness- leisure- and conference destination in Hungary. The complex is located minutes from the city center. The hotel offers a variety of exceptional accommodations, including spa superior double and family rooms, suites, special rooms for handicapped and allergic guests.
Relax your body and soul at “Apple Spa”, a perfect spa- and health center. A variety of treatments and activities are designed for enhancing your vitality and health. A well of medically certified thermal water is to be found on the property of the hotel. Health- conscious guest are welcome to enjoy the traditional treatment therapy of the Zalakaros spa culture.
Hotel services include: medical examination and consulting, healthy lifestyle consulting, balneo-,hydro-, mechano-, oxygen-,magnetic-,and electro therapy, inhalation, recreational animation, medical gymnastics, special packs, medical foot care- and other therapeutic treatments as prescribed by a physician.
Hotel Karos Spa****superior
8749 Zalakaros, Alma u. 1.
Tel.: +36 93 542-500 Fax: +36 93 542-501
sales@karos-spa.hu www.karos-spa.com
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Hotel Marina, Balatonfüred
For an ‘All Inclusive’ Family, Activity & Outdoors holiday come to the Hotel Marina *** in Balatonfured. This friendly town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton offers harbour, promenade, museums, endless vine groves and more. Come and explore the charming villages dotted around the ‘Hungarian Sea’!!!
Stay at the Hotel Marina*** - a quiet family hotel in a beachfront park and with it own private beach on Lake Balaton. All you can eat and drink all day. Ideal for families with children! From 41 Euro per person per night – (The ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ package is available from end of May till the beginning of September).
Transfer from FlyBalaton airport is easy and only takes about 55 minutes.
Hotel Marina***
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Széchenyi str. 26.
Tel:+36 /87 889 536 Fax: +36 / 87 889 535
Email: marina.reservation@danubiusgroup.com www.danubiushotels.com/marina
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Taxis
Outside the capital, taxi drivers are less prone to unscrupulous pricing and can usually be flagged down on the street without any problems. Ask what the fare will be to the destination before departure. Always check to make sure there is a meter, running in the taxi.
Hunguest Hotel Helios, Hévíz
The world famous thermal lake of Hévíz with its largest water surface in Europe offers open-air bathe during the whole year. HUNGUEST Hotel Helios***superior is situated in the middle of a 4,5-ha-large well-kept nature conservation park, 500 m far from the thermal lake. The two buildings of the hotel, Helios ANNA and BENJAMIN are connected each other with a heated corridor and have a unique ambience.The Hotel has its own medical and wellness centre.
HUNGUEST HOTEL HELIOS***superior
8380-Hévíz, Vörösmarty u. 91.
Tel.: (0036)83-343-109, (0036)83-342-895
Fax: (0036)83-340-525
reserve@hotelhelios.hunguesthotels.hu
www.hotelhelios.hunguesthotels.com
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Hunguest Hotel Panoráma, Hévíz
Hévíz is a spa resort of international fame that developed around Europe's largest hot water lake. The temperature of the lake is 26-28 oC in the winter, so it is possible to bathe in the open air bath through the whole year. The water completely changes every 28 hours. Medical mud covers the entire inside of the lake. The lake - situated 7 km from Balaton - and its surroundings were pronounced a nature conservation area.
Hunguest Hotel Panoráma*** is located in the center of Hévíz, 100 meters from the lake. From the upper stories of the 13-storey building there is a magnificent view over the town and its surroundings.
Our guests can reach the medical section and the thermal bath of the hospital through a heated, covered bridge from the hotel. Medical examinations, medical massage, medical exercises, weight bath, mud pack, balneotherapy, electrotherapy.
Free airport transfer:
In case of booking at least 7 nights, the transfer from Sármellék (Fly Balaton) and Budapest (Ferihegy) airport is free!
Hunguest Hotel Panoráma***
8380 Hévíz, Petőfi S. u. 9.
Tel: + 36 83 341 074
Fax: + 36 83 340 485
reserve@hotelpanorama.hunguesthotels.hu
www.hunguesthotels.hu
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Hunguest Hotel Pelion, Tapolca
Tapolca, this intimate little town is located in the western part of the Balaton Highlands and rightly famous of its medical cave. Below the hotel there is a karst cave, which is not only a beautiful sight, but also offers a special microclimate and curative treatment. Hunguest Hotel Pelion**** is situated in the city centre, in a 4-ha-large park, directly above the cave ideal for curing asthma, allergy and other respiratory diseases. We recommend staying in the grotto also for stressed people who want to find harmony and would like to escape from every day’s life. Unique in Europe is the direct connection between our hotel and the grotto.
We have many other medical services and a wide range of Spa and Wellness treatments and sport facilities.
We’ve been given the „Hungarian Tourism Quality Award” indicating the high quality of our services.
Free airport transfer:
In case of booking at least 7 nights, the transfer from Budapest or Vienna airport is free!
Hunguest Hotel Pelion****
8300 Tapolca, Köztársaság tér 10.
Tel: + 06 87 513 122 Fax: + 06 87 513 101
E-mail reserve@hotelpelion.hunguesthotels.hu
Internet www.hunguesthotels.hu
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Lake Balaton Wine Region
Lake Balaton is primarily a summer holiday destination, but the people who come to laze on the beach often overlook the fact that they are surrounded by some excellent winegrowing country. Four wine producing regions share the shores of the lake, Balatonfelvidék (the Balaton uplands), Balatonfüred-Csopak and Badacsony on the hilly north shore, and Balatonboglár to the flatter south.
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Accommodation around Lake Balaton
Spa HÉVÍZ
Thermal Hotel Aqua****
Health-spa facilities, swimming-pool, etc., located 500 ft away from Lake Hévíz.
Danubius Thermal Héviz**** superior
Modern health-spa facilities, recreation.
NaturMed Carbona****
Spa, recreation. Located in the centre of the town in a huge green park.
Rogner Hotel & Spa Lotus Therme****
Wellness and beauty hotel with 224 comfort rooms and exclusive suites. Its current upgrades – including the redesign of its beauty reception and new relaxation facilities – will make it Hévíz's only five-star hotel from January 2007.
Hotel Europa Fit****superior
The new spa & wellness resort has an exclusive, mediterranean building, with 236 air-conditioned rooms.
The hotel can be found in the pedestrian street of Hévíz. The hotel itself recalls the atmosphere of the early century.
SIÓFOK
Hotel Aranypart***
On the shore of Lake Balaton with own beach.
Hotel Azúr****
Wellness and conference hotel, on the southern shore of Lake Balaton.
Best Western Janus Atrium Hotel****
Wellness hotel, situated in the centre.
Residence Conference & Wellness Hotel****
Brand new Wellness complex, comfortable rooms.
Vértes Conference & Wellness Hotel****
Centrally located recently refurbished hotel with own spa facilities few minutes walk from the lakeside.
The hotel is right next to the Lake and offers 28 rooms and 3 well-equipped meeting rooms for more than 100 participants.
BALATONFÜRED
Club Imola Hotel and Meetingcenter***/****
Situated near the main road N°71 and a few minutes walk to the city centre and Lake Balaton.
Hotel Flamingo****
Quality private hotel, situated close to the centre.
Hotel Silver Resort****
Wellness and conference hotel with a port of its own.
Danubius Hotel Marina Hotel***
Located in a park, at the shore of the lake.
Danubius Hotel Annabella***
100 ft from the shore of Lake Balaton, with a beautiful view over the lake and Tihany Peninsula.
TIHANY
Club Tihany****
The Club (Holiday Centre) is situated on the shore of Lake Balaton. Hotel rooms and bungalows for families, wellness, fitness facilities.
KESZTHELY
Danubius Hotel Helikon***
At the Lake shore, with a nice view.
BALATONKENESE
Hotel Marina-Port****
New wellness & conference hotel on the North-East shore of the Balaton. A Yacht Club belongs to the hotel.
BALATONALMÁDI
Ramada Hotel & Resort Lake Balaton
Newly refurbished hotel with panoramic view.
The Helikon Library of Keszthely
Keszthely, this age-old western capital of the Balaton region, offers a wide variety of sights worth visiting. Number one among these is undoubtedly the magnificent stately home of the Festetics family, a mansion rather well preserved by Hungarian standards, the pomp and beauty of which, together with its rich collection and varied cultural programmes of the summer season attract many tourists resting around the lake and in nearby Hévíz. It is here, at the fourth largest stately home in Hungary, that we find a veritable treasure house of books, the Helikon Library, the only collection owned by the Hungarian aristocracy to survive intact. This is the next feature in our ongoing series presenting Hungary's great libraries.
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Danubius Thermal Hotel, Hévíz
Located 8 miles from Fly Balaton airport, in the heart of Hévíz and only 500 meters away from the world famous thermal water lake – Lake Heviz, the elegant Danubius Thermal Hotel Hévíz **** Superior is awaiting guests with 210 air-conditioned rooms as well as a wide range of services. The hotel’s own health spa offers pampering, well-being and traditional therapeutic treatments which utilise the natural thermal water of Lake Hévíz & its invalueable mineral-rich mud. Aroma-bath, wellness hydromassage baths with light therapy, Far Eastern therapies: qi-gong, yoga, autogen training are also on offer.
Danubius Thermal Hotel Hévíz **** SuperiorH-8380 Hévíz, Kossuth L. u. 9 –11.
Tel.: 00 36 83 889 403 Fax: 00 36 83 889 402
E-mail: thermalheviz.reservation@danubiusgroup.com
www.danubiushotels.com/heviz
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Lake Balaton
The Times, April 10, 2004 Adam LeBor visits central Europe's largest inland body of water in Hungary
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Camaraderie and goulash
The Times, October 23, 2004
Jill Crawshaw enters into the spirit of Magyar tradition aboard the Royal Hungarian Express, where imperial indulgence meets communist chic.
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Nostalgia trip
The Guardian
October 23, 2004
Ben Mallalieu boards the teak-panelled Royal Hungarian Express for a three-day tour of one of Europe's strangest countries
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Carriages made in heaven
Telegraph, November 23, 2004
John Graham Hart puts aside his fears about trainspotters to journey around Hungary in civilised comfort.
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Lake Balaton
Hungary's number one summer retreat, Lake Balaton offers 170 kilometres of shoreline dotted with family resorts on the southern shore and welcoming vineyards to the north. Every summer, thousands of Hungarians flock to the silky smooth green water, but there is much more of interest to see and do than just laze around on the beach.
The shapely volcanic hills on the north shore are famous for both their refreshing white wines and their breathtaking views. The plethora of hillside restaurants and pretty spots to enjoy a chilled glass of wine or fröccs (white wine spritzer) make it ideal for a mixture of exploration and relaxation.
Of the many unusually contoured mountains, the tabletop Badacsony is the most eye-catching. A visit to the Tihany peninsula, containing Hungary's oldest national park and the picturesque Abbey Church is also essential.
The flatter southern shore is more renowned for its hedonist summer capital Siófok. Its large beaches and shallow water are ideal for paddling, ball games, food, drink and watersports. Each waterfront settlement has its own unique character, from the bustling student town of Keszthely on the western tip to the elegant spa resort of Balatonfüred on the north shore.
In addition to traditional beach activities, the curative thermal lake at Hévíz is warm enough in any weather, and the beautiful surrounding countryside lends itself to horseriding tours. Kis Balaton (Little Balaton) to the west of Keszthely is one of Europe's top wetland nature reserves and a favourite spot for birdwatchers.
Perhaps the best way to discover the region's natural diversity and variety of towns and resorts is along the cycle path that circumnavigates the lake.
Balaton Upland National Park
The area to the north of Lake Balaton is memorable for its spectacular volcanic mountains and breathtaking views of the water below. The Balaton Uplands National Park, established in 1997 and extending from the Tihany peninsula to Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) to the West, is also a Mecca not only for Hungarian nature lovers, but also for international visitors. Attractions of particular interest include the volcanic geysers near Tihany and the rich birdlife of Kis-Balaton.
Spa hotels in Pannonia
Food
Feeling hungry? Well you’ll find no shortage of spots to fill your face, from open-fronted eateries by the beach to traditional inns nestled in the hills.
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Siofok
more
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Prepare for a big, big welcome at Hungary’s favourite summertime retreat! Lake Balaton – central Europe’s largest lake – offers 200km of shoreline, silky green water and a host of activities for young and old. Whether you’re after thrills and spills or gentle strolls, here you can enjoy life at your own pace. With volcanic hills and vineyards on the northern shore, friendly resorts to the south, and waterfront towns full of character all around, the beauty of Balaton is in its breathtaking diversity. Travelling with the kids? Well the lake is perfect for family holidays, with safe beaches, shallow water and plenty to keep you entertained. Fancy a pampering? Why not head for one of the local spa towns and a warming wallow in the thermal waters of Hévíz or Zalakaros? There’s an embarrassment of riches for lovers of the great outdoors; take to the water for some sailing, windsurfing or fishing, or strike out into the national park for some horse-riding, cycling or birdwatching. And culture vultures can soak in the elegant ambience of Keszthely, visit Tihany’s abbey church or just settle at a pretty hillside restaurant for some fine food and a bottle of the region’s famous wine.
Balaton is a place of many faces. So what are you waiting for? With direct flights from the UK taking just two hours, memories to cherish are but a short hop away.
Looking for a child-friendly destination with something for all the family? Lake Balaton is the perfect spot, offering a plethora of fun-packed activities to keep the kids busy and opportunities for the grown-ups to relax. With an average depth of just two—three metres, the summertime water is warm as toast, and the gently sloping beaches of the southern shore represent a reassuringly safe playground.
This is a youngsters’ paradise. While the toddlers paddle and splash in the shallow water, the older children can shoot down waterslides, take to a pedalo, try their luck at fishing, join a game of volleyball or have a bash at wakeboarding, windsurfing or other watersports. Siófok is the liveliest spot. Away from the lake’s edge, water-babies might head for the massive aqua-park at Zalaegerszeg, complete with wave machines and a 300m-long artificial river, or for the more sedate pleasures to be enjoyed at the family-friendly spas of Zalakaros and Kehidakustány. At Tapolca, you can even go for a boat ride on a subterranean cave lake!
There is a host of options for those who’d prefer to keep their feet dry, too. The varied landscape and bounteous wildlife provide a beautiful backdrop during a horse-riding tour or a day’s cycling. The Kápolnapuszta Reserve in the Balaton Uplands National Park is home to the traditional Hungarian buffalo – first brought over by ancient Asiatic tribes – and plays a vital role in the survival of the species. At Keszthely, the girls can wander around the Doll Museum while the boys revel in more bloodthirsty attractions at the Torture Museum. Alternatively, how about exploring the castles at Nagyvázsony, Sümeg or Szigliget, before watching displays of jousting and archery, and guzzling a medieval banquet?
All this comes at a price to suit the tightest of budgets. There is an abundance of affordable accommodation, from all-inclusive hotel packages to self-catering villas and apartments. Furthermore, with low-cost Ryanair flights from London to Balaton taking just two hours, you’ll waste no time in getting your holiday started!
Cycling
Cycling
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Four recommended cycling routes
Lake Balaton is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors who crave stunning scenery and fresh air in their lungs. Watersports enthusiasts revel in the superb opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and rowing; motorboats are prohibited, so you won’t find yourself swamped by wash. Less-energetic visitors laze on the beaches, hire fishing rods and go in pursuit of the pike perch – a delicacy found only here – or take a turn around the lake aboard a sightseeing boat. Golfers are well catered for at the European Lakes Golf and Country Club in Hencse and at the Birdland Spa and Golf Resort in Bük, both of which boast beautifully manicured courses.
Countless marked trails circumnavigate the lake and lead hikers, cyclists and horse-riders to some of the region’s natural treasures. The northern shore is characterised by volcanic hills that harbour some spectacular rock formations. The 400m-high Badacsony Hill is a particular favourite, its slopes littered with cellars promising tasty refreshment and its flat-topped summit offering views to die for. The peninsula of Tihany was formed of ancient volcanoes, and its geyser cones and crater lakes provide wonderful terrain for walkers and anglers alike. Alternatively you could head for some of the lookout points in the forested Keszthely hill range or for the Lóczy Cave above Balatonfüred, its limestone-layered walls resembling stacks of toast.
The Balaton Uplands National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Kis (‘Small’) Balaton is one of Europe’s top wetland nature reserves, and supports birdlife including the great white egret, large numbers of nesting greylag geese and all species of European heron. You can admire a herd of traditional Hungarian buffalo at the Kápolnapuszta Reserve, while the Salföld Nature Conservation Site showcases other ancient indigenous breeds and hosts breathtaking horse shows. This truly is nature’s playground!
Lake Balaton is not only about sunbathing and watersports – it also offers many more-sophisticated pleasures. Keszthely – the historical town lying just 20km from FlyBalaton Airport – is the region’s cultural capital. It boasts noble architecture, some excellent museums and one of the country’s finest palaces, where you can enjoy summer concerts in a mirrored ballroom. Elsewhere you’ll find rugged fortresses at Nagyvázsony, Sümeg and Szigliget, a grand abbey church at the pinnacle of the Tihany peninsula, the legacies of leading 19th-century artists at Balatonfüred, the echoes of medieval aristocracy at Veszprém, a romantic cave lake in Tapolca and delicate pieces of internationally renowned porcelain at Herend.
Furthermore, there’s plenty for the wine buff or the gourmand. Take a trawl through the atmospheric cellars that stud the volcanic hills of the northern shore and sample some wonderfully refreshing white wines, before choosing a hillside restaurant in which to indulge in freshly caught Balaton fish and breathtaking views. Those truly in the know time their visit to coincide with one of the region’s many colourful festivals, when you can get a taste of traditional music, dance, crafts – and yet more food and drink! Whether you’re a culture vulture or a bon viveur, Balaton has it covered.
Are you young and after some fun? Look no further, for Lake Balaton is where Hungary’s youth comes out to play – a magnet for sun-worshippers, night owls and watersports nuts. The main action takes place at Siófok on the southern shore, a lively resort that stretches for a full 15km along the waterfront. Its beaches not only provide space to chill out beneath a blue sky, but also offer a range of activities to get the adrenaline pumping. You can try wakeboarding, sailing, windsurfing, volleyball, bungee-jumping…the list goes on and on!
Nor is there any drop in excitement when evening falls. As the sun goes down, the party crowd emerge and gather in the colourful bars and restaurants to enjoy a beer and a chat. And if you still have energy to burn, head for one of the many nightclubs that host themed parties, live music and big-name DJs. With accommodation galore – from well-maintained campsites to five-star hotels – you’ll find no other place so committed to ensuring its visitors have the time of their lives!
Tapolca
The pretty little town of Tapolca lies 10km from Balaton’s northern shoreline.
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Getting to Lake Balaton is child’s play. The lake lies less than two hours to the southwest of Budapest, and is readily reached by road or by train from Budapest Déli railway station. From 4 May 2006 things will be easier still when budget airline Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) launches direct flights to Balaton from London Stansted. There will be three services a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) to FlyBalaton Airport, which is just 20km from Keszthely.
Once you are at the lake, regular bus and train services link the local towns and villages, while for most months of the year – apart from winter, when the water is frozen – ferries offer a quick and atmospheric way of reaching the other side. Alternatively, you could hire a car and enjoy the freedom of going when and where you choose!
Riding at lake Balaton
These days, there are fewer and fewer places in the world where you can ride for pleasure in complete freedom and safety. Thankfully, Hungary is still one of these places. The country's thousand-year history and culture is inextricably linked to all things equestrian. For tourists, the main attraction is the almost limitless opportunity for exploration – vast areas are largely free of noisy main roads and fencing. The climate and terrain are also ideally suited to riding, and Hungary boasts a number of unique and distinguished breeds.
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Balatonfured
Balatonfüred, on the northern shore, is a noble resort that came to prominence in the early 1700s when a spa was established harnessing the health-giving properties of its sulphurous springs. In the 19th century it was the favourite retreat of the age’s leading poets, artists and politicians, and it continues to carry an elegant air. Its lakeside promenade is lined with acacias, and takes you past fishermen sitting on rocky outcrops and a park filled with lime trees planted by famous figures of the past.
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Horse-riding
In the 9th century AD, Hungarian tribes arrived in the Carpathian Basin from the Asian steppes on horseback, and equestrianism remains in the blood of the country’s people.
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Keszthely
Tapolca
Tapolca
Siofok
Hévíz
Tihany
Hévíz
Balatonfüred
Nagyvázsony
Badacsony
Hiking
Watersports
Wildlife
The Balaton Region reveals nature in all its glory...
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Spa towns
Hungary is afloat on a rich reservoir of thermal water that breaks the surface through thousands of springs, and the Balaton region has more than its fair share of them. If you’re feeling stressed, have nagging aches or just fancy a lick of luxury to your bathing, this is the place to be. Furthermore, you don't need to come in summer – spa holidays can be taken all year round, and make a wonderfully different winter break. As well as enjoying a warming soak, you can also take advantage of a wide range of cheaply priced health and beauty treatments – from massages and mudpacks to physiotherapy and dental work. Put yourself in the hands of the qualified experts, and allow them to soothe your body and mind.
The spa town of Hévíz is nestled on the world’s second-largest thermal lake. The lake is open all year – the mineral-rich water rarely drops below 26ºC in temperature – and in winter you can wallow snugly as the steam rises from the surface. The thermal centres at Kehidakustány and Zalakaros are also open whatever the season, and are suitable for the whole family. Parents can indulge in treatments while the kids splash about in the ‘fun bath’. Zalakaros is recommended for the relief of arthritis thanks to a combination of medicinal baths and generations of expertise.
All these thermal complexes are well provided with spa hotels offering ‘wellness’ packages, and you’ll also find such hotels at Siófok, Balatonfüred, Bük and Tapolca – the latter perched above a deep cave whose humid air has long been known to alleviate asthma. So why not treat yourself? For a few pounds, you can feel a million dollars – and bathe away those winter blues!
From and to FlyBalaton Airport
BusExpress is a quick, safe, quality and guaranteed cheap transfer service. The company fixed the prices so that they would be available for everyone. It connects Hévíz, Keszthely and Zalakaros with FlyBalaton, Sármellék.
Fly-Car is the exclusive transfer partner of FlyBalaton airport of Sármellék that connects Hévíz, Keszthely,Siófok and Budapest with FlyBalaton, Sármellék.
