Lake Balaton

Freshwater Lake Balaton is located in Hungary's Transdanubian area. It is the largest lake in Central Europe, and a popular tourist site in the area. The lake receives the most water from the Zala River, and the only outflow is through the canalized Sió.

The flat southern shore is noted for its vacation cities, while the hilly northern shore is known for both its historic character and as a significant wine region. It is without a doubt the largest lake in Central Europe, covering an area of more than 590 square kilometers, but it is also astonishingly shallow, only reaching a depth of about 3 meters. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Hungary because it offers a combination of beautiful beaches and positive attitudes. In these tranquil seas, one can sail in addition to swimming! A number of resort communities have sprung up around Lake Balaton in Hungary, some of the most well-known of which being Keszthely, Siófok, and Balatonfüred. If it works out for you, consider rearranging your schedule to coincide with Balaton Sound, a bizarre music festival held in the Zamárdi resort on the lake's southern bank.

If you want to save money, you can either take the short 1.5-hour drive from Budapest to Lake Balaton or take the train.

Location: Transdanubian region of Hungary