Lake Balaton – A sojourn into nature with lakes and forests

Lake Balaton is unquestionably one of Hungary's most beautiful destinations. The lake, also known as the Hungarian Sea, has a 197-kilometer shoreline that is actually circled by a cycle path that visitors can use! The lake is surrounded by resort towns, and the Balaton Uplands National Park, in particular, has beautiful forests.

The Zala River is the largest inflow of water to the lake, yet the canalized Sió is the only outflow. In the northern shore, the mountainous region is best-known both for its historic character and as a major wine region, while the flat southern shore is widely recognized for its resort towns.

Balatonfüred and Hévíz quickly developed early as resorts for the wealthy, but until the late 19th century when landowners, destroyed by Phylloxera attacking their grape vines, started building summer homes to rent out to the rising middle classes.

• Places to visit: Herend Porcelain Factory, Festetics Palace
  
  
• Famous for: Szigliget Fortress, Heviz Spa, Balaton Sound Festival

Tip: Getting to Lake Balaton by public transport is affordable and reliable, but make sure you consult the official timetables of buses and trains before you start planning your day.