Balaton is the most popular tourist destination after Budapest. The lake itself is Eastern Europe’s, as well as the country’s, largest lake that attracts sun seekers, foodies, music and wine lovers and water-sports fans from all over the world. It is the so-called “Hungarian Sea” of which, most probably, each and every Hungarian cherishes a memory. Let it be a romantic sailing trip in the sunset or a memorable party at Balaton Sound festival or just a cycling tour around the lake, all have their special atmosphere that makes the experience extraordinary.
Sneak Peek…
- Balaton Sound Festival is held on the first weekend of July, at Hungary’s fanciest beach in Zamárdi, along the shore of Lake Balaton. It offers a wide choice of musical programs. Every festival fun should try it once!
- The Balatonfüred Wine Weeks are organized in August each year. This series of events have a great tradition, as it offers the opportunity of enjoying ‘the nectar’ of the Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region.
- The Blue Ribbon (Kékszalag) is the oldest ‘round the lake’ competition of Europe. The starting and finishing point is in Balatonfüred and races have to go around the lake within 48 hours, including the fix turning points but without a stopover. This round is approximately 170 km. The race is usually held in July, starting on Friday morning. The faster, the better but racers are classified into different categories.
- Biking around the Lake is an extremely popular activity nowadays. It is a 206 km long tour and it takes approximately 3 – 4 days to go around if one prefers to enjoy the sights. We firmly believe that everyone should experience it at least once in a lifetime!
- Liliomkert Piac in Káptalantóti (at the Balaton-Uplands) is the most famous farmgate-artisan market. Sundays here are awesome; innumerable people show up from different parts of the country. Local farmers, artisan products, homemade cheese, kind grandmother-like sellers, delicious strudels and real Hungarian home-made Pálinkas await visitors every Sunday all year long.
