About Lake Balaton

Known to many as the Hungarian Sea, Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest body of fresh water and one of its most popular attractions. Located in the Transdanubia region of Hungary, the Balaton is great for water sports, wine-tasting trips or simply relaxing in the sun.

One of the major resorts is Siofok, which is great for a family holiday due to its significantly shallower waters and plenty of children’s activities and facilities. Known as the capital of Balaton, it is full of sandy beaches, stalls with local food and crafts, as well as nightclubs.

Other popular destinations on the south shore of the lake are Zamardi, Balatonfoldvar, Balatonfenyves and Fonyod, the latter offering great views of the lake and the volcanic-topped hills surrounding it.

The Balaton’s north shoreline features pretty towns, popular with an elderly crowd and lovers of deeper waters. Keszthely is one of them, with a beautiful 18th-century Festetics Palace and within close proximity to the spa town of Heviz, where people come to relax in thermal springs and beautiful gardens.

Further to the east, there is the unique Tihany Peninsula, cutting the Balaton almost in half, and a popular spot for diving. Visit Booking.com to find the best offers for hotels there and other areas around Lake Balaton.