Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is situated right in the middle of Transdanubia. With the length of 77 kilometers
and the width of 2-14 kilometers it accounts for Central Europe’s largest sweetwater lake.
Three important towns are on the northern shore: Keszthely, Badacsony and Tapolca.
Keszthely is situated on the west bank of Lake Balaton. The Festetics Family in the 18 th
century made the town the center of their cultural activities. Count György Festetics founded
the Helikon literary circle and the Helikon Festivals, and laid the foundation-stone of the
Helikon Library. His most important contribution was the foundation of the Georgikon, the
first agricultural college in Europe.
Badacsony is an example of a volcanic mountain with steep basalt sides and the characteristic
flat top. Badacsony together with its fertile surroundings are so reminiscent of Mediterranean
regions. Almond, fig and poplar trees give the landscape an almost Mediterranean appearance.
From the terrace of the nearby Kisfaludy House guesthouse there is a fine view over the lake.
The old town of Tapolca holds another delight for those who love the wonders of nature: the
lake cave. Its climate is ideal for the treatment of serious respiratory diseases.
At Lake Balaton are more interesting places, for example: Tihany, Hévíz and the Káli Basin.
Tihany has a Belső-tó, or “Inner Lake”. As it is known, it lies 26 meters above the level of the
Balaton and today is an anglers’ paradise; numerous waterfowl nest on the “Outer Lake”. The
landscape is beautiful in spring, when the almond trees are in bloom, and in summer, when
the fields are a sea of deep-blue lavender. People from Budapest arrive in bulk with their bags
in their hands to get as many types of lavender as possible. The Benedictine abbey in Tihany
was founded in 1055.
Hévíz is one of the leading traditional Hungarian spa towns. It owes its international
reputation to its thermal bath, the largest natural warm-water lake in Europe. The lake is fed
by radioactive water containing sulfur. In summer it reaches a temperature of 33-34 oC, and in
winter it never falls below 26 oC. On the bed of the lake is a layer of grayish-brown, coarse-
grained mud which can be very effective in treatments involving the use of mud-packs. From
April to October large numbers of water-lilies are in flower.
Káli-medence lies in a semi-circle of dormant volcanoes. Around the edge of the basin, stone
idols guard the peace of the land. These geological formations, formed by hot volcanic
torrents of lava and by the wind, are a local curiosity, and are popularly known as the ‘stone-
sea’.
Balatonfüred is an important spa for heart and circulation disorders. The healing properties of
the carbonated waters were recognized back in the 1730s. Since 1772 Balatonfüred was
officially declared a spa town. It was from Balatonfüred harbor that the first steamship sailed
on Lake Balaton in 1846. It was the meeting place of the Hungarian intelligentsia of Reform
period. Gyógy tér (Spa Square) is the centre of this bustling spa town. In the hall of former
Horváth hotel the well-known Anne’s Ball has been held on the last Sunday in July every year
since 1825. On the west side of the square Mór Jókai had his summer residence. South of
Gyógy tér lies a perk filled with plane and lime trees. It is the resort’s favorite meeting place.
The promenade is named after the world-famous Hindu author Rabindranath Tagore, who
found a cure for his heart condition here and planted a lime tree in the park in 1926 as a token
of his gratitude.
Siófok is the regional center and the largest town on the south bank. East of the harbor Petőfi
sétány forms a promenade along the bank of the lake, and on it will be found Siófok’s largest
hotels. Adjoining the line of hotels is the well-known beach resort of Aranypart (Golden
Beach); the beach west of the harbor is called Ezüstpart (Silver Bank). Both beaches offer
both public bathing areas and others reserved for hotel guests.
The dangers of Lake Balaton:
The prevailing wind on Balaton is from between N and NW. Storms are particularly
dangerous to navigation since the wind increases suddenly. The water level on the shores of
the lake changes according to the direction of the wind. The National Weather Service
warning observatory at Siófok deals with storm warnings for the Balaton area and between 1
May and 30 September operates the storm warning system. When the yellow light is on, you
mustn’t be farther away from the shore than 500 meters. Under the influence of the wind, the
water in the lake moves in the wind direction resulting in a considerable drop in the water
level. Depending on the wind direction the water level then falls on one shore and rises on the
other.
Events at Lake Balaton:
 Blue Ribbon Regatta – Balatonfüred: the most important sailing races in the yachting
calendar
 Cross Balaton Swim: from Révfülöp to Balatonboglár
 Valley of Arts – Kapolcs: five villages, Kapolcs, Monostorapáti, Pula, Taliándörögd
and Vigántpetend celebrate the summer
 Anna-ball – Balatonfüred: first held in 1825, on St. Anne’s day
 Wine Weeks – Balatonfüred: it takes place on the promenade along the water. You can
taste the different wines of the region while enjoying various open-air shows
Sights in Balaton region:
 The Fisherman and Ferryman guard statue is the bronze statue representing the two
primaries of Lake Balaton.
 Veszprémfest has been held since 2004, every year in July. At the festival will
perform the internationally renowned representatives of world music, classical music,
opera, jazz and pop music.
 Ekomarket in Tihany: The producers come not only from the region but also from
other parts of the country. In addition to the good tastes, we also find old books and
handicrafts.
 Winedays in Csopak: The festival looking back at the more decennial past waits for
the guests with a real program cavalcade beside the distinguished wines