Destinations > Hungary > Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton

Hungary's largest lake and holiday resort often comes as a disappointment. Although the lake has plenty of pretty areas and the resorts can be a lot of fun, it is also tacky and not up to the standard of beach resorts elsewhere in Europe.

Balatonfüred

This resort city on the north shore of Lake Balaton is more established than the resorts on the lake's southern shore. Balatonfüred even manages to retain a certain charm making it a preferred destination to the crowds at Siófok. The best attraction here is the historic town of Tihany, which can be reached by a 20 minute bus ride from Balatonfüred train station.

Practical Information

Balatonfüred Tourist Information Centre

Tagore sétány 1

Tel (87) 343 471

Coming & Going

Balatonfüred is accessible by both bus and train with the train and bus stations located next to each other on Dobó István utca.

Siófok

Lake Balaton's biggest resort is a tacky concrete beachfront with plenty of nightlife. Come here if you want to see how bad it really is.

Practical Information

Siófok Tourist Information Centre

Szabadság tér, Siófok

Tel (84) 315 355

Coming & Going

There are good bus connections to destinations throughout the country although the train is a better option if you're heading to Budapest, Zagreb or Venice.

Székesfehérvár

You'll probably pass through Székesfehérvár if you're travelling between Budapest and Lake Balaton. It's worth taking a break here or making a day-trip from either Lake Balaton or Budapest to explore the old town and wander among the narrow streets. Székesfehérvár is steeped in history and its sights include the foundations of the cathedral where St Stephen was buried along with the Bishop's Palace, some excellent museums and the eclectic Bory's Castle on the edge of town.

Practical Information

Székesfehérvár Tourist Information Centre

Vároház tér 1, Székesfehérvár

Tel (22) 313 818

Coming & Going

Székesfehérvár is well connected with buses departing from Erzsébet tér bus station in Budapest several times each hour and frequent trains to Budapest (Déli station) and both the northern and southern shores of Lake Balaton.