Lake Balaton

Background

Lake Balaton lies in Transdanubia in western Hungary, about 100 kilometres southwest of Budapest. It is about 78 kilometres long and about 600 square kilometres in area, with an average depth of only about 3.2 metres, so the water warms up quickly in summer. The north shore has vineyards and volcanic hills, while the south shore is lined with gently sloping beaches. The Tihany Peninsula juts out from the north shore and nearly cuts the lake in two, and its Benedictine abbey looks out over the whole lake. The Romans called the lake Pelso, and its Hungarian name comes from a Slavic root meaning "mud, swamp". The area has produced wine since Roman times, and its Mediterranean-like climate and volcanic soil created the wine country of the north shore. During the Ottoman wars, the lake region was one of the defensive lines of the Kingdom of Hungary, and battles were fought here. The lake is fed mainly by the Zala River at its western end, and its only outflow is the canalised Sió, which eventually flows into the Danube.

Local customs

• In summer, swim and sunbathe on the south-shore beaches, and go sailing or windsurfing on the lake. Climb the Tihany Peninsula to see the abbey and the lake view, and stroll the lakeside promenade at Balatonfüred. In autumn, taste wine at north-shore wineries
• in winter, when the lake freezes, try ice activities in the designated areas.

Travel tips

• The lake is very shallow, but waves can build up when the wind rises, so watch the depth and the weather if you are with children. In summer the south-shore resort towns are busy, so arrange accommodation and parking in advance. Lakeside transport follows official timetables, and ice activities should only take place in officially opened areas.
• Driving from Budapest to the eastern end of the lake takes about an hour, and trains to the lakeside towns take about one to two hours. Trains and buses ring the lake and connect the main towns on both shores, ferries link Tihany with the south shore, and cycling around the lake is also popular. Summer is the main season, with swimming, sailing and lakeside festivals concentrated in June to August
• spring and autumn are pleasant for cycling and wine tasting
• in winter the lake often freezes and the scenery is quiet, good if you like peace.