Lake Balaton

Siofok featuring a square or plaza, a fountain and a city

Festetics Palace which includes château or palace and heritage architecture

Balatonfured which includes a statue or sculpture and a park

Visit Lake Balaton

Activities

Discover historical buildings, sail over aquamarine waters and party on a beach at one of Hungary’s most popular holiday destinations.

Beautiful natural scenery, watersports and historic landmarks are some of the features of a vacation at Lake Balaton. This is central Europe's largest freshwater lake and the region encompasses hills, mountains and lakeside towns and resorts. Hike through the landscape, take a boat cruise across the water and tour a splendid 18th-century Baroque palace.

The lake stretches for approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) and there are many beaches along its shoreline where you can relax and swim. In addition to swimming there are lots of other water-based activities here, including sailing, surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding. Stay active when you are back on dry land by cycling along lake-side paths that extend for more than 124 miles (200 kilometers) around the body of water.

Carve out some time to tour the lake’s towns and villages. Explore BalatonfüredOpens in a new window on the lake's northern shore. Visit museums housed in old villas, drink from a mineral spring well and walk along the Tagore Promenade. Go to TihanyOpens in a new window, located on the Tihany Peninsula for its medieval Benedictine abbey. Nearby is a geyser field.

Journey to KeszthelyOpens in a new window on the western shore to see the majestic FesteticsOpens in a new window Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece built for a noble family. Enjoy the party atmosphere at SiófokOpens in a new window, the biggest town on the lake. Refresh your body in nearby Heviz, a town famed for its spas.

Take advantage of the lake’s scenic backdrop with some outdoor adventures. Hike through the Balaton Upland National Park, see the large basalt columns of the Káli Basin and try bird watching in the Kis Balaton wetlands area. Among the species you might see are white-tailed eagles and ospreys. In winter, go ice skating, ice sailing and ice windsurfing when the lake freezes over.

Reach Lake Balaton by driving from Budapest, a journey that can take up to 2 hours, depending on which part of the lake you are visiting. There are also train services from the Hungarian capital to several historical and picturesque destinations around the lake.

Popular places to visit

Balatonlelle Amusement Park

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Balatonlelle Amusement Park as part of your trip to Balatonlelle. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Bujdosó Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Bujdosó Winery during your travels to Balatonlelle. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Rádpuszta medieval church ruin

Learn about the local history of Balatonlelle when you take a trip to Rádpuszta medieval church ruin. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

Ikon Borászat

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Ikon Borászat during your travels to Látrány.

Garamvári Szőlőbirtok

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Garamvári Szőlőbirtok during your travels to Balatonlelle. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Gömbkilátó

Learn about the local history of Balatonboglar with a stop at Gömbkilátó. Wander the parks and lakeside while you're in the area.

Top Lake Balaton Hotel Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Lake Balaton

Kistücsök Food & Room

Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 25., Balatonszemes

Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

Lellei utca 1-2., Balatonszemes

Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

Balatonlelle

Beautiful Apartment for 8 Persons

Balatonlelle

Balchill House With Sauna And Jacuzzi

Balatonszepezd

Fülöp Panzió

Revfulop

Beach Szálló Révfülöp

Halász utca 37., Revfulop, Veszprém

Club Tihany Resort

3 Rév u., Tihany

Holiday Resorts

József Attila utca 26., Balatonszarszo

See all 1,384 properties in Lake Balaton

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton offers a plethora of activities for visitors, including rejuvenating spa experiences and thrilling sailing adventures. Families can enjoy well-equipped playgrounds, while boat rides provide a delightful way to explore the scenic beauty of the lake. Additionally, there are numerous tourist facilities and excursion spots to enhance your stay, ensuring a memorable holiday for everyone.

Shopping

Visit Katona Borház, a charming store just 11.3km from Lake Balaton, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Sio Plaza, located 25.7km away, boasts an array of shops along with entertainment options, making it a delightful family-friendly destination.

Recreation

The Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club offers a picturesque golfing experience with stunning views and outdoor activities, just 9.7km from Lake Balaton. Alternatively, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Veszprem Arena, 33.8km away, for exhilarating sports events and community spirit. Golfclub Imperial Balaton, located 27.4km away, provides a fantastic golfing challenge in a beautiful setting.

Adventure

Nordica Síaréna, located 45.1km from Lake Balaton, offers thrilling skiing experiences amidst stunning snowy landscapes. Epleny Ski Arena, also 45.1km away, provides an exhilarating atmosphere for ski enthusiasts, complete with various slopes and a vibrant sports vibe, perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Lake Balaton offers a variety of experiences. Enjoy a cultural evening at the Tamási Cultural Centre of Tapolca, or seek adventure on the Siófok Ferris Wheel. For a thrill, visit the Balatonibob Leisure Park, perfect for families and fun-seekers alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton, a stunning holiday destination in Hungary, offers an array of attractions such as beautiful beaches, historic monasteries, and notable monuments. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying outdoor activities and relaxing at Balaton Lake resorts. Don't miss the breathtaking lake views, perfect for capturing the essence of this picturesque area. Whether seeking adventure or tranquillity, Lake Balaton caters to every traveller's desires.

Platán Strand: Experience the quintessential beach vibes at Platán Strand, located a mere 8.0km from Lake Balaton. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities in a relaxed, picturesque setting.
Balatonlelle Amusement Park: Just 6.4km from Lake Balaton, this amusement park promises fun for the entire family. With thrilling rides and outdoor adventures, it’s perfect for those seeking excitement and laughter.
Rádpuszta Medieval Church Ruin: Immerse yourself in the rich culture at the Rádpuszta medieval church ruin, located 6.4km from Lake Balaton. This historical monument offers a glimpse into Hungary’s past amidst serene surroundings.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Balaton

To save money on your trip to Lake Balaton, consider visiting during the off-peak months of February and October to November for lower accommodation prices. Booking a month in advance typically yields the best rates, and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia's search tool to compare room rates and find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Balaton are February and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Lake Balaton is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Balaton is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Balaton is Friday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool offers you the flexibility to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, enabling you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Moreover, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Lake Balaton with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.

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