Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, a long freshwater lake in western Hungary valued for its resorts, beaches and summer recreation. It stretches roughly 77 kilometers end to end and has a broad, shallow basin that supports extensive bathing and boating.

The lake’s northern shore includes peninsulas and volcanic high ground such as the Tihany Peninsula, while the southern shore has extensive beaches and resort towns including Siófok. The mix of shallow water, beaches and lakeside towns makes it Hungary’s primary summer holiday destination.

Balaton’s modern role is as a recreational and tourism centre, with sailing, swimming and lakeside leisure forming the dominant uses; the shoreline is lined with towns, marinas and bathing facilities.

Located in western Hungary, the lake forms a distinct geographic region and is accessible from Budapest and regional transport links.

• Shallow waters: The lake is shallow, with an average depth around 3.2 meters, which allows it to warm quickly in summer and supports a long bathing season at beaches and resorts.

What to See #

• Tihany Peninsula: Tihany Peninsula - a prominent promontory on the northern shore that includes an abbey foundation, viewpoints and volcanic-origin landscapes popular with visitors.
• Siófok: Siófok - one of the lake's principal resort towns on the southern shore, known for beaches and summer events.