Why has Lake Balaton become a popular tourist destination?

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is an exceptional body of water located in the Danube region of Hungary. It is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, which is why many locals refer to it as the "Hungarian Sea." After the end of World War I and the signing of the Trianon Treaty, which resulted in significant territorial losses for Hungary, including the Adriatic Sea coastline, Balaton became one of the key tourist attractions in the region.

Geographical location

The lake is surrounded by three Hungarian counties:

• To the north is Veszprém.
• The western part is bounded by the Zala copper.
• On the southern side is the county of Somogy.

The southern coast is famous for its resorts with wide, gentle beaches and comfortable access to the water, while the north is home to picturesque vineyards and historical landmarks known both in Hungary and beyond.

Climate and conditions for recreation

In the summer, the water temperature in the lake reaches+25 °COn hot evenings, it often feels like the water is warmer than the air. Additionally, the stunning sunsets create a mesmerizing atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy swimming in these velvety waters even after the sun has set.

Popular resorts

To the north of the lake are popular yet relatively unknown resort towns for Russians, such as:

• Balatonkenese
• Balatonalmadi
• Balatonfüred
• Tihany
• Revfulep
• Badachon
• Sigliget
• Keszthely

Experts note a growing interest in lesser-known resort villages, such as:

• Deneshdiash
• Chersegtomay
• Nemeshbyuk
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• Balatonföldvár

The most developed infrastructure and quality medical services are found inBalatonfüredandKeszthely, which are famous for their healing springs.

Tourism around the lake

Modern life around Lake Balaton largely depends on the tourism industry, with a flow of both local and foreign travelers. The main influx of tourists occurs from early June to the end of August, but even in winter, this region offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

How to get there

As for the ways to get to the resorts on the shores of Lake Balaton, the fastest option for Russians is a flight from Moscow to Budapest. Currently, regular flights are operated by companies such asAeroflotand the Hungarian budget airlineWizz AirThe cost of tickets with a low-cost airline can start from7,000 rublesfor both sides, while traditional airlines have prices that vary from17,800 rublesand above.

Thus, a trip to Balaton becomes accessible to a vast number of people who wish to enjoy the beauty of this amazing lake and its stunning shores.

A trip from Budapest to Balatonfüred

To get from Budapest to the resort of Balatonfüred, located on the northern shore of the picturesque Lake Balaton, you can take convenient trains departing from Budapest's central station or the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. The journey takes approximately two to three hours, depending on the number of stops along the way.

Flights from Moscow

Since 2016, the airline Utair has been establishing regular flights from Moscow to Hévíz–Balaton Airport, which operate from July 10 to October 23. Direct flights depart every Sunday from Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. Ticket prices for round trips fluctuate around20,000 rublesThis makes the route very convenient for those planning a vacation in Keszthely, which is located just ten kilometers from Lake Balaton.

Ground transportation

For those who prefer to travel by land, there is an option to take a train from Moscow to Budapest. Every day, a train with attached carriages departs from the capital of Russia heading to Warsaw. The journey takes approximately30 hoursThe ticket price in second class starts from174.9 euros.

Advantages of the northern shore of Lake Balaton

What are the advantages of choosing the northern shore of Lake Balaton? This area stands out for its shallow waters, with a soft silt bottom, and its shores are adorned with beautiful vegetation. Many resorts feature specially prepared sandy beaches located close to the healing waters of the lake.

Winter activities

In winter, the lake freezes over, transforming the well-known summer spa centers into winter entertainment complexes. You can try:

• ice fishing;
• ice skating;
• snowmobiles;
• fun mountain sledding.

Climate and ecology

The moderate climate and excellent ecology of this region create ideal conditions for relaxation, especially for families with children or retirees. An undeniable advantage of purchasing property here is the possibility of both permanent residence and temporary vacations in one of the most famous resorts in the world.

Health and leisure

People from different corners of the planet strive to maintain their health and youth in this region. Balaton attracts tourists not only for its medical procedures and preventive programs but also as a wonderful place for family vacations, where everyone can find an activity they enjoy. Guests are offered:

• good beaches for swimming;
• the opportunity to sunbathe in the sun;
• to engage in sailing sports;
• equestrianism;
• or play golf.

This place will truly satisfy the needs of the most diverse travelers.

Culinary culture of Hungary

Hungary is renowned for the diversity of its culinary culture, and a vacation on the northern side of Lake Balaton offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the unique dishes of Hungarian cuisine. The local wines are also a must-try. The climate of this region, which can be compared to the Mediterranean, along with the soil enriched with volcanic minerals, creates ideal conditions for winemaking.

Two thousand years ago, the locals noticed that nature itself contributes to the abundant harvest of grapes, as the waters of the lake reflect sunlight, creating additional light that promotes the growth of the vines.

The situation in the real estate market

As for the current situation in the real estate market in this resort area, after a significant drop in housing prices during the economic crisis, a recovery process began in 2014. In 2015, studies showed that the value of homes on the shores of Lake Balaton increased by an impressive 20% in just one year.

• The average price per square meter for properties used for vacation or personal residence has already exceeded 150,000 forints (approximately €480).
• New residential properties in popular resort areas, such as Siófok and Balatonfüred, had prices of around 550,000 and 400,000 forints respectively, which is equivalent to €1,760 and €1,280 per square meter.

Increase in real estate transactions

Since the end of the first half of 2014, the number of real estate transactions in the lake district has increased by 40%. This applies to both short-term vacation properties and permanent housing.

Interest in real estate in the suburbs of Keszthely

According to experts, the most attractive real estate is located in the suburbs of Keszthely, especially when it comes to houses priced up to 150,000 euros. In recent years, there has been a trend towards an increase in purchases of more expensive properties, primarily made by citizens of Germany and Switzerland who intend to move permanently to Hungary.

Growing interest in real estate around Lake Balaton

Analysts note a sharp increase in demand for housing around Lake Balaton from residents of Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, as well as the UK and the Netherlands. The migration situation in their countries significantly influences the decisions of Western Europeans to purchase real estate in Hungary. At the same time, experts emphasize that the interest of Russians and residents of CIS countries in Hungarian real estate has significantly decreased, reaching a critical level.

Promising areas for investment

When it comes to promising investment opportunities, one should pay attention to Balatonfüred – a famous resort that has become a favorite spot for many Hungarian artists and writers.

• Iconic villas, such as Villa Mora Jokai and Villa Luiza Blaha, now operate as museums, which adds extra appeal to this place.
• Thanks to its unique microclimate and therapeutic mineral waters, Balatonfüred became the first medical center and spa resort in Hungary as early as the 18th century.
• For many years, services have been provided here at the cardiology center and sanatorium, and the local mineral springs contribute to the treatment of various diseases, including digestive disorders.

A walk along the Tagore promenade

A walk along the Tagore promenade, named after the Indian poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, will offer you unforgettable views of Lake Balaton and the joy of brightly blooming flowerbeds. Balatonfüred is also famous for its vineyards; since 1987, it has been designated as an international city of wine and grapes.

Modern services and attractions

Today, Fyured offers tourists:

• two yacht marinas
• a multitude of mineral springs
• architectural monuments of the 18th-19th centuries
• various high-end restaurants

Real estate prices in Balatonfüred

As for prices, the cost of one-bedroom apartments in Balatonfured ranges from35,000 to 40,000 eurosThe renovation of a house with a land plot and a small vineyard will cost from60,000 euros...while a new six-bedroom house with a pool, which can be used for business, will cost approximately...175,000 eurosRenting an apartment in a private house here is possible from30 euros per day.

Keszthely and its attractions

Keszthely, located on the western side of Lake Balaton, is known for its famous Festetics Castle, which consists of101 roomsThis city is the largest on the coast and, thanks to its convenient location and accessible transportation infrastructure, including road and rail routes, it has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The city's unique location

The city, with its unique location, is surrounded by green forests and hills to the north, while to the southeast there are endless plains. To the south of the area lies the beautiful Lake Balaton.

This aspect, along with its proximity to the popular resort of Hévíz, known for its spa treatments and healing waters, makes Keszthely quite attractive for both tourists and investors.

Real estate prices

On the secondary real estate market in Keszthely, the starting price for an apartment in a multi-family building starts from€25,000 to €30,000For those looking for a two-bedroom home with a beautiful view of the lake, prices start at€50,000Renting an apartment for a day can cost€20while renting a separate house starts from€40per day.

Sights of the Tihany Peninsula

From a distance, you can see the magnificent two-towered abbey located on the Tihany Peninsula. This peninsula is known not only for its ancient monuments but also for its favorable climate and unique flora, which includes rare species of herbs and plants.

Despite its small size, the region is home to numerous historical, architectural, and natural attractions that can be explored endlessly.

Economic indicators

Statistical data shows that the local residents of the Tihany Peninsula have the highest per capita income in the country, and the cost of housing has reached record highs among all Hungarian regions.

Local residents claim that it is from the houses on the peninsula that the most picturesque and magical views of Lake Balaton can be seen. For example, a new six-bedroom house costs approximately€200,000.

Charming Balatonalmádi

In the northeastern part of the lake lies a small town called Balatonalmádi, with a population of only about8500 peopleThe city boasts numerous ancient medieval buildings, among which the Calvinist church stands out, surrounded by a stone wall that once served defensive purposes.

There is a Catholic church nearby, built in the late 18th century, known for its unique frescoes and beautiful altars. Currently, the building houses a hotel.

There is also an 18th-century structure with a vast underground space, where a wine house and wine museum will soon be opened.

City development

Balatonalmádi has been actively developing since the opening of the railway line inin 1909...which has given the small town the opportunity to attract tourists. Despite its modest size, the real estate market here is very diverse:

• bungalows in need of repair, priced from€20,000
• luxurious historic estates, the prices of which can reach€280,000

Daily rental of accommodation in Balatonalmádi starts from€20.

Balatonfüred is the perfect resort.

Balatonfüred is the perfect place for those looking to improve their health, enjoy cultural leisure, relax without a care, and try wonderful Hungarian wines.

This resort harmoniously combines all the necessary conditions for a full-fledged rest and relaxation, making it a unique and attractive place for tourists and sanatorium patients. The quality infrastructure, picturesque landscapes, and warm lake draw many people here who wish to spend their time productively and enjoyably.

Conclusion

Lake Balaton is not just the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, but a whole world full of unique opportunities for recreation and healing. Its picturesque landscapes, diverse resorts, and rich culture make this place desirable for tourists from all over the world. I would like to emphasize that Balaton has become not only a symbol of Hungarian hospitality but also a true paradise for those seeking tranquility and health.

Variety of offers

It is important to note that due to its accessibility and wide range of offerings, Balaton is suitable for various categories of vacationers.

• Youthlooking for active recreation;
• Retirees, who value silence and comfort.

I was impressed by how the locals blend tradition and modernity, creating an atmosphere where everyone can find their place.

Seasonal tourism

Thus, autumn and spring, when the lake is shrouded in mist, give Balaton a unique atmosphere of mystery and romance, while in winter the lake transforms into a place for winter fun. I believe that anyone planning a trip should include Lake Balaton in their must-visit list. Regardless of the season, this place is sure to amaze you with its beauty and the variety of activities suitable for both solo travelers and family vacations.

Popularity among tourists

Every year, the number of tourists is increasing, highlighting the high regard this natural wonder receives among vacationers. I am convinced that everyone who visits here will take away not only unforgettable impressions but also a desire to return. Balaton is not just a getaway; it is an opportunity to restore health and enjoy everything that nature has to offer.

In conclusion

So don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in a world where time stands still and the beauty of nature captivates.