Lake Balaton

Balatonfured which includes signage
Siofok which includes a city, a square or plaza and a fountain
Festetics Palace featuring a castle and heritage architecture
Balatonfured featuring a garden and a statue or sculpture
Tihany featuring flowers


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.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Marbles Residence
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company
Eurostars Danube Budapest

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Kistücsök Food & Room

Kistücsök Food & Room

4 out of 5
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 25., Balatonszemes
Kistücsök Food & Room
Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

1 out of 5
Lellei utca 1-2., Balatonszemes
Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping
Vacation home Paola by Interhome

Vacation home Paola by Interhome

Balatonszemes
Vacation home Paola by Interhome
Lovely apartment for 15 guests with WIFI, A/C, TV, patio, pets allowed and parking

Lovely apartment for 15 guests with WIFI, A/C, TV, patio, pets allowed and parking

Balatonfüred
Lovely apartment for 15 guests with WIFI, A/C, TV, patio, pets allowed and parking
Seehaus 1 directly on the shore with its own jetty

Seehaus 1 directly on the shore with its own jetty

Balatonszárszó
Seehaus 1 directly on the shore with its own jetty
Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

2 out of 5
Balatonlelle
Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela
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 variety of exciting activities for tourists, including sailing and spa experiences. Families can enjoy the Balaland Family Park, while adventure seekers can explore thrilling getaway options and the adventure bath. Additionally, visitors can find excellent accommodation tours to enhance their stay, ensuring a memorable holiday by this beautiful lake.

Shopping

Discover Katona Borház, a charming store located 11.3km from Lake Balaton, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Sio Plaza, situated 25.7km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a variety of shops.

Recreation

Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club offers a delightful golfing experience with stunning views just 9.7km from Lake Balaton, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Veszprem Arena, located 33.8km away, buzzes with sports energy, while Golfclub Imperial Balaton, 27.4km from the lake, provides a scenic golfing retreat.

Adventure

Nordica Síaréna, located 45.1km from Lake Balaton, offers thrilling skiing experiences amidst a vibrant sports atmosphere. Similarly, Epleny Ski Arena, also 45.1km away, provides an exhilarating ski environment perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking snowy escapades.

Nightlife

At Lake Balaton, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. The Tamasi Cultural Center in Tapolca offers romantic theatre experiences, while the Siófok Ferris Wheel provides thrilling adventures. For a fun day out, Balatonibob Leisure Park promises exciting amusement rides, perfect for families and friends 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 offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists, including beautiful beaches, historic monasteries, and impressive monuments. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture or enjoy outdoor activities by the water's edge. Whether you seek a relaxing beach experience or wish to explore the rich history of the region, Lake Balaton has something to enchant every traveller.

  • Platán Strand: Enjoy the quintessential beach experience at Platán Strand, located 8.0km from Lake Balaton. With its sandy shores and tranquil waters, it’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and indulge in beach vibes.
  • Balatonlelle Amusement Park: Just 6.4km from Lake Balaton, this amusement park offers thrilling rides and outdoor adventures for the whole family. Experience the excitement and joy of various attractions, making it a fantastic day out for all ages.
  • Rádpuszta Medieval Church Ruin: Discover the rich cultural heritage at Rádpuszta, a medieval church ruin located 6.4km away from Lake Balaton. Immerse yourself in history as you explore this fascinating monument amidst a serene landscape.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Balaton

To save money during your trip to Lake Balaton, consider visiting in February or October to November when prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can yield the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and location, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Additionally, explore free activities around the lake to make the most of your visit without overspending.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Lake Balaton about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Lake Balaton with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.