Here we present you the information about our favorite places, including entrance prices and opening times of the attractions.
Lake Hévíz
Largest biologically active healing lake in Europe
Lake Hévíz stands as the world's largest biologically active thermal lake, making it a unique geological wonder. Its history dates back to the 2nd century when the Romans laid the foundation stone for what would become today's Hévíz spa. In the late 17th century, Count György Festetics was the first to explore the healing properties of the lake, subsequently establishing the initial spa facilities around it. Since the end of the 19th century, the lake has been graced by Indian water lilies, adorning the 4.4-hectare surface with their stunning white, pink, and purple blooms throughout the year.
Lake Hévíz Entry fee
Things to See in Bad Hévíz
in the famous western Hungarian spa town
Hévíz, Hungary's most traditional spa town, is famed not only for housing the world's largest thermal lake but also for its rich cultural offerings and numerous events. The must-see attractions include the bathhouse, featuring the newest Hévíz drinking fountain, the Roman ruin garden, and the early medieval Egregy church. A notable highlight is the farmer's market, where fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, paprika paste, syrup, wine, schnapps, and much more are available three times a week during the summer and twice a week in winter.
In the protective forest surrounding the lake, you'll find an enchanting array of flora. Besides the swamp cypresses, which are typically native to Central America, the forest is home to alders and oaks. Soon, evergreen trees and shrubs like the Himalayan cedar and laurel will also be planted, enhancing the diversity and beauty of this unique ecosystem.
Farmer Market in Hévíz
Opening time
Januar, Februar, Mach
Thursdays: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
April-December
Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
KESZTHELY
Capital of Lake Balaton
The baroque Festetics Castle in Keszthely, built by the founder of the spa town of Hévíz, Count Georg Festetics. Today it is the third largest baroque castle in Hungary with 6 unique exhibitions. Another architectural gem is the island bath on the shore of Lake Balaton, constructed at the end of the 19th century. Wandering down the main street in Keszthely, you'll encounter beautiful historic monuments, alongside charming cafés and shops that add to the town's delightful atmosphere.
Castle entrance fees
Boat trip on the Lake Balaton
Departure times from May daily: 11:30, 14:00
BALATONFÜRED
Charming city of the reform period
Balatonfüred is a charming small town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, home to 13,500 inhabitants. No matter how the traveller comes to Balatonfüred - by train, by road, by water - when he arrives in the town he senses a harmonious mixture of present and past. One is fascinated by the beauty of the landscape. The town is embraced by gentle mountains to the north and by the lake to the south. It is an ancient settlement, already inhabited in Roman times, where the visitor comes across traces of the past at every turn. Quaint residential areas, old buildings, churches, atmospheric vineyards, parks, and majestic old trees share their timeless messages with contemporary visitors.
More information and excursion tips
TIHANY
An authentic fishing village
The Tihany Peninsula, with its southern charm, is one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Balaton. The Benedictine Abbey, a prominent landmark, provides a stunning view of the lake. Surrounding the abbey, you will find numerous small shops and boutiques. Established in 1055 by Hungarian King Andrew I, the Benedictine Monastery boasts treasures of Hungarian church art within its church and crypt. Visitors can explore the island and enjoy a unique shopping experience in this historic and beautiful setting.
TAPOLCA
Small town with world-famous lake cave
Tapolca is a small town with many surprises. If we visit the lake cave in the centre of the small town, we will come across a special underground world in Tapolca. The popular site of the Balaton Uplands National Park can fortunately be visited by boat again due to the decline of mining as an industry, but there was a period in the second half of the 20th century when the accessible part of the cave could only be walked on foot. From the main square, you can reach the Great Lake (Nagy Lake) through a small courtyard. The Romans learned to appreciate the spring water, diverted it into a lake and used it for their water mill. The mill has now been converted into a hotel and was named after Gabriella Baum.
