Siófok
Siófok is one of Hungary’s busiest tourist centers, known as the “capital of the Hungarian summer.” Its resort area and villa district were established in the late 19th century as one of the largest tourism ventures of the time. Siófok is the birthplace of the world-famous operetta composer Imre Kálmán, and his former home is now a museum dedicated to the composer. In honor of Kálmán, operetta galas are held weekly for two months each summer. Siófok is also closely associated with the Egg Festival, held in October on World Egg Day. Every year, visitors can see the unique Egg Art Exhibition, a permanent display in Hungary. Siófok is home to several art galleries where famous painters’ works can be viewed. Museums are also recommended for those taking round trips around Lake Balaton.
Keszthely
The development and culture of Keszthely have been significantly shaped for centuries by the presence of the Festetics family, one of the wealthiest Hungarian aristocratic families. Their magnificent Baroque castle, now a museum, is one of the most beautiful monuments in the Balaton region. The Helikon Castle Museum features permanent exhibitions showcasing 18th and 19th-century aristocratic life, Islamic art, hunting trophies, and a carriage museum displayed in the stables and coach house. In the castle’s park and grand halls, concerts are held weekly during the summer. Keszthely is rich in museums and exhibition sites. Visitors should not miss the Historical Panopticum, the Snail Parliament, the Doll Museum, and the Georgikon Major Museum. For those with a sweet tooth, the Marzipan Museum and Confectionery are worth a visit. The Balaton Museum is also beautiful, with its dioramas and exhibits presenting the lake’s formation, its wildlife, archaeological finds, ethnography, and the history of bathing life.
Badacsony
Badacsony is the most famous vineyard in the Balaton region. It is the source of the grapes used to produce Badacsony Grey Friar and Kéknyelű wines. The 437-meter-high basalt mountain’s southern slopes are home to excellent restaurants and wine bars that welcome visitors. At the top of the mountain, the Kisfaludy Lookout offers a memorable panoramic view. Down below, not far from the harbor, is the house of József Egry, the painter of Lake Balaton, which now serves as a museum dedicated to his memory.
Tihany
In the landscape of the northern shore, as well as on the map, one of the most striking points is the Tihany Peninsula. Its solitary bulk rises like a watchtower above the strait. On its smaller hill, a church and monastery were established nine centuries ago. The royal decree that ordered the construction, the Tihany Foundation Document from 1055, contains the oldest written Hungarian words within a Latin text. Today, only the Romanesque crypt, supported by stout columns, remains of the original church, with a Baroque abbey church built above it. Tihany’s museums include the Benedictine Abbey Museum, the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (featuring a peasant house and the Fishermen’s Guild house), and the Doll Museum. During the summer, organ concerts are held in the abbey church.
Balatonfüred
Although Balatonfüred’s name comes from the “Füred” (a type of bath) rather than from a bathing culture, it is here that the spa culture of Lake Balaton was born in the 17th century. Füred is also known as the “city of firsts” in many respects. The first steamship, the Kisfaludy, was launched here in 1846, as were the first sailing yachts, and it was home to the first Hungarian-language stone theater. All of these innovations marked a new era in the history of Hungarian tourism. A stroll through Füred should start at the two-century-old, reform-era inspired Gyógy-tér, which has been fully renovated in recent years, and the famous Kossuth Spring. From there, you can enjoy the park, which is over a hundred years old, and the lakeside Tagore Promenade, leading you to one of the most beautiful harbors on the lake. The nearby Kerektemplom, with its distinctive shape and famous frescoes and paintings by renowned artists, attracts tourists’ interest. Just a few minutes away stands the villa of Mór Jókai, one of the “princes” of Hungarian literature, which now serves as a memorial museum.
Plázs Siófok
The Plázs Siófok is an iconic summer entertainment spot and an essential destination for a lakeside vacation in the capital of Lake Balaton. Spanning across the vast, white sandy beach of Siófok’s main beach, the Plázs is the epitome of summer relaxation and fun. Every year, it becomes the centerpiece of vacation activities, offering everything one could expect from a perfect holiday, both in its programs and its amenities.
E-Bike: For a Unique Experience!
Cycling on an e-mtb (electric mountain bike) offers an unforgettable experience for all ages—whether you’re young, older, a couple, a family, or a group of friends. Those looking for adventure, excitement, and relaxation will surely find what they’re looking for on a memorable e-bike tour.
Animal Experiences in Siófok
Do you enjoy an active vacation and gaining new experiences? Perhaps you also love animals and your children enjoy meeting them? Then this program is made for you! The animal park walk, offering a memorable experience, provides a pleasant relaxation for both children and adults.
Balaton bob
Located just 10 kilometers from Veszprém, on the northern shore of Lake Balaton in Balatonfűzfő, you’ll find one of Hungary’s most fantastic bob tracks, the Serpa Adventure Park, and a paintball field. Here, you can enjoy unparalleled natural beauty, fresh air, stunning views, and a range of exciting programs that guarantee a fantastic getaway. The facility, covering 20,000 square meters, is a true paradise, offering thrilling adventures for every family member.
Upside Down House
If you’re spending your vacation in Siófok or just looking to relax in one of the country’s most popular holiday towns, you absolutely cannot miss one of the most intriguing tourist attractions, the mind-blowing Upside Down House.
Bamboo Island
The pentagon-shaped, 1000-meter-long course on the southern shore of Lake Balaton awaits lovers of waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, and kneeboarding. Bamboo Island is built on a 460 m² dock, located approximately 100 meters from the shore on open water.
Water Tower
The water tower offers 4 different experiences for visitors, including a 360° panoramic view of Lake Balaton from the circular walkway. The water tower is the most iconic building in Siófok, rising majestically in the heart of the city.
Giant Wheel
Siófok is home to Hungary’s first custom-made Giant Wheel, notable for its unique light show and towering 50-meter structure. This outstanding mobile attraction is one of the city’s most significant tourist destinations and is set up every summer on the Grand Beach to welcome visitors.
Millennium Park
The city entices tourists with natural beauty, colorful programs, and cultural treats. The Millennium Park, completed in 1994, is located in front of the train station building, which was built in 1904. Covering an area of 16,000 square meters, the park offers not only a pleasant resting spot but also impressive sights.
Siófok Mineral Museum
Since June 1986, Hungary’s largest and most beautiful private collection has been accessible in the heart of Siófok, at 10 Kálmán Promenade. In the state-protected collection’s display cases, visitors can marvel at approximately 3,000 minerals, many of whom are returning guests.