Lake Balaton caught me completely by surprise. Everyone calls it the Hungarian Sea, but trust me, it’s way better than that. Picture this: I’m lounging on a grass beach, sipping local wine from the Badacsony hills, watching sailboats glide across water that sparkles like it’s filled with diamonds. This place feels like the Mediterranean got lost and ended up in the heart of Hungary.
The things to do in Lake Balaton made me wish I’d planned a longer stay. From swimming in the impossibly blue water at Tihany Peninsula to wandering through Europe’s largest lavender fields, this place is pure summer magic. Let me show you my favorite spots around Hungary’s coolest lake that seriously deserve way more attention.
Top Must-See Places in Lake Balaton
Visiting Lake Balaton? Spend the day at Balatonederics, take a ferry to the beautiful Tihany Peninsula, or explore the stunning Badacsony. Stroll through the charming town of Keszthely, enjoy fresh local cuisine, or relax by the lakeside. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or scenic views, Lake Balaton has plenty to offer.
1. Balatonederics
If you’re chasing peaceful lake days without the tourist crowds, Balatonederics is a solid pick on Lake Balaton’s north shore. The beach here is quiet, clean, and surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll find a mix of grass and pebbled shores, ideal for spreading out a towel or renting a sunbed. It’s one of those local spots where Hungarian families show up with coolers, inflatable rafts, and an entire day to kill.
During my visit, I rented a pedal boat and paddled out far enough to soak in the scenery—rolling hills, vineyards, and just a few other boats bobbing nearby. If you’ve got kids in tow, Westernpark Nemesvita nearby is a fun detour with ropes courses and mini-golf.
Whether you’re swimming, reading, or just enjoying the view, Balatonederics is where you can kick back and feel like you’ve stumbled on your own secret summer spot.
2. Tihany Peninsula
If there’s one place on Lake Balaton that feels like it was made for postcards, it’s the Tihany Peninsula. This northern shore gem is famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in early summer and scent the entire area. Tihany Village is full of charm—cobblestone streets, old cottages, and shops selling everything from lavender tea to honey. I spent a relaxed morning here just wandering and sipping an iced lavender lemonade from a local café.
You’ll also find Tihany Abbey perched at the top of a hill, with sweeping views of the lake that are worth every step of the climb. For nature lovers, there are scenic trails through the nature reserve, and several quiet beaches perfect for a dip.
Whether you’re into hiking, history, or just chilling by the water with local treats, Tihany packs a lot into a compact, stunning spot on the lake.
3. Badacsony
Wine country meets lakeside retreat in Badacsony, one of the most scenic and flavorful stops around Lake Balaton. This region is built on volcanic hills, which give the local wines their distinctive mineral-rich taste. I joined a casual wine tasting at Laposa Estate—the view of the lake from their terrace was just as impressive as the wine itself. Their crisp olaszrizling paired beautifully with a local cheese plate.
There’s more to Badacsony than just sipping wine, though. Trails wind through vineyards and forests, with lookout points like Kisfaludy Lookout Tower offering panoramic lake views. You can even hike up to the basalt rock formations unique to this area.
Afterward, cool off with a swim at Badacsony Strand, a quiet beach with calm, shallow waters. Between the wine, scenery, and slow-paced vibe, Badacsony is a perfect escape for foodies and nature lovers alike.
4. Keszthely
Set on Lake Balaton’s western edge, Keszthely has the perfect mix of culture, history, and lakeside fun. The grand Festetics Palace is the main attraction—this 18th-century baroque mansion is massive, and walking through its ornate rooms and expansive library made me feel like I stepped into a period drama. The Helikon Castle Museum inside gives a great overview of Hungary’s aristocratic past.
But Keszthely isn’t just about palaces and museums. The nearby beach, Városi Strand, is a lively spot for swimming, paddleboating, or just lounging under the sun. I grabbed a lángos from a food stall and joined families and couples along the promenade for a classic lake afternoon.
The town also has great restaurants and wine bars that stay open late. Keszthely is perfect if you’re looking for a destination that balances cultural depth with that laid-back, summer-by-the-lake atmosphere.
5. Szigliget
Szigliget is one of those lakeside villages that instantly puts you at ease. Located between Badacsony and Keszthely, it’s quieter than the bigger towns but full of charm. The star of the show is the Szigliget Castle Ruins, perched on a volcanic hill. I hiked up just before sunset and the panoramic view over Lake Balaton was unforgettable—orange skies, vineyard-covered hills, and boats gliding across the water.
Back in the village, it’s all about slow living. Locals sell handmade crafts and homemade wines, and the small cafés serve traditional Hungarian fare with a cozy, family-run feel. The nearby Szigliget Beach is perfect for families, and the gentle waters are ideal for a swim.
If you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon paired with history and wine tasting, Szigliget offers a wonderful, unhurried escape along the lake’s northern shore.
6. Vonyarcvashegy
A trip to Vonyarcvashegy combines beach vibes with outdoor adventure, making it a favorite for active travelers and families. I stopped here for a paddleboarding session at Lido Beach, one of the most popular public beaches on Lake Balaton. The water was calm, the crowd was friendly, and the sunset views were unreal. If you’re into water sports, they’ve got rentals for everything from windsurfing to pedal boats.
Away from the shoreline, hiking trails lead up to St. Michael Chapel, which sits on a hill overlooking the lake. It’s a short but scenic climb, and totally worth it for the peaceful view. The town also has cute bistros serving local fish and Balaton wines.
Whether you want to explore nature or simply float in the sun, Vonyarcvashegy gives you the best of both worlds without the tourist crowds of bigger towns.
7. Balatonfüred
Balatonfüred has a timeless, elegant vibe that sets it apart from the more casual beach towns around the lake. Known as Hungary’s oldest spa town, it’s packed with stately villas, shaded promenades, and a long tradition of wellness. I wandered down the Tagore Promenade, named after the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, and found everything from gelato stands to wine kiosks along the lakefront.
There’s also a ton of culture here. The Anna Grand Hotel, where Hungary’s famous Anna Ball is held each year, is just one piece of Balatonfüred’s aristocratic legacy. The town is a hub for sailing, and I got to watch a regatta from the marina one afternoon.
With mineral-rich waters, art galleries, stylish cafés, and a gentle pace, Balatonfüred blends classic charm with modern comforts. It’s the kind of place where you linger just a little longer than planned.
8. Siófok
Looking for energy, nightlife, and non-stop fun? Siófok is your go-to on Lake Balaton’s southern shore. It’s known as the party capital of the lake, and I quickly saw why. The beaches were buzzing, the clubs were packed by midnight, and live music echoed from bars all down Petőfi Promenade. If you enjoy a fast-paced, social atmosphere, this is your spot.
But there’s more to Siófok than just partying. The Water Tower in the town center has a panoramic viewing deck, and there’s a peaceful side along Golden Shore Beach, especially early in the morning. Families come here for kid-friendly attractions, while young travelers dive into the nightlife scene.
From lazy lake days to neon-lit nights, Siófok is all about variety—and you’ll never run out of things to do (or people to meet).
9. Zamárdi
If you time it right, Zamárdi becomes one of the liveliest places on Lake Balaton thanks to Balaton Sound, a huge electronic music festival held every summer. I went once with a few friends, and it felt like half of Europe was dancing along the lakeshore. Even outside festival season, Zamárdi is full of life and great views of the northern hills across the lake.
Families also love the town’s spacious free beach, which is one of the longest on the southern shore. It’s got shallow, clean waters perfect for kids, plus volleyball courts and water sports for more active visitors. You can also catch a ferry here or take a scenic walk up to Kőhegy Lookout.
Whether you’re here for the music, the chill lake vibe, or the endless views, Zamárdi gives you a little bit of everything in one vibrant spot.
10. Revfülöp
Revfülöp doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly what makes it charming. Located on the north shore, it’s one of those towns that still feels a bit undiscovered. I stayed in a lakeside guesthouse here and woke up each morning to church bells and the smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. It felt like stepping into a slower pace of life.
The town’s biggest highlight is the Millennium Lookout Tower, which offers sweeping views of the lake and nearby volcanic hills. It’s a short but steep hike up, and the reward is one of the best views around Balaton. Down by the lake, Revfülöp Beach is quiet and clean, with plenty of green space to relax.
If you enjoy wine, this area is also home to some excellent local vineyards. For laid-back days and peaceful nights, Revfülöp is a solid pick.
11. Fonyód
Fonyód quickly became one of my favorite unexpected stops along Lake Balaton. It doesn’t have the flash of Siófok or the crowds of Tihany, but it nails the essentials: great views, chill beaches, and solid local food. I took a walk up to Sipos Hill Lookout, and the view across the lake to Badacsony was hands-down one of the best I’ve seen in Hungary.
The town’s Panorama Beach is wide, grassy, and laid-back. You won’t find blaring music or party boats—just families enjoying the sun and couples having picnics in the shade.
Fonyód also has one of the region’s best markets, open twice a week, where I picked up handmade honey and smoked sausage. For travelers looking to unwind and enjoy classic Balaton without the fuss, Fonyód offers an easygoing vibe with real local flavor.
12. Balatonalmádi
Balatonalmádi offers a peaceful blend of lakeside relaxation and small-town charm, with just enough to keep things interesting. I arrived by train and was immediately struck by how green and walkable the town felt. The shady parks, leafy promenades, and red stone buildings make it feel different from other lakeside spots.
The town’s main beach, Wesselényi Strand, is clean and family-friendly, with playgrounds and plenty of grassy areas. I spent one evening just sitting by the water with lángos in hand, watching the sun dip behind the hills.
Balatonalmádi also has great access to hiking trails that lead into the Balaton Uplands, and you’ll find wine cellars tucked into the nearby hills. It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm—this is the kind of place where you settle in and really relax.
