Lake Balaton Tours

Balatonfured showing signage
Siofok featuring a square or plaza, a fountain and a city
Festetics Palace featuring chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Balatonfured showing a park and a statue or sculpture
Tihany showing flowers


Discover historical buildings, sail over aquamarine waters and party on a beach at one of Hungary’s most popular vacation 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.

Plan a trip to see Lake Balaton

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ikonik Parlament
Boho Budapest, Small Luxury Hotels
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Balaton

Kistücsök Food & Room

Kistücsök Food & Room

3 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
Luxury Lakefront Villa with Private Pier & Jacuzzi. Private Beach!

Luxury Lakefront Villa with Private Pier & Jacuzzi. Private Beach!

Balatonoszod
Luxury Lakefront Villa with Private Pier & Jacuzzi. Private Beach!
Vacation home Paola by Interhome

Vacation home Paola by Interhome

Balatonszemes
Vacation home Paola by Interhome
Vacation home Hanna by Interhome

Vacation home Hanna by Interhome

Balatonlelle
Vacation home Hanna by Interhome
Gizella by Interhome

Gizella by Interhome

Balatonlelle
Gizella by Interhome
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
Piccola by Interhome

Piccola by Interhome

Balatonakali
Piccola by Interhome
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, Hungary, offers a variety of exciting activities for tourists, including relaxing spa experiences and thrilling sailing adventures. For those seeking action, the Balatonlelle go-kart track provides a fun outing, while several yacht clubs around the lake cater to sailing enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to unwind or enjoy some adrenaline-pumping activities, Lake Balaton has something for everyone.

Food and drinks

Bujdosó Winery, located 4 miles from Lake Balaton, offers a romantic atmosphere and entertainment, perfect for wine lovers. Ikon Borászat, also 4 miles away, features similar vibes. For a scenic outdoor experience, visit Pocca Pince, situated 17 miles from the lake, where you can enjoy delightful local wines.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit Katona Borház, only 7 miles from Lake Balaton. If you're up for a drive, check out Sio Plaza, located 16 miles away, offering a diverse shopping experience with family entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

The Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club offers a stunning golf course surrounded by outdoor vibes and scenic beauty, perfect for both relaxation and sport. Meanwhile, Golfclub Imperial Balaton, located a bit further out, provides a similar ambiance with exceptional golfing experiences amidst picturesque landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Lake Balaton offers a blend of culture and adventure. Catch a show at the Tamasi Cultural Center of Tapolca, just 14 miles away, for a romantic evening. For a thrilling experience, ride the Siófok Ferris Wheel, located 16 miles away, perfect for families and adventure seekers.

Find the best attractions near Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton, Hungary's largest lake, offers a wealth of attractions including beautiful beaches, historic churches, and intriguing museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy outdoor activities, and relax by the water. Don't miss the stunning views of the lake, often referred to as the "Hungarian Sea," and explore nearby towns like Balatonfüred and Tihany for a taste of the region's charm and history.

  • Rádpuszta Medieval Church Ruin: Explore this historic monument just 4 miles from Lake Balaton, where the remnants of the medieval church evoke a rich cultural atmosphere. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape.
  • Balatonfolvar Harbor: Enjoy picturesque views and beach vibes at this scenic harbor located 7 miles from Lake Balaton. It's an ideal spot for relaxation, swimming, and soaking in the stunning lakeside scenery.
  • Balatonfoldvar Ship History Visitor Center and Lookout: Delve into maritime culture at this engaging center, located 6 miles from the lake. Learn about the region's shipping history while enjoying panoramic views from the lookout.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Balaton

Traveling to Lake Balaton can be budget-friendly with a few smart tips. Aim to visit in February, October, or December for lower hotel rates, as prices peak from June to August. Book your accommodations about a month in advance for the best deals, or check Expedia for last-minute offers. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash on future bookings. Use public transport to explore the area, and seek out free activities like local parks and beaches to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without spending much.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Lake Balaton is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Lake Balaton are February, October and December, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately 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.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Lake Balaton with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.