Family fun at Lake Balaton

Families looking for a good value summer holiday this year should consider holidaying at one of the pretty resorts around the beautiful Lake Balaton, known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’.

The largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and looking more like a sea because of its size, its where Hungarian’s go to play during the summer time. It’s now easy than ever to reach from the UK, with direct flights from Stansted with Ryanair, and its fast becoming a good alternative for those that want to combine some time at the beach with a unique cultural experience.

The shallow southern shore is ideal for those with young families as the water on average is only two to three metres deep and during the summer months it’s pleasantly warm for swimming. Hungarian summers are also very warm and dry with temperature on average around 30°C, perfect for lazing about by the lake.

The resorts of the southern shore, including the main resort of Siófok which stretches for 15km along the shore, are the most popular for sun-worshipping and there is a lively atmopshere with plenty of hotels, bars and clubs to be found.

There are plenty of water based recreational activities including boating, sailing, wind sufing and water skiing, as well as activities such as horse riding, cycling round the lake on a specially built cycle path, walking and fishing to keep everyone amsued.

There are many cultural events such as live concerts and a two-month light opera festival that is held every summer. The annual Balaton Sound Festival also takes place in July at Zamárdi, just along the shore and includes a variety of concerts and outdoor events performed by Hungarian and international acts.

Other highlights of the Lake Balaton include:

Thermal spas – the lake has been used for therapeutic bathing since 1795 and the waters and mud from the lake are excellent for treatment of minor elements. The main spa centres are concentrated around the mineral water springs of Balantonfüred and the sulphuric thermal waters at the lake near Hévíz. The thermal lake at Hévíz is particularly worth visiting at the end of the summer when thousands of red lillies from India flower all over the lake. The town of Hévíz is a lively place and offers plenty of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and cafes.

Keszthely – this town is the culural capital of the region and is the oldest and largest settlement on Lake Balaton. It was an important commercial centre even in Roman times and the town’s heritage spans many historical generations. Sights to see include the Festetics Palace, one of the most impressive aristocratic mansions in Hungary and the Balaton Musuem, for a fascinating history of the lake, including its flora, fauna and boating history, plus more than 7,000 years of archeological and ethnographic momentos.

Tihany – this small town is situated on a small peninisula on the opposite side of the lake to Siófok, but an be easily reached from the resort by ferry. A benedictine abbey was founded here in 1055 and although all that remains today is the crypt housing the tomb of King Andrew 1 this is one of Hungary’s most valued memorials. The founding charter of the abbey is also the earliest surviving document in the Hungarian langauge. This peninsula is worth visiting as well for its prolific wildlife and more than hundred geyser cones.

Wineries – five of Hungary’s 22 wine regions are located in the Balaton area and there are many wine trails connecting various cellars in the region, making it easy for visitors to sample the delicious fragrant wines that are produced at the various vineyards.

Balaton Highlands National Park – one of the areas of this stunning national park is known as Little Balaton and its an enormous swampland comprised primarily of reed fens where more than 230 species of birds have been observed. The most common are herons, egret, cormorant, kingfishers plus many gulls, terns and ducks. Tours can be taken with guides in the park including visiting Kányavár Island with its towers that offers fantastic views over the landscape.

Getting there
Ryanair (ryanair.com) fly to Balaton, Saturday to Saturday, from £56 per person including taxes in June. Accommodation at the four star Azur Hotel Siofok (hotelazur.hu) is from £285 per person for seven nights including breakfast. This hotel is situated in six hectares of parkland and has its own sandy beach.

To find out more about Hungary visit Gotohungary.co.uk.