Lake Balaton: The Northern Area

Hungary / / By

Lake Balaton, often lovingly called the “Hungarian Sea” by locals, is the largest lake in Central Europe and the perfect place for an unforgettable getaway. Located just 100 kilometers west of Budapest, this massive freshwater lake draws countless visitors year after year.

Whether you’re a tourist, a local, or a regular vacationer, Lake Balaton has something for everyone. Love watersports, delicious food, or fine wine? A vacation at Lake Balaton has it all.

But what exactly makes the northern shore so special? Let’s embark on a journey to discover if Balaton is truly more than just a big lake. Who knows, I might even reveal where to find the best Lángos!

Balaton: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

The image captures a serene and picturesque scene at Lake Balaton. In the foreground, a glass of white wine, branded with "Balatonfüred", rests on a wooden picnic table, inviting a moment of relaxation. The background reveals a calm, clear lake with a sailboat gently gliding on the water, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. A tree provides shade, while distant figures and more picnic tables suggest a pleasant social setting. The overall ambiance exudes peace and enjoyment, perfectly embodying the leisurely charm of a day spent at Lake Balaton.

White Wine in Balatonfüred

Did you know the region around Lake Balaton produces some of Hungary’s best wines? The climate and volcanic soil create perfect conditions for viticulture. White varieties like Chardonnay and Furmint are especially popular.

But don’t overlook the reds! When you’re in the area, make sure to visit the wine regions of Badacsony or Balatonfüred-Csopak. Here, you can taste top-notch wines and learn about the rich wine-making tradition.

Culinary Delights at Balaton

The image features a cheerful young man enjoying his time at Lake Balaton. He's casually dressed in striped swim trunks and a draped towel, holding a straw hat in one hand. In the other hand, he proudly presents a plate of Lángos, a popular Hungarian fried dough snack. Behind him, the setting is lively with a rustic stone building housing the Napsugár Büfé in Kaptalanfüred, shaded by a bright red Coca-Cola umbrella. Picnic tables and the relaxed atmosphere suggest a perfect spot for a delicious bite and a pleasant day by the lake.

Kristóf at Napsugár Büfe in Kaptalanfüred

Ever tried Lángos? This fried dough is Hungary’s oldest dish and a must-try at Balaton. Whether topped with garlic and sour cream or cheese and ham, Lángos is always a great choice.

And that’s just the beginning. Goulash, Chicken Paprikash, and the famous Hungarian Paprikash Salami are waiting for you to savor.

Top 4 Towns on the Northern Shore

These three towns have stolen my heart: Balatonfüred, the Tihany Peninsula, Balatonalmádi, and the sleepy Kaptalanfüred. Get ready for lots of delicious local wine, spots for picturesque sunrises and sunsets, and a few hidden gems.

1. Balatonfüred – The Heart of the Northern Shore

The image captures a serene and picturesque evening at Balatonfüred, a charming town by Lake Balaton. The calm waters reflect the soft pastel hues of the sunset, creating a tranquil and captivating scene. Ducks float peacefully on the lake, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. People sit along a wooden dock, enjoying the view and soaking in the calm ambiance. Colorful kayaks are lined up along the shore, suggesting fun daytime activities. In the background, a marina filled with sailboats provides a scenic silhouette against the evening sky, highlighting Balatonfüred's nautical charm. The overall setting is perfect for a relaxing and picturesque moment by the lake.

Balatonfüred’s Waterfront

One of the most famous spots on the northern shore is Balatonfüred. This charming town with its 13,500 residents offers a perfect mix of history and modern charm. A walk along the Tagore Promenade with its old plane trees is a highlight.

In August, the famous Wine Weeks, or Borhetek, take place here. At this festival, you can taste the best wines of the region. These weeks are especially recommended (wink, wink).

The picture shows my mum sitting at an outdoor table during the "Borhetek" (Wine Weeks) event in Balatonfüred, next to Lake Balaton. She is wearing sunglasses and a light, summery dress with thin straps, smiling warmly at the camera. On the table in front of her are two wine glasses, one containing white wine, and a decorative blue wooden box with a small potted plant. In the background, people are seated at other tables, enjoying the event under the shade of large trees. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and sunny, characteristic of a pleasant summer day.

My mum at the “Borhetek” in Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred has more to offer. If you love culture, visit the Mór Jókai Museum or the Vaszary Gallery to admire works by Hungarian artists. And if you’re up for an adventure, take a trip to the Tihany Peninsula.

2. Tihany – Volcanic Beauty on Balaton

As mentioned, Tihany is just around the corner from Balatonfüred. This enchanting peninsula is a true mountainous gem on Balaton. With its volcanic landscape and vast lavender fields, it offers a Mediterranean flair at the Hungarian Sea.

Tihany isn’t just known for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance. The founding charter of the abbey from 1055 is one of Hungary’s oldest preserved documents. Today, the abbey is back in the hands of the Benedictines and a place of peace and reflection.

Right next door is the lovely Csokonaipark. The park offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surroundings. From here, you can see the southern shore and get curious. No problem! Tihany is the best point to reach it. In summer, a ferry takes you quickly and comfortably from Tihany to the southern shore of Lake Balaton.

3. Balatonalmádi – A Place Full of Surprises

The picture shows the serene view of Lake Balaton next to Balatonalmádi. In the foreground, you can see a woman with long, wavy hair, sitting on a stone-paved edge, facing the lake. She is wearing a colorful, patterned jacket and appears to be enjoying the tranquil scenery. The calm water of the lake stretches out before her, with several sailboats anchored peacefully in the distance. The sky above is partly cloudy, creating a soft, diffused light that enhances the peaceful ambiance of the scene. The overall atmosphere is calm and picturesque, capturing a perfect moment of relaxation by the lake.

Balatonalmádi’s Small Harbor

Balatonalmádi, another highlight on the northern shore, offers a mix of tradition and modernity. Here, you’ll find an impressive Ferris wheel that provides a stunning view over the lake. But beware, the Ferris wheel is only there during the summer months; in winter, it returns to Debrecen.

Next to the Wesselényi Strand is a small harbor for sailboat lovers. Ideal for quiet walks at sunrise. The path there is lined with lush, mighty trees. It’s one of my favorite walking paths, right next to the Balatonfüred pedestrian alley, but more on that later.

4. Kaptalanfüred – Best Lángos and Relaxed Swimming

This picture shows a small food stand at the Balaton lake area, likely in Káptalanfüred. The stand, named "Napsugár Büfé," has a charming, rustic appearance with a tiled roof and a bright blue and yellow sign advertising popular Hungarian and fast food items such as lángos, hamburgers, gyros, hot dogs, and palacsinta (pancakes). The stand has a large window through which you can see various snacks, drinks, and a glimpse of the interior where the food is prepared. Coca-Cola banners hang from the roof, and there are several signs and menus displayed around the window, listing prices and available items. A red trash bin with an ice cream logo stands to the right, indicating that ice cream might also be available at the stand. The overall atmosphere is inviting and casual, typical of a local eatery in a popular tourist area by the lake.

Napsugár Büfé for Delicious Lángos

In Kaptalanfüred, a part of Balatonalmádi, you’ll find the Napsugár Büfé, known for its delicious Lángos. Here, you can choose from various toppings, from classic cheese and sour cream to exotic creations like Bolognese sauce or Nutella. The friendly owner, Roland Németh, serves his specialties with love, using a recipe passed down through generations.

You’ll also find the small, peaceful “Józsefvárosi Önkormányzat” beach here. It’s a secret spot for residents of Budapest’s 8th district. The best part? Entry is completely free for them!

The image showcases a peaceful and serene scene at Lake Balaton, specifically in Kaptalanfüred. A rustic green rowboat is tied to the dock, gently floating on the clear, calm waters of the lake. The tranquil water reflects the blue sky and the few scattered clouds, creating a picturesque and soothing atmosphere. In the distance, a sailboat can be seen, adding to the idyllic charm of the scene. The shoreline, with its lush greenery, is visible on the right, enhancing the natural beauty of the setting. This image perfectly captures the calm and inviting ambiance of a day by Lake Balaton.

Boat at “Józsefvárosi Önkormányzat” Beach in Kaptalanfüred

And as if that weren’t enough, everyone can bring a guest for free. The beach is a true paradise, quiet and perfect for relaxing after a long day.

How to Get to Lake Balaton from Budapest

Getting to Lake Balaton from Budapest is a breeze and there are a few great options to suit your travel style and budget.

Balaton By Train

One of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel is Lake Balaton by train. I always go to Lake Balaton like this myself. Trains run regularly, every hour, from Budapest’s Déli and Keleti railway stations to various towns around the lake.

The journey to popular northern shore destinations like Balatonfüred or Balatonalmádi takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Hungarian countryside rolling by.

Insider: you can buy the train tickets easy at the train stations, but its also possible to buy them online at the mav hompage. Tickets are available from 2.200 HUF

Balaton By Bus

If you prefer buses, Volánbusz offers frequent services from Budapest to towns around Lake Balaton. Buses depart from the Népliget Bus Terminal and other key locations in Budapest. This is a budget-friendly option and takes roughly the same time as the train. Let’s be honest, I wouldn’t recommend going by bus to Balaton. It’s just not comfy.

Balaton By Car

For those who love the freedom of the open road, renting a car is a great option. Also most of the Hungarians are visiting Lake Balaton by car. It is just easier, faster and safer, a few of the Hungarian trains are quite old and can no longer withstand the heat.

As a result, they overheat and their engines die. I experienced this myself at the most unfavourable moment – on the way to the ‘’Strand Festival‘’ in Zamárdi. In the end we had to switch to hitchhiking, but thanks to the lovely Hungarians we arrived at the concert on time.

So back to the facts: the drive from Budapest to Lake Balaton is straightforward and takes about 1.5 hours via the M7 motorway. This way, you can explore the lake at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.

Insider: Most of the locals visit Lake Balaton by car.

A Balaton Vacation Fulfills All Wishes

The northern Balaton is a diverse vacation destination with something for everyone. Whether you want to splash in the waves, taste delicious wines, or simply relax – you’re in the right place.

Pack your swimsuit and your love for wine and enjoy an unforgettable vacation at Lake Balaton.

Here you’ll find more exciting travel reports: more travel articles.

Photos by the blog owner Sarah

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