"The Lake seems to be a Sea - Balaton" Top 5 Page for this destination Balaton by csordila

Balaton Travel Guide: 67 reviews and 210 photos

Lake Balaton is the largest lake - surface area 592 km² - in Central Europe.
Since Hungary is landlocked ( no access to any sea since more than 80 years), the lake is sometimes called the "Hungarian Sea". Max. length 77 km, Max. width 14 km, Surface area 592 km², Average depth 3.2 m, Max. depth 12.2 m, Water volume 1.9 km³, Shore length 236 km, Surface elevation 104.8 m, Catchment area 5,181 km²
On the southern shore the particular benefit of the beaches is the very gradual incline meaning that in most places children of even the youngest ages can walk out for 100 m or more before they get out of their depth.
The average temperature of the water is 26-30C.

Pleasure at Lake Balaton

Valley of Volcanoes - Badacsony

The Armchair General, Sir Winston Churchill is often cited, that "no sports" were a reason for him to reach an old age. Well, for those, however, who think it in some other way, Balaton is a real James Bond training camp, starting from hiking, walking, swimming, surfing, water-skiing through yachting, horse riding, playing golf, tennis volleyball, soccer to hunting etc. -almost everything is possible.
Sailing is also very popular on the Lake, but motorboats are forbidden, with the exception of boats driven by electrical engine.
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Tihany Peninsula

Tihany sunset

The first landscape protection area in Hungary, has a great wealth of natural treasures. Access to the protection area is only allowed on foot and is restricted to designated paths.
The first written reference concerning Tihany is the famous deed of foundation of the Abbey. This is the oldest written linguistic record of the Hungarian language, dated 1055.
The local climate is very special, it allows figs to ripen three times a year.
The Csúcs-hill which is overrun by lavender, has a fantastic sight.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:It seems to be a Sea

Last visit to Balaton: Dec 2008
Intro Updated Nov 1, 2009
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Reviews (28)

The legend of the Lake Favorites (5)

According to legend long ago, in times before history began, giants lived in the landscape, which the good Lord had... more travel advice

The Valley of Volcanoes Things to Do (5)

On a short distance trekking route of Badacsony geology and botany you can study the wonderful basalt formations, the... more travel advice

If you want to be married Local Customs (4)

For the short time you will not be eating, drinking in Badacsony, and the food has settled already, venture to the... more travel advice

Relax in the best way: Balatoncard Local Customs (4)

Balatoncard is in your pocket, and your holiday budget never gets out of hand. In the lake Balaton region in much... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (4)
See All The Ten Commandments for Bathtakers
Off The Beaten Path (1)
Sterlet !!! Breaking News February 20,...
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (19)

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magor65 Jul 25, 2012 at 12:25 PM

A great page with lots of interesting information. I've been to Balaton several times, but it was many, many years ago. Perhaps it's time to come back?
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picek May 5, 2012 at 1:46 AM

We had a good trip to Balaton few days ago, driving along the northern side, stopping at undcrowded beach, watching birds and people swimming :)Few day earlier, we visited Buffalo reserve, it was great! Good to keep your tips for another visit!
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l_joo Apr 29, 2012 at 7:35 PM

Nice knowing you and reading your page, quite informative and helpful
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Apr 22, 2012 at 11:57 AM

Your page reminded my about my very short visit to Balaton 16 years ago... Thank you Laszlo for sharing!
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globetrott Apr 5, 2012 at 3:16 PM

An interesting page ! Lots of people from Vienna spend their vacation every year at Balaton but for some reason I always passed by in a distance ! ;-)
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starship Feb 19, 2012 at 9:35 AM

What a wonderful place for a day or even longer! Life at its best!
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wise23girl Jan 17, 2012 at 7:27 PM

A lake like a sea...we have Lake Eyre in Australia...you may know of it that fills in the flood time
Marg
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hunterV Mar 29, 2010 at 7:16 AM

~ Hello, Laszlo ! Thanks for your page....Visiting Balaton is a great experience indeed!
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Sirvictor Aug 4, 2009 at 2:33 AM

Yes you are right Atilla, It is like the Marmara Sea. That's why II French Rakoczi liked Rodosto/Tekirdag and the noise of the waves made him to dream as if he was in his beloved Hungary. Eljen Magyar!
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BruceDunning Jul 30, 2009 at 3:54 PM

What a great area to relax and enjoy