Travel guide – lake balaton
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Overview
Lake Balaton, is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and the premier vacation region in Hungary. Lining both shores of its 48-mile (77km) stretch are many towns and resorts, and the north and south shores are distinctly different in character offering something for everyone.
The south shore is thronged by a string of characterless resorts and high-rise buildings where crowds of young people congregate for a hedonistic holiday of sun and fun. Besides pretty beaches and good swimming, there are numerous land and water based activities, and at night the discos pulsate until the early hours. Siófok is the largest and busiest resort that dominates the southern shore during the summer months, but is completely dead in winter.
By contrast the northern shore has limited waterfront development due to its deeper, colder waters and reed beds; its attractions are of an historical and cultural nature rather than activity-centred. Although there are resorts here, it is a destination for those travellers looking for less ostentatious showiness, rather more in the way of scenery, interesting towns and sights, and mineral spas, complemented by the fine wines from the nearby hills of Badacsony. The oldest and most popular spa resort is Balantonfüred, with an easygoing sophistication and relaxed atmosphere. Jutting out into the lake and almost joining the northern and southern shores is the Tihany Peninsula, which has an old Benedictine Abbey in the quaint town and is surrounded by a nature reserve, which many consider to be the most beautiful place on the lake. To the west and marking the end of the northern shore is the interesting town of Keszthely.
Lake Balaton has been a popular recreation area since the Roman times when the aristocracy built villas and set up health spas here. It was also a famous winegrowing region and the graceful rolling hills, cool water and warm sunshine still provide the perfect setting and climate for both vacations and vineyards.
Balatonfured has been the most fashionable resort on the lake since the 18th century when the medicinal centre was established and today people are drawn here because of its curative thermal waters. The mineral baths are reserved for patients, but the resort area is popular with tourists and there are three good beaches for swimming. The heart of the old spa town is the shady Gyógy tér (Health Square) that has a hot spring in the centre and is lined with 19th century facades. Among its attractions is a peaceful lakeside promenade, several hot springs and small museums.
Keszthely is a pleasant university town that has a life of its own outside the tourist season. It has trendy cafes, tree lined streets and a busy market area with strings of peppers and garlic decorating the stalls beside old fashioned weighing scales. Its most important sight is the Festetics Palace, the residence of the wealthy Festetics family with over 100 rooms. The Helikon Palace Museum and Library are in one of its Baroque wings. Keszthely is the best town on Lake Balaton from which to explore the surrounding area, including the nearby Kis-Balaton nature reserve, excellent for bird watching, and the thermal lake at Hévíz.
Climate
Hungary is best visited over the summer period, when the weather is warmer and the attractions are all open. The weather in spring and autumn can be very pleasant, but temperatures drop to around 20°F (9°C). Over winter temperatures approach freezing. Some rain can be expected throughout the year.
Health
No vaccinations are required and standards of public health are good. Tap water is safe to drink and food poisoning is not considered a high risk. A reciprocal health agreement with countries of the EU provides nationals with free emergency health care on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as most medicines are of Eastern European origin. Health insurance is recommended.
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