Holiday in Lake Balaton

What makes Lake Balaton special as a destination?

Lake Balaton is Central Europe's largest lake and has been the quintessential summer destination for families from Germany, Austria, and all over Central Europe for generations. Stretching 77 kilometers in length and up to 14 kilometers in width, the lake extends like an inland sea through the Hungarian landscape, surrounded by vineyards, volcanic hills, lavender fields, and a network of lively bathing resorts that burst with life in summer. For German holidaymakers, Lake Balaton is synonymous with affordable family vacations, warm water, and Hungarian hospitality. The southern shore of the lake is shallow and sandy – in some places, the water extends hundreds of meters and remains knee-deep, making Lake Balaton an ideal bathing paradise for families with small children. Siófok, the unofficial capital of the southern shore, is also Hungary's party capital with open-air clubs and international DJs in summer. In contrast, the northern shore is hillier, more cultivated, and quieter: Here lies the elegant Tihany Peninsula with its famous abbey, the wine towns of Badacsony and Balatonfüred, as well as picturesque volcanic cones that shape the landscape. The wine culture at Lake Balaton is a hidden gem: The volcanic soils on the northern shore produce excellent white wines, especially the Olaszrizling and the fiery volcanic wine from Badacsony. In the wine cellars and wine taverns, one can enjoy the best white wine in Hungary at sunset over the lake – an experience that surpasses any restaurant visit. The journey is convenient for German families by car (about 8 hours from Munich via Vienna) and offers the flexibility needed when traveling with children. Holiday homes and apartments by the lake are numerous and significantly cheaper than comparable accommodations on the Adriatic or the Baltic Sea. The season runs from June to September, with July and August being peak season with temperatures over 30°C and warm lake water up to 26°C.