Southern Shore & Thermal Lake Hévíz

Siófok — The Party Capital

Siófok on the southern shore is the largest and most famous resort on Lake Balaton — and in summer, the place where Hungary celebrates. Kilometers of shallow beaches, water parks, beach bars, open-air clubs, and in August, the Balaton Sound Festival (one of the largest electronic festivals in Europe). The "Golden Coast" (Aranypart) is the most popular beach section. Siófok is loud, lively, and young — perfect for party vacations and beach days, less so for tranquility.

The southern shore generally has shallower water than the northern shore — ideal for families with small children who can walk a hundred meters into the water before it becomes waist-deep. The towns of Zamárdi, Balatonlelle, and Fonyód are quieter alternatives to Siófok.

Keszthely — The Castle by the Lake

At the western end of Lake Balaton lies Keszthely, the oldest town on the lake, with the magnificent Festetics Castle (Festetics-kastély) — the third-largest castle in Hungary. The baroque palace houses the Helikon Library with 90,000 volumes, an extensive castle park, and regular concerts. The pedestrian zone with cafes and restaurants has the charm of a small university town.

Hévíz — The Thermal Lake

Just 6 km west of Lake Balaton lies Hévíz — and here something unique happens: The largest natural thermal lake in the world (4.4 hectares) steams all year round. The water has a constant temperature of 33–38°C, fed by an underground spring at a depth of 38 meters. The slightly radioactive, sulfur- and mineral-rich water is considered healing for joint and muscle ailments.

The bathing experience is surreal: You swim in the warm lake, surrounded by tropical water lilies (Indian lotus flowers, which grow outdoors nowhere else in Europe), while in winter, steam wafts over the water and snowflakes melt on your face. The lake bath (Hévízi Tófürdő) is open year-round — in winter with covered walkways to the lake. Day ticket: about 10–15€ (depending on the season). Recommended bathing time: a maximum of 30 minutes at a time due to the mineral concentration.