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Szent György Hill, Chapel
3
Perhaps it will not be long before the Balaton regionalso has such a certificate, and those who win it shallbelong to the Lovers of Lake Balaton Club. Perhaps youalready consider yourself a member of the club, or
maybe you are only just toying with the thought of dis-covering the lake. Whatever the case, Central Europe’s
largest and most beautiful lake is worth a visit.
With all the magic of the holidays, Lake Balaton awaits you, your family and your friends.
Hungarian National Tourist Officewww.hungarytourism.hu
Nobody knows who first expressed a love for Lake
Balaton. Perhaps it was a poet, more probably some trav-
eller (two hundred years ago no other kind of visitor
passed that way), but the fact is that from the beginning
of the 19th century this sentiment occurs increasingly fre-
quently. First only in fine prose, then in the newspapers,
and today even in everyday language. Those who have
not yet been here find it difficult to understand this strong
attraction to the lake… If we look for reasons, there are as
many different answers as there are questions. Children
bubble with enthusiasm about the wonderful paddling
and splashing. It sometimes takes a firm command to get
them to come out of the shallow, warm, silky water.
Young people talk of the “great parties”, of dancing all
through the hot nights. For them the lake is a world of
meetings and adventures. Hikers and nature lovers speak
of the idyllic peace of the Upper-Balaton, or the vast reed
beds in the Kis-Balaton (“Little” Balaton), and of its water-
fowl, swirling up like clouds. Painters and photographers
affirm that the finest panoramas in Hungary are given by
the hills around the lake. Wine lovers immediately sing
the praises of Badacsony Kéknyelű or Balatonboglár
Olaszrizling, and gourmets that of grilled pike-perch.
Fishermen tell of fish a metre long, yachtsmen of cruising
into a headwind, rheumatism sufferers talk of the thera-
pies in Hévíz, music enthusiasts of the organ recitals in
Tihany or the operetta gala in Siófok…
And we could go on – perhaps for ever – but the first
dozen answers already reveal why the lake is loved. In
the world of the Balaton, with its multitude of possibil-
ities, everyone can plan their personal vacation tailored
to their own desires and interests. Whether you arrive
alone or in a family, with small children or
teenagers, with riding clothes or with a
hunting rifle, at the height of summer or in
mellow autumn, one thing is certain: you will
find the landscape, accommodation and activi-
ty most suited to your taste.
József Egry, master of impressionist moods, was
the greatest painter of the lake, and said that there
are no ordinary days on Lake Balaton. Those who
live here are aware of a heightened pleasure in exis-
tence, and involuntarily pass it on to those who visit.
Here guests are truly welcome. The housewife in pri-
vate lodgings takes new arrivals under her wing like a
mother hen, and by the time they have drunk their first
coffee with her, they know exactly where to find the
best restaurant, the cheapest market, the best beach,
the nearest wine cellar. Truly, at Lake Balaton they have
not forgotten the ancient rights of guests. Here you will
soon feel part of the family. Then when you return home,
this is how you will remember it: there are no ordinary
days on Lake Balaton. This great stretch of water, which
fills you with wonder at its variety, and tempts you with
the hospitality of its inhabitants, has laid its claim on
many hearts. Surprising but true, proportionally the
number of guests who return to Lake Balaton is much
higher than for the great tourist attractions of the
world. In Siófok, one of the finest towns on the shore
of the lake, a certificate has been created for guests
who return after more than a decade, and this is
awarded each year by the mayor. The most Loyal
Guest of the Town has spent all of his holidays since
1965 here…
Tempting You to Travel
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Hullámok ölelésében
4
Sailing competition
Even in ancient times there were people who had to swim in the lake
as a matter of necessity, fleeing from danger, or in the course of their
work. But bathing for fun, and the modern bathing culture started only
at the end of the 19th century, when citizens taking refuge from city life
appeared en masse by the lake. Plans and photographs of beautiful
bathing houses fashioned from wood testify to this period.
Bathing was at this time no longer a luxury for the noble and the rich. There
are records showing that, in the sweltering heat of summer, when the peas-
ants of Mezőföld finished their hard work (harvesting, tying sheaves, thresh-
ing) hundreds of them bathed in the lake around Balatonaliga (I 2) and
Balatonvilágos (H 3).
In the Embrance of the Waves
How should we testLake Balaton’s water?
As a joke we could say: with a
glass, and it’s not such an
absurd idea! After lengthy and
expensive environmental work
the water of the lake is once
more so good that one can even
drink it. Its quality is unrivalled
and is checked by experts from
abroad. ADAC, the largest
German automobile club, has
for years published the data, on
the Internet and other places.
L a k e B a l a t o n
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 4
Balaton
Balatonlelle, dusk
Motor yacht
Balatonboglár, beach
5
The water of Lake Balaton is most suitable for bathing in the three summer months. In this
period its temperature is rarely less than 22 °C, and in high summer it is not unusual for it to
reach 27–28 °C. Being a freshwater lake, it is ideal for bathing for those whose skin is sensi-
tive to salt. The only serious danger faces those who swim in the deeper water. When there is a
sudden storm, even physically strong, skilled swimmers have difficulty in battling with the lake’s
short, steep, crested waves. The problem is easily averted: all over Lake Balaton a storm warning
system of rotating lights warns bathers and yachtsmen of approaching high winds and storms.
With respect to sunbathing, the northern and southern shores of Lake Balaton are strikingly different
from one another. On the northern shore the water deepens sooner: 30–50 metres from shore it is deep
enough to cover a person. The beaches here are recommended for good swimmers or those with older
children. The Szigetfürdő (“Island bath”), a successor of a former bathing house, in Keszthely (B 4) is very
pleasant, and fine beaches can also be found in Zánka (E 3), Tihany (G 3), and Balatonfüred (G 2-3).
On the southern shore the water deepens very gradually, and in most places we can walk in up to five
hundred metres without having to swim. The strip right next to the shore is especially shallow, where
even the smallest children can frolic about in water hardly half a metre deep. That is why families with
small children regularly choose the southern shore. Those who have larger children, or who are feeling
more energetic, can have fun in the new Balatonlelle (E 4) bathing complex.
Balatonlelle
The eastern end of Lake Balaton is the empire of sun
worshippers. The beaches of Balatonkenese (H 2),
Balatonakarattya (HI 2) and Balatonaliga (I 2)
face southwards onto the lake and bask in sun-
light from early morning to late afternoon.
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 5
The Wonders of Nature
L a k e B a l a t o n
6
Nature has bestowed beauty in plenty on Lake Balaton. Much of the out-
standing landscape belongs to the protected area of the National Park of the
Upper Balaton. Those interested can ask for an expert to guide them, and see
the region’s botanical and geological specialities on study trails and in dis-
plays. The most varied landscape rolls out from the Szépkilátó (“Fine Viewing
Point”) close to Balatongyörök (C 4) – poets have sung its praises. The wonder-
ful variety of the landscape of the volcanic northern shore is at its most beauti-
ful seen from the Várhegy (“Castle Hill”) in Fonyód (D 4) or Balatonboglár (E 4).
In a semi-circle of dormant volcanoes lies the Káli Basin (DE 3). Although by car it is
only a quarter of an hour’s journey from the bustling life of the shore, it is as if we had
descended into another world. Above the reeds of the salt ponds water-fowl call, cow-
bells ring in the pastures, and there is an Arcadian calm in the small, inviting villages.
Hills Born in Fire
A large part of the northern shore of Lake
Balaton was formed by the earth’s most
powerful force, volcanic activity. The crown
of the cooled basalt volcanoes is now a
tourist paradise. On the side of the basalt
caps of the hills, the flowing lava solidified
in pillar form: as if enormous organ pipes
were sounding praises to the beauty of the
Pannonian landscape. The largest is the
basalt organ of Szent György Hill (D 3), and
its “pipes” have a diameter of one metre.
Standing in the deserted mine yard of
Hegyes-tű (E 3), thousands of basalt pillars
undulate before us like the pleats in a cur-
tain woven from stone.
Basalt organ pipes
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Kis-Balaton (”Little” Balaton)
Tihany Peninsula, “Arany ház” (“Gold House”), geyser cone
Kis-Balaton (“Little” Balaton), herons
7
It is no accident that many film directors, artists and writers have struck camp in one
of the numerous peasant houses. Around the edge of the basin, stone idols guard the
peace of the land. These geological formations, formed by hot volcanic torrents of lava
and by the wind, are a local curiosity, and are popularly known as the stone sea. The
most beautiful is the one in Szentbékkálla (D 3). In this bouquet of rocks, reminiscent of
abstract sculptures, we feel as if we are in the garden of a stone-age wizard.
The old town of Tapolca (D 3), nestling behind Szent György Hill, holds another delight for
those who love the wonders of nature: the lake cave. This too was formed by volcanic activ-
ity: hot water gouged out a labyrinth of winding corridors and halls in the limestone, which
were then flooded by crystal clear karst water. The visitor could be in Charon’s ferry in a mytho-
logical underworld, while rowing around the mysteriously lit, twisting waterway, except that
this is an underworld from which there is a way back. The caves under the town are, inciden-
tally, not only a tourist sight: their climate is ideal for the treatment of serious respiratory dis-
eases. Recently a well-equipped therapeutic hotel was completed, which now offers facilities to
patients taking the cave cure which are worthy of the surroundings.
The vast marshes of the Kis-Balaton (AB 5) at the western end of the lake were for twenty
thousand years the natural filter of the River Zala, which feeds Lake Balaton. Three genera-
tions ago the Zala was diverted to feed directly into Lake Balaton, whose healthy, clear water
was consequently polluted and made muddy by the river for half a century. The problem was
solved by a method adopted nowhere else in the
world: by restoring conditions similar to the original
marsh. The 20-square-kilometre reservoir, completed
fifteen years ago, is now a nature conservation
reserve, where once more birds flock in large numbers,
just as they used to. One particularly charming part, the
Kányavári Island, is open to the general public, for the
pleasure of anglers and nature photographers.
Travelling around the area of the Kis-Balaton the ecotourist
comes across another site: the Kápolnapuszta Buffalo
Reserve. Formerly these animals of fearsome strength were
used for the heaviest work, but gradually more docile and ver-
satile cattle took their place in agriculture. In Europe these grim-
looking animals, descended from bison, can only be found in
Kápolnapuszta (B 6) and Transylvania.
Balatonfüred, statue of theFisherman and the Ferryman
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8
Sport, fitness? Lake Balaton!
When the Siófok Balaton Bathing Company opened its bathing complex in 1893,
amongst the services they offered were items such as: covered skittles, croquet,
lawn-tennis, rowing boats, yachts… Sport has been a part of Balaton bathing cul-
ture right from the start, and is so to this day. The vast expanse of water, the reeds
of the lake and the woods and fields of the countryside contain special hidden
opportunities. At the end of the 19th century the developing bathing culture of Lake
Balaton tried to imitate maritime examples. In this way, sports boats found their way
to the lake, which had previously only known ferries or freight barges. Sailing contin-
ues to be popular to this day. The expanded, renovated landing stages, such as those
at Balatonföldvár (F 3-4), Badacsony (D 4), Szigliget (CD 4), Balatonlelle (E 4) and Siófok
(H 3), are up to EU standards. No secret is made of the aim to win as many yachtsmen
and women as possible from the overcrowded lakes of western Europe to Lake Balaton.
Even Finer from Above
An old Siófok postcard depicts a
glider flying above the harbour.
This shows us that gliding was
already fashionable in the twen-
ties around Lake Balaton. Today
at least twenty places around the
lake offer similar facilities: from
hang gliders, small motorised
planes, helicopters, and even
hot air balloons we can admire
Lake Balaton, whose monumen-
tal beauty is revealed in its true
glory when viewed from the sky.
Sailing competition
L a k e B a l a t o n
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 8
from Hungary and abroad are attracted here by the beautiful
roe deer, the bucks crowned with golden horns, and that
hunter’s special dream, wild boar as large as a grand piano.
At Lake Balaton it is easy to jump into a saddle, because over
the last decade equestrian tourism has developed by leaps and
bounds. Riding tours are organised by the local stables at all of
the larger resorts. For those who prefer to watch the noble
steeds rather than sit astride them, demonstrations are held reg-
ularly. The most famous is the stud farm at Szántódpuszta (G 3).
Cycling enthusiasts should note the Balaton Cycle Path, which encir-
cles the lake. But those who arrive by other means of transport
would also do well to bring a bicycle, because in the high-season a
bicycle gets you around much faster than a car on the crowded roads.
In the larger towns it is easy to find a bicycle repair shop too.
Balatonszabadi-Sóstó, beach
Tihany, bird’s-eye view
9
As well as cruising, yacht racing also has deep roots here. The Balaton yacht races are
favoured primarily by sporting yachters possessing some technique. The complex wind
currents over the lake often puts even their skills to the test. Yachts brought from else-
where can be left at the landing stages, but yachts can also be hired here by those who
do not wish to bother with transportation. Beginners will find a yachting course in all of the
towns on Lake Balaton, where they can even obtain the skipper’s license for small vessels
valid for all inland waters in Europe.
In Balatonfüred (G 2-3) and Siófok (H 3) water ski courses with electrical traction attract lovers
of the sport, and anyone who wishes can learn with the help of an expert. The span-sized bone
hooks in the Balaton Museum in Keszthely (B 4) show that even in prehistoric times the lake
was inhabited by fishing peoples. Hooks of this size are - unfortunately! - not necessary today,
but those with patience and stamina can still take catfish over one-and-a-half metres long, pike-
perch as long as an arm, or carp and white amur of over ten kilograms. Angling tourism is nor-
mally recommended in the early and late parts of the season, because the fish bite less in the
summer heat. It is possible to fish almost everywhere, but a license is necessary, and this can be
obtained in any angling shop. The best fishing waters are in the harbours of the northern shore,
and enthusiastic anglers are drawn willingly to the reedy waters. Those who wish to combine a
pleasant holiday with hunting experiences could do a lot worse than choose Lake Balaton, because
a significant part of the best hunting area in Hungary, Külső-Somogy (“Outer Somogy”) and
Bakonyalja (”Bakony foothills”), is to be found in this region. From year to year hundreds of hunters
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 9
Fine Towns, Interesting Activities
L a k e B a l a t o n
10
Keszthely (B 4) is the oldest of the towns around Lake Balaton. Many of its small streets faithfully preserve the small-town atmos-
phere of the 19th century. For centuries, a decisive factor in the development and culture of Keszthely was the presence of the
Festetics family, one of the richest Hungarian aristocratic families. Their Baroque stately home, today a museum, is one of the finest
monuments in the Balaton region. Each week in the summer concerts are held in the park and the splendid rooms. The Balaton
Museum is also a delight: its dioramas and show cases present the formation of the lake, the natural world, archaeological finds, the
region’s folk culture, and the history of the bathing culture. The nave of the Roman Catholic church is from Medieval times, and the
frescos are held to be the finest creations of Hungarian Gothic. The city hosts the summer Balaton Festival and the Balaton Autumn.
Tours and Sights around Keszthely• Hiking tour in the Keszthely hills, Rezi Castle (Rezi – B 3)
• Buddhist shrine (stupa) in Zalaszántó (B 3)
• Balatonederics (C 4), Africa Museum
Keszthely, palace
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Tihany Abbey
Tihany, Abbey Church, interior
11
Badacsony (D 4) is the most famous wine-growing hill of the Balaton region. It is
here that the grapes which go to making Badacsony Pinot Gris and Kéknyelű are
grown. On the southern slope of the 437 m basalt hill hikers can sample the excel-
lent restaurants and wine bars. At the summit the Kisfaludy Lookout offers a memo-
rable panorama. Down below, not far from the harbour we find the house of József
Egry, the painter of Lake Balaton, which is now a museum in his memory. The region
hosts the Badacsony Vintage Days.
Excursions from Badacsony• Hiking tour to the Szigliget Castle (Szigliget – CD 4)
• Tapolca (D 3), the cave lake and the Mill Lake
• Szent György Hill (D 3), organ-pipe basalt formations
One of the most obvious points in the landscape of the northern shore, just as it is on the map, is
the Tihany Peninsula (FG 3). On the smaller hill, a church and monastery was built in Tihany (G 3)
nine centuries ago. The royal document ordering the construction, the Deed of Foundation of
Tihany, contains the oldest words written in Hungarian in a Latin context. Today only the
Romanesque crypt, supported by squat columns, can be seen, and above it a Baroque Abbey has
been built. The entire area of the peninsula is protected, and special sights include the Inner Lake
(good for fishing), the cones formed by geysers, the Aranyház and lavender fields. The museums of
Tihany are: the Benedictine Abbey Museum, the Open Air Ethnographical Museum (peasant farm
house and house of the fishermen’s guild) and the Doll Museum.
Sümeg, Castle games
Keszthely, baroque concert
Excursions and Hikes on the Tihany Peninsula and its surrounds• Hiking tour on the peninsula: Echo hill, Outer Lake,
monks’ cells
• Örvényes (F 3), Mill Museum
• Protected cemetery at Balatonudvari (F 3)with
unusual heart-shaped carved tombstones
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 11
Fine Towns, Interesting Activities
L a k e B a l a t o n
12
Although Balatonfüred (G 2-3) got its name not from the baths (”fürdő”) but from the quails (”fürj”), it was here that the Lake Balaton bathing
culture was born in the 17th century. At first it was visited for the carbonated spring water, but in the second half of the 19th century, when
bathing in Lake Balaton had become fashionable, the lake’s first bathing house was constructed here from red pines. Balatonfüred is a town of
“firsts” in other respects too. It was here that the first steam boat, named Kisfaludy, was built in 1846, and set out on her maiden voyage; later the
first yachts were also made here; and the first stone theatre producing plays in Hungarian once operated here. All this opened a new era in Hungarian
tourism history. It is a good idea to start your stroll around Balatonfüred in the two-hundred-year-old Gyógy tér (“Health Square”), by the famous spring,
then walking along the park (more than a hundred years old) and the waterside promenade called “Tagore sétány” you come to one of the most beau-
tiful harbours of the lake. In addition to the unusual shape of the nearby Kerektemplom (“Round Church”), its frescos and paintings are also of interest
to tourists. A few minutes from here is the villa of one of the princes of Hungarian literature, Mór Jókai, which today is a memorial museum.
Excursions from BalatonfüredHiking tours: By car to Veszprém (G 1):
• the Lóczy cave, • the Baroque archbishop’s palace, the cathedral and the Gothic Gizella Chapel
• the Tamás Hill Lookout (G 2) • the Queen Gizella Diocesan Museum
• the Koloska valley • the Dezső Laczkó Museum
• the Kálmán Kittenberger Garden and Game Park
Balatonfüred, boat landing
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 12
Tihany, concert
Balatonfüred, Jókai Memorial Museum
Tapolca, Mill Lake
13
Balatonföldvár (F 3-4) is the most orderly settlement on the lakeside, and was pur-
pose-built as a holiday resort at the end of the 19th century. Its wonderful parks, and
masterfully planned streets and promenades show the fine taste of the most pro-
gressive of Hungarian aristocratic families, the Széchenyis, and also the technique of
the planner and engineer István Spur, who later became Government Commissioner for
the Balaton. The choice of location for the town was also spot-on: on a clear day the eye
can trace the shore from Balatonföldvár all the way (200 km) down the lake. The resort
also boasts the finest harbour of the lake.
Excursions from Balatonföldvár• On foot: Kőröshegy (G4), Gothic church
• By car: Igal (G6), thermal bath, Balatonboglár (E4), spherical lookout tower,
Red Chapel (open-air performances), vintage festival in August
Siófok (H 3) is – the summer capital and the busiest tourist centre in Hungary. Its resort and
villa area was built at the end of the 19th century as the greatest tourism undertaking of the
time. The world-famous composer of operetta, Imre Kálmán, is a son of Siófok, where there is
today a museum in memory of him. In the spirit of the cult of Kálmán, for two months each
summer an operetta gala evening is held each week. In the Catholic parish church organ
recitals and master classes are held. With its huge discos, Siófok is a place of “pilgrimage” for
young people. Their overriding favourite is the Beach House, built on the Nagystrand (“Main
Beach”) a couple of years ago, with sports during the day and rock concerts in the evening.
The town hosts the season-opening festival at Whitsun and the Golden Cockle Folklore Festival.
Excursions from Siófok• On foot: Törek nature conservation reserve (GH 3–4)
• By car: Szántódpuszta (G 3), Farm museum, Balaton
Aquarium and horse shows
• By boat: Tihany Peninsula (FG 3), Balatonfüred (G 2-3)
Balatonföldvár
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The Colours and Sounds of Folklore
L a k e B a l a t o n
14
Hungary guards her folk traditions jealously, and this applies equally around Lake Balaton. All the
settlements around the lake and in the environs hold some manner of summer festival, wine week,
or fair and the most colourful attraction is folk dancing. The special feature of Hungarian folk dances
is that they always give a place to individual bravura. For the solos (the lads’ dances, shepherds’ stick
dances, and girls’ bottle dances) hours of practice and almost acrobatic dexterity are required. The
“csárda” (a rustic restaurant) is one of the birthplaces of dance. In times of old, it was most often here,
in the yard, on the beaten floor, that people would dance, and large communal parties were held here.
The girls strutted around in their best costumes, and the lads would compete to be best in the village,
showing their strength and nimbleness with tempestuous dances. It is a pleasure to record that today
dances can be seen in the renovated old csárdas once more. The everyday life and business of village folk
of times gone by is represented by a rich collection of monuments on the southern shore, not far from the
ferry landing stage, in Szántódpuszta (G 3). Around 30 intact buildings in the puszta give a picture of 19th-
century farm life. Barns, stables, smithy, farmhouse, inn – here you can find everything that would have been
a necessary accessory for the business centre of a large piece of land. The buildings are furnished in contem-
porary style, and art exhibitions are often held here, the theme being, naturally, Lake Balaton. The puszta has a
wonderful stud farm, and from June to September a horse show is held every morning. The only aquarium show-
ing the fauna and flora of Lake Balaton is also to be seen in Szántódpuszta.
Golden CockleFor years now in Siófok (H 3),
the Golden Cockle
International Folklore
Festival has been one of the
most high profile events of
the “summer capital”. The
folk music and dance groups
from various parts of the
world charm the “whole
world” to the shores of Lake
Balaton for a week in July
with their performances.
Tihany, folklore days
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Harvest celebration in the Upper Balaton
Szent György Hill Olaszrizling (Laski Riesling)
Badacsony, wineyards
15
Vines were brought to the region two thousand years ago by the Romans. The soil and cli-
mate of the Balaton region favours this delicate plant, and now Lake Balaton has become
almost synonymous with good wines. Badacsony wine is a veritable legend. The reason for
the excellent quality is the soil, containing volcanic rock, the Mediterranean climate of the
sheltered southern slope and what is known as secondary radiation, the sunlight reflected
from Lake Balaton, which doubles the strength of the rays. The best known wines of the
Badacsony region are Szürkebarát (Pinot Gris) and Kéknyelű, but the Olaszrizling (Laski Rizling),
the Rizlingszilváni (Müller-Thurgau), the Ottonell Muskotály (Muscat Ottonel), and Tramini are
also delicious. Many characteristics of the Balatonfüred-Csopak region (G 2-3) are similar to
those of Badacsony (D 4). Although the wines here are also fiery and strong, they have a more
elegant character than those from the neighbouring region. The typical grapes of the region are
the Rajnai Rizling (Rhein Riesling), Olaszrizling (Laski Riesling) and Chardonnay, but on the Tihany
hills black grapes also grow: Merlot, Zweigelt and Cabernet Franc. Somló Hill is also a famous
wine-growing region, if a little further from the lake. Its vintage was formerly known as the “wed-
ding night wine”, for it was widely believed that those who drink it give birth to baby boys. For
centuries Somló wine was indispensable at royal wedding banquets. Today the side of the well-
formed volcanic remnant hill is planted mainly with Furmint, Olaszrizling, but this is also the last
bastion of an old Hungarian variety, Juhfark. A large area of
the wine growing region next to Lake Balaton is encircled by
the southern slopes of the Keszthely hills and the Káli Basin
(DE 3). Many varieties of white grapes grow in these parts, but
the most famous is the locally selected Cserszegi fűszeres
(“spicy wine of Cserszeg”), the wine of which, with its spicy
bouquet and nose, has won a dozen or so competitions. Grapes
have long been cultivated on the southern shore of Lake Balaton
too. The varieties grown are no different from those on the other
shore, but the sandy loess soil lends them an entirely different
flavour. In these parts, the cellars mature smooth, fruity wines, rich
in aromas. Perhaps the only exception are those grown on the side of
Castle Hill in Fonyód (D 4) and Balatonbolgár (E 4), because the two
small hills - just like their larger brothers on the opposite shore - are also
the result of volcanic activity. The largest single vineyards can be found
on the border of Balatonboglár.
Balaton Wine Guide
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Secrets of Balaton Cuisine
L a k e B a l a t o n
16
Fish undoubtedly take pride of place amongst the dishes of Lake Balaton,
the “king” being Balaton pike-perch. This predator of the perch family can
weigh up to 9-10 kg. and measure 120 cm. Its flesh is snowy white, flaky,
boneless, with a fresh taste, so it is no accident that it has been at the top of
the Balaton menus for centuries. The classical way to cook it is to fry it whole.
Halászlé (fish soup) deserves a paragraph to itself. It was first mentioned in
writing in the 1800’s, around Lake Balaton. The contract made between the
Festetics rulers in Keszthely (B 4) and the fishermen required the latter, on spe-
cial occasions, to cook fish soup for the Count’s guests. Fish soup is best when
made from as many fish as possible, but it is the carp and catfish which really add
the final touch.
Napoleon and Fish Soup
This splendid, typically Hungarian
country dish is believed by many to
owe its existence, indirectly, to
Napoleon. When at the beginning
of the 19th century the Emperor
wanted to bring England to its
knees with a blockade, pepper van-
ished from European markets. The
resourceful Hungarian peasants
substituted dried red paprika (a
capsicum), ground to a powder,
and the new spice later became
symbolic of Hungarian cuisine.
Csobánc
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 16
Csopak, Malomcsárda (“Mill Inn”)
Pike-perch
Badacsony, House of Róza Szegedi
17
Most foreigners know Hungarian cuisine for the paprika dishes, the goulash, and the
stews, but the vegetable dishes are also individual and delightful. Hungarian cuisine
treats vegetables in an unusual manner. While in Europe and North America vegetables
normally arrive at the table simply steamed, in Hungary they are enriched with roux, sour
cream, sometimes thickened with flour or cream, or served with the spiced water they were
cooked in, as a “főzelék” (a kind of cream soup). Marrow főzelék with sour cream and dill
has even won the hearts of French gourmets. Other splendid dishes are Hungarian bean
főzelék with smoked knuckle of ham, cabbage with roast side of bacon, or lentil főzelék with
Debrecen sausage. First prize, though, has to go to stuffed cabbage. A head of cabbage is cut
into slices, boiled with pepper, paprika and onion, and then spicy minced meat with rice is
wrapped in the cabbage leaves. It is crowned with sour cream and a curly, golden crispy edge of
bacon. Try it!
It is also worth tasting game while staying by Lake Balaton. From the expansive forests of the
Bakony foothills, the Keszthely hill, and the Somogy hills, roe deer, stags, wild boar, moufflon
and fallow deer, while from the large meadows hare, pheasant, and partridge are available for
the table. A little appetizer: venison in red wine with blackcurrant jam and croquette potatoes,
or back of hare, hunter’s style, with dumplings.
Finally, goulash cooked in a cauldron must also be mentioned here. Those who come first time from
abroad to Lake Balaton should make this dish, this “prince of peasant cooking”, their first appoint-
ment with Hungarian cuisine. We hope you enjoy both the food, and your trip to Lake Balaton.
“Born” here
One of the most famous dishes of the Balaton region,
the Csáky stuffed roast was “born” in Balatonfüred at
the beginning of the 20th century. At the time, the
Palace Sanatorium in Balatonfüred ran a kitchen famous
all over the country, with Sándor Csáky the chief chef. One
of the peaks of his twenty-five-year career by Lake Balaton
was roast beef stuffed with egg letcho (capsicum peppers)
served in a sour cream and paprika, which soon found its
way onto the menu of all the “best hotels”.
Fish soup
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:52 Page 17
Famous Springs, Places of Healing
L a k e B a l a t o n
18
The most beautiful parts of the landscape around Lake Balaton
were formed by volcanic action, and even 2.5 million years after the
extinction of the volcanoes their effect, though tamed, can still be
felt. Dozens of sulphuric and carbonated springs burst from the
ground along the lakeside, and in most of them people have sought
(and found) healing for centuries. The most famous is the spring at
Hévíz (B 4), which breaks to the surface at the foothills of the Keszthely
hills. This is actually a geyser whose crater lake creates a natural bath of
therapeutic water at 38°C. Only in Iceland can anything similar be found.
The sulphuric, mildly radioactive water of the Hévíz lake is just as excellent
for the treatment of locomotor diseases as the mud from the bottom of the
lake. The Hévíz lake is a sight to behold, particularly at the end of summer,
when the red lilies from India flower in their thousands. Around the lake there
are dozens of therapeutic hotels and sanatoriums.
A Glance at the Calendar of EventsBalatonfüred (G 2-3) is the venue and host
for many quality events. To start the season
there is the festival of the first boat, in April.
The first of the fleet of cruising ships coming
out from winter harbour in Siófok (H 3)
stops before anywhere else at Balatonfüred,
to commemorate the fact that the very first
Balaton steam ship set out from here. Since
it was also here that the yachting life of the
lake had its beginnings, the Unfurling of the
Sails Festival is held each May in the
Balatonfüred harbour. The oldest and most
famous event of July in Balatonfüred is the
Anna Ball, held each year since 1825. At the
end of the summer the Balatonfüred Wine
Week attracts visitors from far abroad.
Hévíz
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:53 Page 18
Balatonfüred, Kossuth Spring
Balatonfüred, Anna Ball
19
During a search for oil in the 60s, splendid curative waters less than half an hour’s drive
from the western end of Lake Balaton were discovered in the village of Zalakaros (A 6) The
formerly unknown village has since then grown into a flourishing bathing resort, with com-
fortable hotels, guest houses, and restaurants offering genuine Hungarian cuisine. Its mod-
ern baths are recommended to those suffering from locomotor and respiratory disorders, but
is also excellent for the treatment of gynaecological problems. The recently completed bathing
complex guarantees a pleasant break for young, healthy fitness enthusiasts too.
The first water of the Balaton region to be used for healing was the carbonated spring of
Balatonfüred: a bathing house stood beside it as far back as the 1700’s. Although modern
cardiology has long since moved on from the carbonated bath cure, the former sanatorium
next to the spring has become a medical institution known all over the country: Balatonfüred
is referred to as the Mecca for those suffering from heart disease. In front of the Cardiological
Hospital, in a colonnade on Gyógy tér (Gyógy square) is the Kossuth Spring, and many come
to taste its cool, refreshingly sparkling water.
Relaxation in nature
Zalakaros fun bath
Medicinal massage
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:53 Page 19
20
Directions
L a k e B a l a t o n
Hungarian National Tourist Office
Balaton Regional Tourist Project OfficeBalatonfüred, H–8230 Blaha L. u. 2.
Tel: +36-87-342-801, fax: +36-87-342-871
E-mail: rtpibalaton@sednet.hu
rmibalaton@hungarytourism.hu
www.bis.hu, www.balaton-tourism.hu
Alsóörs, H–8226 Strand sétány 1.
Tel/fax: +36-87-575-001
(seasonal office, open: 01.06–31.08)
E-mail: alsoors@tourinform.hu
Badacsony, H–8261 Park u. 6.
Tel/fax: +36-87-431-046, tel: +36-87-531-013
E-mail: badacsonytomaj@tourinform.hu
Balatonalmádi, H–8220 Városház tér 4.
Tel/fax: +36-88-594-080, tel: +36-88-594-081
E-mail: balatonalmadi@tourinform.hu
Balatonboglár, H–8630 Erzsébet u. 12-14.
Tel/fax: +36-85-550-168
E-mail: balatonboglar@tourinform.hu
Balatonföldvár, H–8623 Széchenyi I. u. 2.
(seasonal office, open: 15.06–15.09)
Tel/fax: +36-84-540-220, tel: +36-84-700-036
H–8623 Kőröshegyi út 1.
Tel/fax: +36-84-540-220, tel: +36-84-700-036
E-mail: balatonfoldvar@tourinform.hu
Balatonfüred, H–8230 Petőfi u. 68.
Tel: +36-87-580-480, fax: +36-87-580-481
E-mail: balatonfured@tourinform.hu
Balatonkenese, H–8174 Táncsics M. u. 24.
Tel/fax: +36-88-491-904
E-mail: balatonkenese@tourinform.hu
Balatonvilágos, H–8171 Dózsa Gy. u. 1.
Tel/fax: +36-88-446-034
E-mail: balatonvilagos@tourinform.hu
Buzsák, H–8695 Fő tér 1/A
Tel/fax: +36-85-530-070
E-mail: buzsak@tourinform.hu
Fonyód, H–8640 Ady Endre u. 1.
Tel/fax: +36-85-363-170
E-mail: fonyod@tourinform.hu
Gyenesdiás, H–8315 Kossuth L. u. 97.
Tel/fax: +36-83-511-790
E-mail: gyenesdias@tourinform.hu
Keszthely, H–8360 Kossuth L. u. 28.
Tel/fax: +36-83-314-144,
Tel: +36-83-511-660, +36-83-511-661
E-mail: keszthely@tourinform.hu
Révfülöp, H–8253 Villa Filip tér 8/b
Tel/fax: +36-87-463-092, tel: +36-87-463-194
E-mail: revfulop@tourinform.hu
Siófok, H–8600 Víztorony (Water tower)
P.O.Box 75
Tel/fax: +36-84-315-355, +36-84-310-117
E-mail: siofok@tourinform.hu
Tapolca, H–8300 Fő tér 17.
Tel: +36-87-510-777, fax: +36-87-510-778
E-mail: tapolca@tourinform.hu
Tihany, H–8237 Kossuth L. u. 20.
Tel/fax: +36-87-448-804, tel: +36-87-438-016
E-mail: tihany@tourinform.hu
Zalakaros, H–8749 Gyógyfürdő tér 10.
Tel/fax: +36-93-340-421
E-mail: zalakaros@tourinform.hu
Zamárdi, H–8621 Kossuth L. u. 16.
Tel: +36-84-345-291, +36-84-545-052, +36-84-545-053,
fax: +36-84-345-290
E-mail: zamardi@tourinform.hu
Tourinform-hotline (0–24 h):
06-80-630-800 (within Hungary)
+36-30-30-30-600
Tourinform call centre (0–24 h): +36-1-438-80-80
Post: Budapest 1548
Fax: +36-1-488-86-61
E-mail: hungary@tourinform.hu
www.tourinform.hu
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:53 Page 20
Events
Balaton Festival Keszthely (B 4) May
Opening of Season, Unfurling of Sails Balatonfüred (G 3) May
Whitsun Opening of Season Siófok (H 3) May/June
Golden Cockle Folklore Festival Siófok (H 3) July
Blue Ribbon Grand Prix, yacht race Balatonfüred (G 3) July
Anna Ball Balatonfüred (G 3) July
Rowing race across the Balaton Alsóörs-Siófok-Alsóörs (G 2 - H 3) July
Swimming Competition across the Balaton Révfülöp-Balatonboglár (E 4) July
Wine Weeks Balatonfüred (G 3) August
Balatonlelle wine week Balatonlelle (E 4) August
Badacsony Vintage Badacsony (D 4) September
For further information about these events, please contact our representative, the Tourinform-hotline of Tourinform or our Project Office.
Published by The Hungarian National Tourist Office
Design and print: Geomédia • Photo: Hungarian National Tourist Office Photo and Slides Archives• Map: Paulus
www.hungarytourism.hu
Dear Visitor,The Hungarian National Tourist Office endeavours always to provide prospective visitors withuseful and relevant information. Wherever possible we aim to plan our publications on thebasis of what is of most interest to you and, for this reason, we would like in the near futureto send you a short questinnaire concerning your views on the usefulness of the informationin this brochure. If you would like to take part, please fill in the coupon, giving your NAME,ADDRESS and E-MAIL ADDRESS (if applicable), and return it to The Hungarian national touristOffice, H-1548 Budapest, Hungary. Alternatively the same details may be sent by e-mail tokiadvany@hungarytourism.hu. The names of all participants will be entered in a Prize Drawto take place in May of each year. The prize is a weekend for two in a Hungarian hotel includ-ing full board and travel (from any destination served by a MALÉV Hungarian Airlines’ sched-uled flight). The winner will be notified in writing.
Hungarian National Tourist Office • www.hungarytourism.hu
Surname: Forename:
Address:
E-mail:
The above personal details are submitted on the understanding that the Hungarian NationalTourist Office will use them for its own marketing purposes and surveys. They will not bepassed to third parties.Data Compliance Register No. 359-0001 (Magyar Turizmus Rt.).
✁
✃
General Information on the Balaton RegionAmbulance: 104
Police: 107
Fire brigade: 105
Wine Tour AssociationsCsopak area Wine Tour AssociationCsopak, H–8228 Vámosi u.1.
Balatonfüred and Surrounds Wine Tour AssociationBalatonfüred, H–8230 P. Horváth Á. u. 36/D
Zánka and Nivegy Valley Wine Tour AssociationSzentantalfa, H–8272 Sári u. 50.
Dörgicse and Surrounds Wine Tour AssociationBalatonudvari, H–8242 Ady Endre u. 16.
Badacsony Wine Region Wine Tour AssociationBadacsony, H–8261 Római u. 2.
Da Bibere Upper Balaton Wine Tour AssociationBalatongyörök, H–8313 Kossuth L. u. 26.E-mail: dabibere@mailbox.hu
Southern Balaton Wine Tour AssociationBalatonboglár, H–8630 Erzsébet u. 11.
Upper Balaton Wine Tour AssociationZalahaláp, H–8308 Petőfi S. u. 4.
Zala Wine Tour Association – Zalakaros and surroundsTürje, H–8796 Ságvári u. 1.Tel: +36-83-556-020, + 336-83-556-021E-mail: borutzalai@mail.datanet.huwww.zalakar.celodin.hu
Zalavár–Sármellék Airport Ltd.Sármellék, H–8391 P.O.Box 4.
Tel/fax: +36-83-355-500, +36-83355-002 (tower)
E-mail: lhsm@axelero.hu
Life guardsTel: +36-87-568-599, +36-87-568-168
www.vizimentok.hu
E-mail: info@vizimentok.hu
Balaton Shipping Co.Siófok, H–8600 Krúdy sétány 2.
Tel: +36-84-312-144, +36-20-97-22-500,
fax: +36-84-312-907
E-mail: info@balatonihajozas.hu
balaton_2004_GB_vegleges.qxd 2004.01.16. 15:53 Page 21
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L a k e B a l a t o n
AustriaUngarisches TourismusamtA-1010 Wien, Opernring 5/2. Stk.Tel:(43 1) 585 20 1213, 585 20 1214Fax: (43 1) 585 20 1215E-mail: htvienna@hungarytourism.hu;ungarn@ungarn-tourismus.at
BelgiumOffice du Tourisme de Hongrie (Hongaars Verkeersbureau)B-1050 Bruxelles, Avenue Louise 365(B-1050 Brussel, 365 Loizalaan)Tel: (32 2) 346 8630, 648 5282Fax: (32 2) 344 6967E-mail: htbrussels@skynet.bewww.visithongrie.be
Czech RepublicMadarská Turistika140 21 Praha 4, 5. kvetna 65Tel: (420 261) 174 166, 174 167Fax: (420 261) 174 169E-mail: htprague@hungarytourism.hu;hutourco@bohem-net.czwww.madarsko.cz; faliujsag.hungarytourism.cz
DenmarkUngarns Turistkontor (Information Office)DK 2100 Köbenhavn Ö, Strandvejen 6Tel: (45 39) 161 350 (M-Th 9-12 a. m.;from 12:30-14:30p. m.; F: from 9-12 a. m.)Fax: (45 39) 161 355E-mail: htcopenhagen@mail.dkwww.ungarn.dk
FinlandUnkarin Matkailutoimisto (Information Office)00100 Helsinki, Kaisaniemenkatu 10Tel: (358 9) 8240 1040from 9 a. m. – 2 p. m. local time(8 a. m. – 1 p. m. Hungarian time),ansvwering machine outside these hoursFax: (358 9) 8240 1041E-mail: hthelsinki@hungarytourism.hu; hthelsinki@hungarytourism.inet.fiwww.unkarinmatkailu.fi
FranceOffice du Tourisme de Hongrie75116 Paris, 140 avenue Victor HugoTel: (33 1) 5370 6717, 5370 6718Fax: (33 1) 4704 8357E-mail: htparis@hungarytourism.hu;othon@club-internet.frwww.hongrietourisme.com; minitel: 3615othongrie
GermanyUngarisches Tourismusamt D-10178 Berlin, Neue Promenade 5Tel: (49 30) 243 146 0Fax: (49 30) 243 146 13E-mail: ungarn.info.berlin@t-online.dewww.ungarn-tourismus.de
Ungarisches Tourismusamt D-80637 München, Dom Pedro Str. 17Tel: (49 89) 1211 5230, 1211 5253Fax: (49 89) 1211 5251E-mail: ungarn.info.muc@t-online.dewww.ungarn-tourismus.de
Ungarisches Tourismusamt D-60313 Frankfurt, An der Hauptwache 11Tel: (49 69) 9288 460Fax: (49 69) 9288 4613E-mail: ungarn.info.frankfurt@t-online.dewww.ungarn-tourismus.de
IrelandHungarian National Tourist OfficeDublin 2, Hungarian Embassy, 2 FitzWilliam PlaceTel: (353 1) 6612 879Fax: (353 1) 6612 885E-mail: info@visithungary.iewww.visithungary.ie
IsraelHungarian National Tourist Office63401 Tel-Aviv, Ben Jehuda St. 101.Tel: (972 3) 527 5004Fax: (972 3) 527 4483E-mail: httelaviv@hungarytourism.hu;hungtour@zahav.net.il
ItalyUfficio Turistico Ungherese20145 Milano, Via Alberto Da Giussano 1.Tel: (39 02) 4819 5434Fax: (39 02) 4801 0268E-mail: htmilan@hungarytourism.hu;ungotour@tin.itwww.turismoungherese.it
Information Office00187 Roma, Via Sallustiana 23.Tel/fax: (39 06) 4744 836E-mail: romaungotour@virgilio.it
JapanHungarian National Tourist Office106-0031 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Nishiazabu 4-16-13, 28 Mori Building 11FTel: (81 3) 3499 4953Fax:(81 3) 3499 4944E-mail: info@hungarytabi.jpwww.hungarytabi.jp
NetherlandsHongaars Verkeersbureau2593 BS Den Haag, Laan van Nieuw Oost Indie 271Tel: (31 70) 320 9092Fax: (31 70) 327 2833E-mail: htdenhaga@hungarytourism.hu;hong@euronet.nlwww.hungarytourism.nl
PolandNarodowe Przedstawicielstwo TurystykiWegierskiej w Polsce00-464 Warszawa, ul. Szwolezerów 10.Tel: (48 22) 841 3024Fax: (48 22) 841 4157E-mail: htwarsaw@hungarytourism.hu;huntour@waw.pdi.netwww.wegry.info.pl
RomaniaConsulatul General al Republicii Ungare,Sectia Turism3400 Cluj-Napoca, C.P. 352Tel/fax: (40 264) 440 547E-mail: htcluj@hungarytourism.hu;htcluj@codec.ro
RussiaBuro sovetnika po turizmu Posolstva VengerskoyRespubliki(���� ����� � �� ������ �������������� �� ������� �)123242 Moszkva, Krasznaja Presznya ul. 1-7(� �� 123242 "�� ��, ��. %�����& ����& '.1-7.)Tel: (70 95) 363 3962/3241, 3287, 3288 extensionsFax: (70 95) 363 3963E-mail: htmoscow@hungarytourism.hu;htmoscow@huntourmow.sovintel.ruwww.hungary.ru
SpainOficina Nacional de Turismo de Hungría28020 Madrid, Avenida de Brasil 17, Piso 10, Puerta BTel: (34 91) 556 9348Fax: (34 91) 556 9869E-mail: htmadrid@hungarytourism.hu;kepviselet@hungriaturismo.comwww.hungriaturismo.com
SwedenUngerska Turistbyran I NordenS-114 34 Stockholm, Birger Jarlsgatan 22.Tel: (46 8) 20 40 40 (from 9 a. m. – 3 p. m.,answering machine outside these hours)Fax: (46 8) 611 7647E-mail: htstockholm@hungarytourism.hu;htstockholm@swipnet.sewww.ungernturism.org; www.ungarnturisme.com
SwitzerlandUngarisches TourismusamtCH-8035 Zürich, Stampfenbach Str. 78Tel: (41 1) 361 1414Fax: (41 1) 361 3939E-mail: htzurich@hungarytourism.hu; hungtourism@swissonline.ch; info@ungarn-tourism.chwww.ungarn-tourism.ch
UkraineKomercijnij Viddil Posolstva Ugorskoji RespublikiInformacijne Bjuro ”Ugorshina-Turizm”01034 Kijev, vul. Striletska 16.Tel/fax: (380 44) 228 0842E-mail: htkiev@hungarytourism.hu; migsv@iptelecom.net.uawww.ugor.kiev.ua
United KingdomHungarian National Tourist OfficeSW1X 8 AL London, 46. Eaton PlaceTel: (44 207) 823 1032, 823 1055Fax: (44 207) 823 1459E-mail: htlondon@hungarytourism.hu; htlondon@btinternet.comwww.hungarywelcomesbritain.com
United States of AmericaHungarian National Tourist OfficeN.Y. 10155-3398 New York,150 East 58th Street, 33rd FloorTel: (1 212) 355 0240, fax: (1 212) 207 4103E-mail: htnewyork@hungarytourism.hu;hnto@gotohungary.comwww.gotohungary.com
Representations of the Hungarian National Tourist Office
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