Boating History

Lake Balaton is home to a number of unique and historic boats. As early as 1753, the Festetics family built a salt cargo ship that carried 12 wagons of salt to Keszthely. In 1797, György Festetics created the Phönix, a grand 31.5-meter ship with a 50-member crew, used as a luxury yacht for royal guests.

Cruising began in earnest in 1846 with the first paddle-wheel steamer, connecting Balatonfüred to other towns like Keszthely and Alsóörs. In 1866, the Sürgöny newspaper announced Queen Elisabeth’s planned visit to Balatonfüred. Though she never came, the buzz led to new castles, railway stations and elegant boats being prepared for her stay.

Count Ödön Batthyány, a key figure in Hungarian sailing, achieved international success in the 1860s. His 75-tonne yacht, Soaring Cloud, beat British competitors and marked a golden era in Balaton sailing. By the 1880s, around 70 sailboats of all kinds sailed the lake.

Two historic passenger ships, Helka and Kelén, launched in 1891, are still in operation. Originally steam-powered, they were converted to diesel in 1962 and are now nostalgic cruise ships. The Helka once froze into the lake and had to be rocked free by people dancing on its deck. It even served briefly as a lakeside café in the 1980s before being fully restored.

The Sirocco, one of Hungary’s largest and most elegant racing sailboats, is another iconic vessel. Built as one of three 75-sail cruisers, it’s now available for charter – ideal for sunset cruises and sailing enthusiasts.