Hiking & Nature
Discover Lake Balaton beyond the shoreline
Step beyond Lake Balaton’s waterfront and discover a landscape made for exploration. Volcanic hills, dramatic basalt formations, vineyards, forests, historic ruins and protected wetlands create an extraordinary variety of outdoor experiences – often with spectacular views of the lake along the way.
Whether you are looking for an easy walk, a family-friendly nature trail, a panoramic half-day hike or a more challenging full-day adventure, there are routes for different levels of experience and fitness. Long-distance trails offer even more possibilities for those who want to explore the region step by step.
And sometimes the best way to discover Balaton’s natural side is not only on foot, but from the water.
Follow the Blue – long-distance hiking around Balaton
One of the region’s special hiking experiences is the Balaton-felvidéki Kéktúra, the Balaton Uplands’ own blue-marked long-distance trail. Stretching for around 100 kilometres between Pétfürdő and Badacsony, it connects forests, vineyards, villages and some of the most characteristic landscapes of the northern Balaton region.
You do not have to walk the entire trail at once – individual sections make excellent day hikes.
The Balaton region is also crossed by sections of Hungary’s famous Országos Kéktúra, the National Blue Trail.
Plan your hike with Természetjáró
Walk through an ancient volcanic landscape
The volcanic hills of the Balaton Uplands offer some of the region’s most memorable hiking experiences.
On Badacsony, the approximately 4-kilometre Tűzgyűrű Nature Trail leads through a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, with striking basalt formations and former quarry walls along the way.
On nearby Szent György Hill, another approximately 4-kilometre trail reveals the spectacular Basalt Organs – towering columns of volcanic rock that rank among the region’s most remarkable geological sights.
Discover the nature trails of the Tapolca Basin
Insider tip: Csobánc
For a combination of nature, history and panoramic views, head to Csobánc. The volcanic hill rises above the vineyards of the Tapolca Basin and is crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle. From the top, wide views open across the surrounding volcanic hills and the distinctive landscape of the Balaton Uplands.
Discover Tihany on foot
Tihany has much more to offer beyond its famous abbey and lavender fields. The peninsula is one of the Balaton region’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes.
Trails lead past ancient geyser cones, forests and the Inner and Outer Lakes, while viewpoints reveal Lake Balaton from constantly changing perspectives. The Lóczy Lajos Nature Trail connects many of the peninsula’s most important natural and cultural attractions, while different parts of the peninsula can also be explored on shorter walks.
Explore the nature trails of the Tihany Peninsula
Wild Kis-Balaton – on foot and from the water
At the western end of the lake, the landscape changes completely. Kis-Balaton is a protected wetland of international importance and home to an exceptionally rich birdlife.
Kányavári Island offers an easy way to experience this special environment. The Búbos vöcsök Nature Trail is almost 2 kilometres long and introduces visitors to the birdlife and wetland habitats of Kis-Balaton.
For an entirely different perspective, the Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate also offers guided canoe tours into the protected landscape. It is a special opportunity to discover the wetlands from the water and experience a quieter, wilder side of the Balaton region.
Availability and booking conditions for guided programmes should always be checked before visiting.
Kis-Balaton Visitor Centre – canoe tours and visitor information
A walk through a 120-year-old garden
Looking for something gentler than a traditional hike? Above Badacsonyörs, the historic Folly Arboretum and Winery combines nature, walking and beautiful Balaton views.
Founded in 1905, the five-hectare garden is home to an extraordinary collection of cedars, cypresses and other botanical rarities. Walking paths lead through the hillside arboretum, while its elevated location offers beautiful views towards Lake Balaton.
The experience can even begin before reaching the entrance: from Badacsonyörs railway station, the arboretum can be reached on foot in around 1.6 kilometres. Once inside, visitors can continue exploring the historic garden along its walking paths.
Discover Folly Arboretum and Winery
The quieter side of the South Shore
Hiking is not limited to the volcanic northern shore. The southern side of Lake Balaton also hides peaceful natural areas away from the busy waterfront.
Near Siófok, the Töreki Nature Trail leads through a protected valley of forests, meadows, ponds and wetlands. The main nature trail is 8.5 kilometres long, with shorter walks and a longer 14-kilometre route also possible. A birdwatching tower offers another perspective on the area’s rich wildlife.
Discover the Siófok–Töreki Nature Trail
Pilgrimage trails – walking with a deeper purpose
For those looking for more than a traditional hike, the Balaton region also offers opportunities for pilgrimage and spiritual walking.
The Camino Benedictus connects places associated with Benedictine heritage and offers a different way to experience the landscape – slowly, on foot and with time to discover its cultural and spiritual side.
The pilgrimage route links Tihany and the Benedictine Abbey with Benedictine sites beyond the Balaton region, continuing through western Hungary towards Austria.
Whether motivated by faith, reflection or simply the experience of a longer journey on foot, pilgrimage adds another dimension to exploring Lake Balaton and its surroundings.
Hike, taste and slow down
One of the pleasures of hiking around Lake Balaton is how naturally outdoor experiences connect with the region’s wine and food culture.
Around Badacsony, Szent György Hill, the Káli Basin and the Balatonfüred–Csopak area, vineyards and wine cellars are part of the landscape itself. A day on the trail can end on a winery terrace or over regional dishes at a local restaurant.
For an experience that combines walking, landscape and wine, the Wine Hikes Around Tóti Hill offer guided walks through one of the Balaton Uplands’ characteristic volcanic landscapes.
Discover Wine Hikes Around Tóti Hill
Plan your adventure
Trail conditions, opening hours and guided programmes may change, so always check the latest information before setting off. Good footwear, sufficient water and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, particularly for longer routes and volcanic hills.
