Explore Nearby
Day Trip Destinations Around Lake Balaton
There is plenty to discover beyond the shores of Lake Balaton. From volcanic hills and nature trails to arboretums, wildlife parks and scenic viewpoints, the wider Balaton region offers rewarding destinations for a day trip.
Explore places around the lake and venture a little further into the surrounding countryside to discover landscapes, wildlife and local experiences that add another dimension to a Lake Balaton holiday.
Folly Arboretum and Winery – Badacsonyörs
Set on the slopes above Badacsonyörs, Folly Arboretum and Winery is a historic family-run garden overlooking Lake Balaton. Its collection of cedars, cypresses and other evergreens has been growing for more than a century, creating a distinctive landscape on the southern slopes of the Badacsony region.
Follow the garden paths, stop at the panoramic viewpoints and combine your visit with local food or wines from the Folly estate. Open throughout the year, the arboretum offers a different experience in every season and makes an easy nature-focused day trip while exploring the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Find out more
Szent György Hill & Basalt Organs – Raposka
Rising above the Tapolca Basin near Raposka, Szent György Hill is one of the distinctive volcanic hills of the Balaton Uplands. Its most remarkable natural feature is the series of towering basalt columns known as the Basalt Organs, formed by the region’s ancient volcanic activity.
A 4-kilometre circular nature trail leads through the landscape and past the basalt formations towards the summit, with views across the Tapolca Basin and the surrounding volcanic hills. Along the way, information boards introduce the geology, wildlife and natural heritage of this protected area. Find out more
Kishegy - Balatonlelle
Just south of Balatonlelle, Kishegy offers a quieter side of the southern shore of Lake Balaton, where vineyards, wineries and local gastronomy meet panoramic views. At the top of the hill, the historic Szent Donát Chapel overlooks the lake, the vineyards and the volcanic hills of the northern shore.
Take a walk through the vineyard landscape, stop at a local winery or restaurant, and visit the panoramic terrace for one of the area’s best views over Lake Balaton. Kishegy is particularly atmospheric during the region’s seasonal wine and gastronomy events, but the landscape itself makes it worth discovering beyond the summer months too. Find out more
Tamási Wildlife Park – Tamási
Set in the forests near Tamási, the Tamási Wildlife Park offers a chance to observe native Hungarian game species in a natural woodland setting. The approximately 20-hectare park is home to fallow deer, red deer, mouflon and wild boar, with a marked trail leading through the forest.
Along the route, information boards introduce the wildlife and plants of the surrounding forests, while specially designed observation huts allow visitors to watch the animals at close range. Combine the wildlife park with a walk through the neighbouring Miklósvár Forest Park for a nature-focused day trip beyond Lake Balaton. Find out more
Kányavári Island – Kis-Balaton
Kányavári Island is one of the most accessible places to experience the protected wetlands of Kis-Balaton, southwest of Lake Balaton. Reached by its distinctive wooden arched bridge, the island is known for its peaceful waterside landscape and rich birdlife.
Follow the nature trail around the island, stop at the birdwatching points and look out for some of the many waterbirds that inhabit the Kis-Balaton wetlands. With picnic areas and an easy walking route, Kányavári Island is a rewarding nature stop for families, birdwatchers and anyone looking to discover a quieter side of the Balaton region. Find out more
Síaréna Vibe Park - Eplény
Set in the Bakony Hills near Eplény, Síaréna Vibe Park is a year-round outdoor destination within easy reach of Lake Balaton. In winter, the mountain becomes one of Hungary’s major ski areas, while the warmer months bring hiking, chairlift rides and mountain biking.
Take the four-seater chairlift towards Ámos Hill for panoramic views over the Bakony, explore the surrounding forest trails or head to the Bike Park for a more active day out. With activities changing through the seasons, Eplény offers a mountain experience that works particularly well as a day trip from the northern Lake Balaton region. Find out more
Hegyesd Castle Ruins & Quarry Lake – Hegyesd
Rising above the village of Hegyesd near Tapolca, the ruins of Hegyesd Castle stand on a steep volcanic hill overlooking the Tapolca Basin. The small medieval fortress dates back to the 13th century and later served as a border castle during the Ottoman period.
Follow the marked trail from the village to the castle ruins for wide views across the surrounding volcanic hills and towards Lake Balaton. Back in the village, the former dolomite quarry and its lake offer a contrasting landscape at the foot of the hill, making Hegyesd an interesting stop for a short hike and a quieter excursion in the Balaton Uplands. Find out more
Töreki Nature Trail – Siófok
Just a few kilometres from the busy lakeside of Siófok, the Töreki Nature Trail leads through a surprisingly peaceful landscape of wetlands, meadows and woodland. The area is part of the Töreki Lakes Nature Conservation Area, where a chain of small lakes provides habitat for a rich variety of birds and other wildlife.
Follow the nature trail through the valley, stop at the observation points and enjoy a quieter side of the southern Lake Balaton region. The combination of water, forest and open countryside makes Töreki a rewarding destination for walking, birdwatching and nature photography beyond the main summer season. Find out more
