Top Attractions

Must-See Attractions Around Lake Balaton

From historic castles and remarkable natural landmarks to cultural treasures and unique experiences, the Lake Balaton region is full of places worth discovering.

We’ve selected some of the region’s most distinctive attractions – places that capture the history, landscapes and character of Lake Balaton and are well worth adding to a first visit.

Tihany Benedictine Abbey – Tihany

Standing high above Lake Balaton, Tihany Benedictine Abbey is one of the region’s most important historic landmarks. The monastery was founded by King Andrew I in 1055, and its founding charter contains some of the earliest surviving written Hungarian words. The king was later buried here, and his 11th-century royal crypt can still be visited today.

Step inside the Baroque abbey church and museum, then take time to explore the historic centre of Tihany and enjoy the sweeping views across Lake Balaton from the peninsula. Find out more

Festetics Palace – Keszthely

Step into the world of one of Hungary’s most influential aristocratic families at Festetics Palace in Keszthely. Built and expanded over generations from the 18th century onwards, the palace was home to the Festetics family for around two centuries.

Explore its historic interiors and impressive library, then continue into the landscaped castle park. Several additional exhibitions around the palace complex make it easy to spend a few hours discovering the Festetics legacy and the history of Keszthely. Find out more

Tapolca Lake Cave – Tapolca

Hidden beneath the streets of Tapolca, the Lake Cave offers one of the most unusual experiences in the Lake Balaton region. After exploring the interactive visitor centre, descend beneath the town and discover a unique cave system shaped by water over millions of years.

The highlight is a boat ride through the crystal-clear waters of the underground passages, where visitors can paddle through narrow corridors beneath the town. It is a memorable experience in any season and an excellent choice when the weather keeps you away from the lake. Find out more

Szigliget Castle – Szigliget

Rising above the village of Szigliget on a volcanic hill, Szigliget Castle has watched over the western basin of Lake Balaton for more than 750 years. Construction began in 1260, and the fortress later became an important stronghold during the Ottoman period.

Today, the restored castle combines historic exhibitions with one of the most memorable panoramas in the region. Climb to the upper castle for sweeping views across Lake Balaton, the Tapolca Basin and its distinctive volcanic hills. Find out more

Sümeg Castle & Historical Equestrian Games – Sümeg

Rising above the town of Sümeg, the medieval castle is impressive in its own right – but the historical programmes at the foot of the hill make a visit especially memorable.

Watch skilled horsemen, medieval weapons demonstrations and knights in combat during the Historical Equestrian Games, then complete the experience with a medieval feast. Together, the castle and its living-history programmes offer an entertaining way to step into the world of medieval Hungary. Find out more

Hegyestű Geological Visitor Site – Monoszló

Hegyestű offers a fascinating look into the volcanic past of the Balaton Uplands. Quarrying exposed the interior of the former volcano, revealing a dramatic wall of columnar basalt that makes the geological history of the region visible at close range.

Walk through the former quarry, explore characteristic rock types from Transdanubia and continue to the upper viewpoint for sweeping views across the Káli Basin, the volcanic hills of the Tapolca Basin and towards Lake Balaton and the Tihany Peninsula. Fine out more

Lake Hévíz – Hévíz

Just a few kilometres from Lake Balaton, Lake Hévíz offers one of the region’s most distinctive experiences: bathing outdoors in a natural thermal lake. Surrounded by a protected forest, the lake is fed by thermal springs and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Float in the warm water among water lilies, relax in the peaceful natural surroundings and discover a bathing tradition that has shaped Hévíz into one of Hungary’s best-known spa destinations. Find out more

Veszprém Castle District – Veszprém

Perched on Castle Hill above the historic centre, Veszprém’s Castle District brings together centuries of Hungarian history in one of the city’s most atmospheric quarters. Rather than a single medieval fortress, you’ll find a historic district of churches, palaces, museums and viewpoints shaped over many centuries.

Walk through Heroes’ Gate and along the cobbled Castle Street to discover landmarks such as St Michael’s Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the statues of Hungary’s first royal couple, King Stephen and Queen Gisela. At the northern end of the district, panoramic viewpoints open across Veszprém and towards the Bakony Hills. Find out more