In the days prior to the end of the First World War, Hungary had the luxury of two coasts. The Treaty of Trianon, devised to punish and weaken the former Austro-Hungarian Empire changed this and took over two-thirds of Hungary's land and displaced half of it's population.
As part of the treaty, which was ratified in 1920, Hungary lost lands to former Yugoslavia and Romania among others resulting in the loss of the Adriatic and Black Sea Coasts.
The now land locked country had lost its access to the sea but through Lake Balaton it was still able to offer the seaside experience to countless Hungarian and foreign visitors.
Balaton is Europe's largest fresh water lake. With a total area of 600 square kilometers the lake is fondly known by many Hungarians as "The Hungarian Sea". Resort towns surround the lake offering various levels of tourist friendly activities ranging from the calm, relaxing quiet of Balatonlelle to the bustling party town of Siófok. As a general rule of thumb the eastern resort towns tend to offer more action for young (or young at heart) visitors whereas the west offers the more quiet retreats.
Balaton boasts pure, clean waters and it is even claimed to be safe to drink. At its deepest point the lake is only 11 meters and in places it is possible to wade out for a couple of hundred meters without being out of your depth offering safe bathing for young children and families but be careful as this is not always the case.
The climate of the region is continental. Bathing is possible from April all the way through until October although many hotels, bars and restaurants do not open until mid-May. A visit before this time will give the impression of a redundant seaside town.
Equally popular with both Hungarian and foreign tourists, Balaton has ample accommodation and services offered at very reasonable prices. English speaking guests should however be warned that the vast majority of foreign visitors tend to be German speakers who are very well catered for in restaurants and hotels. Interestingly the high level of German language spoken in the area is a throwback to the Communist era. Balaton was a popular tourist destination for both East and West Germans and a convenient meeting place for families divided by the Berlin Wall who could not acquire visas to meet in their own divided nation.
It is not common to find information, menus and hotel owners or workers who have fluent English so be prepared to be patient.

Tel: +36-20-982-3157

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