Lake Balaton Tours and Activities

Balatonfured featuring signage
Siofok featuring a city, a fountain and a square or plaza
Festetics Palace showing a castle and heritage architecture
Balatonfured which includes a garden and a statue or sculpture
Tihany featuring flowers

Discover historical buildings, sail over aquamarine waters and party on a beach at one of Hungary’s most popular vacation destinations.

Beautiful natural scenery, watersports and historic landmarks are some of the features of a vacation at Lake Balaton. This is central Europe's largest freshwater lake and the region encompasses hills, mountains and lakeside towns and resorts. Hike through the landscape, take a boat cruise across the water and tour a splendid 18th-century Baroque palace.

The lake stretches for approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) and there are many beaches along its shoreline where you can relax and swim. In addition to swimming there are lots of other water-based activities here, including sailing, surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding. Stay active when you are back on dry land by cycling along lake-side paths that extend for more than 124 miles (200 kilometers) around the body of water.

Carve out some time to tour the lake’s towns and villages. Explore BalatonfüredOpens in a new window on the lake's northern shore. Visit museums housed in old villas, drink from a mineral spring well and walk along the Tagore Promenade. Go to TihanyOpens in a new window, located on the Tihany Peninsula for its medieval Benedictine abbey. Nearby is a geyser field.

Journey to KeszthelyOpens in a new window on the western shore to see the majestic FesteticsOpens in a new window Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece built for a noble family. Enjoy the party atmosphere at SiófokOpens in a new window, the biggest town on the lake. Refresh your body in nearby Heviz, a town famed for its spas.

Take advantage of the lake’s scenic backdrop with some outdoor adventures. Hike through the Balaton Upland National Park, see the large basalt columns of the Káli Basin and try bird watching in the Kis Balaton wetlands area. Among the species you might see are white-tailed eagles and ospreys. In winter, go ice skating, ice sailing and ice windsurfing when the lake freezes over.

Reach Lake Balaton by driving from Budapest, a journey that can take up to 2 hours, depending on which part of the lake you are visiting. There are also train services from the Hungarian capital to several historical and picturesque destinations around the lake.

Plan a trip to see Lake Balaton

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company

Aurea Ana Palace by Eurostars Hotel Company

5 out of 5
Budapest City Centre
per person
Oct 20 - Oct 25
found 9 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Montreal (YUL) to Budapest (BUD)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (308 reviews)
The hotel was so architectural and beautiful. Pictures dont do it justice.

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Boutique Residence Budapest

Boutique Residence Budapest

4 out of 5
Budapest City Centre
per person
Sep 21 - Sep 27
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Budapest (BUD)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (198 reviews)
The staff was very accommodating. Location was great.

Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2025

Ikonik Parlament

Ikonik Parlament

4 out of 5
Budapest City Centre
per person
Sep 21 - Sep 27
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Budapest (BUD)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Location was excellent & within walking distance to St. Stephens Cathedral, Parliment, & public transportation. Front Desk Staff were efficient, patient & extremely helpful when our daughter left her wallet in the hotel taxi! We were very appreciative of their assistance & tracking down the taxi & sending him back to the airport with the wallet. Thank you so very much!

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2025

Popular places to visit

Balatonlelle Amusement Park

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Balatonlelle Amusement Park during your visit to Balatonlelle. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Balatonlelle Amusement Park

Bujdosó Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Bujdosó Winery during your travels to Balatonlelle. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Bujdosó Winery

Rádpuszta medieval church ruin

Learn about the local history of Balatonlelle when you spend time at Rádpuszta medieval church ruin. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

Rádpuszta medieval church ruin

Ikon Borászat

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Ikon Borászat during your travels to Látrány.

Ikon Borászat

Garamvári Szőlőbirtok

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Garamvári Szőlőbirtok during your travels to Balatonlelle. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Garamvári Szőlőbirtok

Gömbkilátó

Learn about the local history of Balatonboglar when you take a trip to Gömbkilátó. Wander the parks and lakeside while you're in the area.

Gömbkilátó

Best Lodging Options Near Lake Balaton

Kistücsök Food & Room

Kistücsök Food & Room

3 out of 5
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 25., Balatonszemes
Kistücsök Food & Room
Luxury Lakefront Villa with Private Pier & Jacuzzi. Private Beach!

Luxury Lakefront Villa with Private Pier & Jacuzzi. Private Beach!

Balatonoszod
Luxury Lakefront Villa with Private Pier & Jacuzzi. Private Beach!
Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping

1 out of 5
Lellei utca 1-2., Balatonszemes
Balatontourist Vadvirág Kemping
Vacation home Paola by Interhome

Vacation home Paola by Interhome

Balatonszemes
Vacation home Paola by Interhome
Wonderful private villa for 6 guests with WIFI, private pool, TV, terrace, pets allowed and park...

Wonderful private villa for 6 guests with WIFI, private pool, TV, terrace, pets allowed and park...

Balatonfüred
Wonderful private villa for 6 guests with WIFI, private pool, TV, terrace, pets allowed and park...
Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela

2 out of 5
Balatonlelle
Lakefront Elegant Condo Lela
Seehaus 1 directly on the shore with its own jetty

Seehaus 1 directly on the shore with its own jetty

Balatonszárszó
Seehaus 1 directly on the shore with its own jetty
Sundance by Interhome

Sundance by Interhome

Balatonszemes
Sundance by Interhome
Wonderful villa for 4 people with A/C, WIFI, TV, terrace, pets allowed and parking

Wonderful villa for 4 people with A/C, WIFI, TV, terrace, pets allowed and parking

Tapolca
Wonderful villa for 4 people with A/C, WIFI, TV, terrace, pets allowed and parking
See all 1,586 properties in Lake Balaton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Balaton

At Lake Balaton, tourists can enjoy a variety of activities including spa treatments and sailing. Families can explore Balaland Family Park, while biking enthusiasts can take advantage of the extensive bike paths. A scenic boat trip is a must, and there are plenty of picnic areas for a relaxing day outdoors. For a more extensive adventure, consider a day trip to discover the beautiful surroundings of this stunning region.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit Katona Borház, located 11.3km from Lake Balaton. If you're up for a drive, Sio Plaza, 25.7km away, offers a vibrant shopping mall experience with family-friendly entertainment and a variety of shops to explore.

Recreation

Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club offers a stunning golf course with outdoor vibes, perfect for a day of relaxation and sport, located 9.7km from Lake Balaton. Alternatively, Golfclub Imperial Balaton, 111.3km away, provides a picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts amidst beautiful landscapes.

For sports fans, Veszprem Arena, 33.8km from the lake, features a vibrant atmosphere with various sporting events, making it an exciting destination for recreation and entertainment.

Adventure

Explore Nordica Síaréna and Epleny Ski Arena, both located 45.1km from Lake Balaton, for thrilling skiing experiences in a vibrant sports atmosphere. Enjoy the excitement of the slopes, perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers looking for an adrenaline rush in the stunning Hungarian landscape.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Tamasi Cultural Center in Tapolca for cultural shows, or enjoy the thrill of the Siófok Ferris Wheel with family. For amusement rides, visit Balatonibob Leisure Park for a fun-filled evening. Lake Balaton offers diverse entertainment for all ages!

Find the best attractions near Lake Balaton

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a beach lover, Lake Balaton offers a variety of attractions to explore. Discover historic monuments, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit serene monasteries. This stunning region caters to all types of travellers, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with unique experiences by the lake.

  • Platán Strand: Experience the relaxed beach vibes at Platán Strand, located 8.0km from Lake Balaton. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in the picturesque views, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and fun.
  • Balatonlelle Amusement Park: Just 6.4km from Lake Balaton, this amusement park offers adventure and excitement for families. With thrilling rides and outdoor attractions, it’s a great place for both kids and adults to create unforgettable memories.
  • Rádpuszta Medieval Church Ruin: Immerse yourself in the rich culture at the Rádpuszta medieval church ruin, located 6.4km from Lake Balaton. Explore the historical site and appreciate the fascinating architecture that tells stories of the past.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Balaton

To save money on your trip to Lake Balaton, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February or October to November, avoiding the peak season from June to August. Book your hotel about a month in advance, with Wednesdays typically offering the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter results by price and eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel stay with flights and activities can lead to significant savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the lake to enhance your experience without breaking the bank!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Balaton are February and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Lake Balaton about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Balaton is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Balaton is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, ready for your booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Lake Balaton with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.