Things to do in Lake Balaton

Marvel at the beauty of the lake on a scenic, 10-minute ferry ride to Tihany peninsula. Upon arrival, experience the beauty of the peninsula up close. Thanks to the special attributes of its landscape, its geological idiosyncrasies, its diverse flora and fauna, it was the first designated protected area in Hungary. On its smaller hill, a church and a monastery were founded as early as nine centuries ago. The tour includes a visit to the most famous abbey of Hungary, as well as to Balatonfüred, the capital of the northern shore. Balatonfüred was always beloved by artists and writers and for good reason; the pretty promenade and beautiful villas and mansions will very likely steal your heart. While there, your guide will show you one or two totally off-the-beaten-track treasures of the region. At the end of the day, you will be driven back to your hotel in Budapest.

Spend the day in the lovely landscapes of Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake on a full-day tour of Lake Balaton. Depart Budapest and travel by air-conditioned coach to the small town of Balatonfüred. Located on the north shore of Lake Balaton, the town’s highlights include as sightseeing trip by “nostalgia train.” Next, take a 1-hour cruise on Lake Balaton, before some free time to take a stroll along the picturesque promenade and enjoy some lunch (own expense). Drive to the Tihany Peninsula to see why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is rich with architecture and vineyards that produce the local wine. Get a unique view of Lake Balaton before going to the Abbey of Tihany, founded in 1055 by the Hungarian King András. Transfer back to Budapest for a drop off at your hotel and the end of the tour services.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Budapest on a full-day tour of Lake Balaton’s northern shores. Following a pick-up from your hotel in the city center, transfer to the historic city of Veszprém, home of Hungarian queens and the famous Herend Porcelain Manufactury. Since its founding in 1826, the luxury, hand painted porcelain producer has served aristocratic customers throughout Europe, including Queen Victoria and Princess Kate. Next, stroll around the popular yachting town of Balatonfüred. See 19th-century villas, such as Horváth House, Jókai, Vaszary, and Blaha Villa. Take a walk along the Tagore Sétány promenade, named in honor of Rabindranath Tagore, the Bengali polymath who was treated in Lake Balaton in 1926. Go to the Kossuth Thermal Spring at the State Hospital of Cardiology that put Balatonfüred on the map. Visit a wine museum to learn about wine’s new frontier, and see the handsome mansion of Széchenyi Castle in nearby Nagycenk. Discover the scenic beauty of the Tihany Peninsula (now on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and see the 11th-century Benedictine Abbey on a steep winding road.

Paddle along Lake Balaton and experience Tihany National Park from the water. After you have checked in at the reception desk, you will receive your SUP board, a paddle, and a life-jacket if you need one. Your guide will help you choose your board, and will make sure it is suited to your level of experience, size and weight. Enjoy a peaceful tour, as you paddle slowly across the water and spot wildlife among the reeds. Feel free to chat to friends, or simply relax within the serene landscape. If it is warm enough, take a break and go for a swim, or just lie back on your board. Depending on the wind (usually there is none) and your level of experience, you will paddle approximately 3km before turning around and finishing your enjoyable tour at the same location you took off from. 

Enjoy a lovely day trip from Budapest to the beautiful Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in all of Europe. Continue the tour to the famous Herend Porcelain manufacturer, where the renowned, hand-painted porcelain is produced. Enjoy an interior tour and get acquainted with the  production process before enjoying some free time and a memorable coffee break using the original Herend porcelain cups. Continue the tour with a short drive to the Tihany Peninsula, the first Hungarian nature reservation area. Pay a visit to the stunning 1000-year-old Benedictine Abbey and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views from the promenade, before making your way to a nearby restaurant to enjoy your lunch under the grape vines (optional). On the way, stop briefly at folk art shops to admire some hand-made arts and crafts products. On your return journey to Budapest, stop in at the very first Spa and Holiday Resort of Hungary in Balatonfüred.

You will get a quick overview about different boards and paddles and what equipment is best for you. Choosing the right size SUP board and paddle is essential. Before you hit the water, you will learn the first steps on a simulator. From starting in a kneeling position, getting up and finding the right stance and position on your board, to the correct handling of your paddle. After practising those things on the beach you will learn how to carry and launch your SUP. The rest of the time you will practise those learned things on your board with your instructor assisting you. After an hour with the instructor, you are ready to paddle on by yourself into the National Park right next to our SUP centre. The program consists of one hour lessons with instructor and one hour of independent paddling.

Paddle along Lake Balaton and experience Tihany National Park from the water. After you have checked in at the reception desk, you will receive your SUP board, a paddle, and a life-jacket, if you need one. Your guide will help you choose your board, and will make sure it is suited to your level of experience, size and weight. Enjoy a peaceful tour, as you paddle slowly across the water and spot wildlife among the reeds. Feel free to chat with friends, or simply relax in the serene landscape. If it is warm enough, take a break and go for a swim, or just lie back on your board. Depending on the wind (usually there is none) and your level of experience, you will paddle approximately 3 kilometers before turning around and finishing your enjoyable tour at the same location you took off from.

Discover the scenic beauty of Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake on a private full-day tour from Budapest to Lake Balaton in the mountainous Transdanubian region of Hungary, and learn more about the historic porcelain industry of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory. Following a pick-up from your hotel in Budapest, drive to the small town of Herend on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Best known for its porcelain manufacturing, the town dates back to Roman times, but reached notoriety during the Habsburg Empire, when the Herend Porcelain Manufactory was founded. Visit the factory to learn more about porcelain technology during a guided tour through is various rooms. Then, pick up a few pieces to take home as gifts and souvenirs in the factory store. Next, take a scenic drive of the Tihany Peninsula, stretching deeply into the waters of Lake Balaton. Enjoy enchanting panoramas in all directions, and stop at the 950-year-old Tihany Abbey in the small village of Tihany. Stop to take a walk along the famous promenade at Balatonfüred, the oldest spa resort of Lake Balaton, before your return transfer to Budapest.

Discover the highlights of the quaint city of Keszthely with an informative guide, and marvel at picturesque spots. Enjoy magnificent views across neighboring Lake Balaton, one of the largest lakes in central Europe. Absorb the baroque majesty of Festetics Castle, and learn the captivating history of this impressive building. Listen to amazing stories about the hidden secrets of Keszthely's streets from a charismatic local expert. You will experience the following attractions: - Festetics Palace - Our Lady of Hungary Church - Balaton Museum - Municipal Beach

Enjoy a relaxing day of sailing on Lake Balaton, one of the largest lakes in central Europe. Visit Tihany Peninsula, famous for its beautiful views of Lake Balaton. Make stops at the Benedictine Abbey and Tihany Village to explore the history of the area. Be picked up from your accommodation in Budapest and head toward the Tihany Peninsula, where you will make stops at the fishing village of Tihany and the Benedictine Abbey. Explore Tihany itself, and admire the authentic thatched-roof houses of the local fisherman in the village. See the Benedictine Abbey, and learn about its long history while looking at its medieval architecture. Wander through Tihany, taste lavender ice, or wine, and pick up some traditional pottery from local shops as a souvenir. Try a delicious Hungarian lunch and admire the beautiful landscapes and views of the area before returning to your hotel in Budapest.