Balatonfüred Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Balatonfüred with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore natural attractions, outdoor adventures, culturally important attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred is a picturesque town located on the north shore of Lake Balaton in Hungary, a destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is known for the mild climate, stunning landscapes, breathtaking attractions, and advanced treatments. Visitors come to Balatonfüred to relax, experience the rich culture and history, indulge in local cuisine, and take part in various outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Balatonfüred

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Anna Ball – The Anna Ball is a prominent winter event in Hungary that takes place in the elegant ballroom of the Tagore Promenade.
  • Vaszary Villa – Vaszary Villa is a well-preserved villa from the Art Nouveau era that showcases the rich heritage and housing culture of the Balaton region.
  • Benedictine Abbey of Tihany – The Benedictine Abbey is a well-preserved medieval church located on the Tihany Peninsula.
  • Round Church – Built-in the 13th century, the Round Church is one of Hungary’s oldest churches, located on the Tihany Peninsula, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Natural Attractions of Balatonfüred: Outdoor Adventures, and Scenic Views

  • Annagora Aquapark – A fantastic water park perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
  • Tihany Peninsula – Visit the stunning Tihany Peninsula, home to lavenders, vineyards, and lovely beaches.
  • Jókai Lookout Tower – This observation tower on the Jókai is an excellent way to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Balaton and Balatonfüred.
  • Balaton Uplands National Park – The national park is home to the unique flora and fauna of the Balaton Uplands region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred is excellent for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Tihany Peninsula hiking trail – Discover the stunning peninsula with this trail that starts near the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany.
  • Balaton Uplands National Park – Explore the hidden treasures of the Balaton Uplands region on one of the several available hiking trails.
  • Balaton Bike Ring – This more than 200-kilometer-long bike route around Lake Balaton is perfect for avid cyclists.

Best Things to Do in Balatonfüred: Activities and Tours

  • Visit a winery – Taste the local wines, experience the local wine-making culture by visiting wineries around Balatonfüred.
  • Try sailing or kayaking – Balaton is ideal for sailing, paddle boating, kayaking, and other water sports.
  • Take a balloon ride – Watch the stunning architecture of Balatonfüred from above with a Balloon ride bound to make your experience unique.
  • Enjoy thermal baths – The abundant thermal waters in Balatonfüred can be found in various locations, offering endless opportunities to relax at any time of the year.
  • Attend festivals and events – Balatonfüred hosts various cultural, music, and sporting events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Balatonfüred

For those who want to experience all that Balatonfüred has to offer, here is a week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Benedictine Abbey of Tihany and the Tihany Peninsula
2 Vaszary Villa and Balaton Uplands National Park
3 Round Church and Jókai Lookout Tower
4 Annagora Aquapark
5 Thermal Baths
6 Wineries Tour
7 Balloon Ride and Festivals and Events

Food and Drink Scene of Balatonfüred

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fisherman’s Soup – A spicy fish soup prepared from carp, catfish, or pike-perch.
  • Kürtőskalács – Delicious chimney cake with cinnamon and sugar.
  • Langos – A savory fried dough disk served with cheese and sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Wine – Balatonfüred is home to a well-established wine culture, with a long winemaking tradition. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste some of the region’s best wines.
  • Palinka – Locally made fruit brandy distilled from various fruits. Traditionally served as an aperitif or digestif.

Where to Stay in Balatonfüred: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Balatonfüred offers a wide range of options for accommodation, catering for all budgets, preferences, and group sizes.

  • Luxury Hotels – Hotel Astoria, Hotel Silverine Lake Resort Superior
  • Budget-Friendly Hotels – Hotel Annabella, Hotel Marina
  • Hostels – Bacchus Youth Hostel
  • Guesthouses – Gold House

What to Buy in Balatonfüred: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home souvenirs and delightful local products that celebrate Balatonfüred’s culture and heritage.

  • Handmade Lacework – Traditional bobbin lace-making is a typical craft in Balatonfüred with long-standing tradition.
  • Wine and Palinka – Experience the local wine-making culture by picking up a bottle or two of locally grown and produced wine and palinka.
  • Pottery – Take home something unique and beautiful in the form of ceramics or pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred holds a rich culture, and visitors can get a glimpse of it through the numerous cultural events and festivals hosted throughout the year. The region is also known for its therapeutic thermal baths and spas, providing guests with an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Balatonfüred

The best time to visit Balatonfüred is from mid-May to mid-September. During this period, the sun is out, temperatures are favorable, and there are plenty of activities and outdoor events to engage in.

Do’s and Don’ts of Balatonfüred

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs when exploring the region.
  • Try the local cuisine and wine; they are exceptional.
  • Take advantage of the abundant opportunities to engage in outdoor activities; Balaton is ideal for water sports, hiking, and cycling.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the environment.
  • Don’t forget to carry your sunscreen, hat, and shades during summers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take normal precautions to protect themselves from pickpocketing, road accidents while driving, and from the sun by wearing the appropriate clothing and using sunscreen.

Health in Balatonfüred

The region is known for its thermal baths and spas, which have properties believed to be therapeutic to muscles and joints. Health professionals oversee these spas offering advanced treatments. In case of an emergency, dial 112.

Getting to Balatonfüred: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Balatonfüred

  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is the main airport and has international flights.$,$ It is located approximately 120 km from Balatonfüred and can be reached by car, bus, or train boat.

Bus Stations Near Balatonfüred

  • Balatonfüred Autóbusz-Állomás – The primary bus station located in the centre of Balatonfüred, from where buses run regularly to Budapest and other towns in the region.

Other Options

  • Train – Balatonfüred railway station connects the region to Budapest and the other cities in Hungary.

How to Get Around Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred is compact and can be easily explored on foot. Visitors can alternatively use the trolley bus and local bus network, which runs from the centre of the city to other adjacent destinations.

Where to Go Next from Balatonfüred: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lake Balaton has an array of breathtaking towns, villages, architectural landmarks, natural attractions, thrilling activities, and adventure hotspots for visitors to explore. Below are some of the most popular destinations.

  • Tihany – A serene town located on the Tihany Peninsula, known for its Benedictine Abbey and magnificent views of Lake Balaton.
  • Siofok – A bustling resort town known for its beaches, bars, and nightlife.
  • Keszthely – A city located on the western shores of the lake known for its Forest Park and the Festetics Palace.
  • Heviz – a spa town located a few kilometers north of Lake Balaton, famous for its thermal lake and spas.

Conclusion

Balatonfüred is a breathtaking destination on Lake Balaton with fascinating natural attractions and breathtaking cultural landmarks. Visitors from all around the world come to Balatonfüred to experience the rich heritage, indulge in local cuisine, explore the outdoors, and seek medical tourism. With the above guide, visitors can plan a memorable itinerary full of adventure, relaxation, history, and culture.

Lake Balaton with Balatonfüred on the North Shore Lake Balaton with Balatonfüred on the North Shore Balatonarács Train Stop Balatonarács Train Stop Ferry in Port of Balatonfüred Ferry in Port of Balatonfüred Balatonfüred Sailing Marina Balatonfüred Sailing Marina The Promenade in Füred The Promenade in Füred The Old Town The Old Town Balatonfüred, Blaha's Villa Balatonfüred, Blaha's Villa White Church White Church National Hospital for Heart Diseases, partly protected monument complex National Hospital for Heart Diseases, partly protected monument complex Former Mansion of Adam Horvath Pálóczi Former Mansion of Adam Horvath Pálóczi Jókai Villa Jókai Villa Tagore Promenade Tagore Promenade Paloznak Resort Village near to Lake Balaton Paloznak Resort Village near to Lake Balaton Tihany Tihany Zánka Zánka Turkish Customhouse, Alsóörs Turkish Customhouse, Alsóörs Regional Museum in Balatonakali Regional Museum in Balatonakali Port of Balatonakali Port of Balatonakali Csopak Csopak Csopak beach Csopak beach Street view of Paloznak Street view of Paloznak Watermill in Örvényes Watermill in Örvényes Tihany and its inner lake Tihany and its inner lake Beach along the lake Beach along the lake Statue of Count István Széchenyi in Balatonfüred. A János Andrássy Kurta creation (1941) Statue of Count István Széchenyi in Balatonfüred. A János Andrássy Kurta creation (1941) Statue of Sándor Kisfaludy (1772 – 1844) was a Hungarian lyric poet, Balatonfüred Statue of Sándor Kisfaludy (1772 – 1844) was a Hungarian lyric poet, Balatonfüred Three Graces sculpture Three Graces sculpture The Fisherman statue made by János Pasztor, donated to the city in 1941 The Fisherman statue made by János Pasztor, donated to the city in 1941 The Ferryman and the Fisherman. Sculptures on the Promenad The Ferryman and the Fisherman. Sculptures on the Promenad Vineyards in the Hills Vineyards in the Hills A pretty church in Balatonfüred A pretty church in Balatonfüred Hotel Annabella Hotel Annabella Round Church Round Church A panorama of the city, the lake, and the hills beyond the far shore A panorama of the city, the lake, and the hills beyond the far shore