Friday, March 25, 2011

Lake Balaton (Siofok)

Lake Balaton (Siofok)


Blue kingdom in the heart of the Hungarian countryside, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and a well-known treasure of the Hungarian tourism industry. This popular holiday region in the heart of Europe is a relaxing spot for bathing under the Hungarian sun, as well as for water sports such as sailing and fishing, and outdoor activities like horseback riding or biking.

Beaches, spas and water sports facilities: Attractions of Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton in Hungary is not only one of the largest lakes of Europe, but also a natural paradise popular especially among those who love outdoor life or water sports. On the sunny shores of Lake Balaton there are several towns suitable for a recreational holiday. The beautiful and friendly town of Siofok, which is considered as the capital of Balaton area, is the most popular of Balaton’s lakeside resorts, and also the place where services are best available for example for nightlife and shopping in Siofok . Other towns on the shores of Lake Balaton include Balatonfüred, Keszthely, and Balatonboglár.
Siofof harbor and Balaton
Siofof harbor and Balaton

Summer destination. Lake Balaton is a summer holiday destination with its main tourism season in July and August. At this time, the shores of Lake Balaton are usually filled with visitors from all over Europe. There are swimmers enjoying the warm waves of Lake Balaton, hikers admiring the beautiful views from the hilly shores, windsurfers looking for a wavy ride under the Hungarian sun, and beach volley players testing the smooth sand of the enjoyable Balaton beaches. Sailing on Lake Balaton is enjoyable, and horseback riding around Lake Balaton is quite popular as well. If you get tired of the sports activities in Lake Balaton area, visit the historical Tihany Peninsula with its scenic views and beautiful church or the wine region of Badacsony, or relax in the thermal spas of Héviz and Csisztapuszta.

Activities. Apart from the water world of Lake Balaton and natural wonders around the lake, the town of Siofok offers an interesting city centre filled with all kinds of sculptures and monuments which you can admire. Siofok is also famous for its lively nightlife with outdoor concerts, street cafes playing live music etc. Outside the city centre there are small beaches that offer an alternative to much more crowded central areas. There are also inviting hiking trails waiting for those who want to get into more quiet surroundings, and green courses for golf near Lake Balaton are also waiting for you.
Boats by Lake Balaton Hungary
Boats by Lake Balaton Hungary

Places to see. The most popular tourist attraction in Siofok is the old beach house called Coke Club. This lively place offers daytime activities for swimming, volleyball, tennis, ping pong, and water polo. When the daylight is replaced by bright evening lights, the scene is taken by outdoor concerts and other entertaining activities.

Practical information for your trip to Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton has a continental climate with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. During the Hungarian summer, which lasts from May to September, temperatures in Siofok can rise up to 35 degrees of Celsius. The main season for tourism in Lake Balaton runs from July to August, but the area can be visited from April to October. Most tourism facilities around Lake Balaton are closed for the winter.

How to get there. Lake Balaton is located a good hundred kilometers from Budapest and is easily reachable from there by car, train or bus. Flights to Lake Balaton land at the nearest international airport in Sarmellek. Regular ferries across Lake Balaton and local buses are good ways to get around in Lake Balaton region. Renting a car in Siofok is also a good choice if you want to explore the lovely Hungarian countryside around Lake Balaton.
Boats by Lake Balaton Hungary
Boats by Lake Balaton Hungary

Visitor services. Siofok and several other towns around Lake Balaton have well organized tourist services. Hotels in Siofok offer you pleasant alternatives for accommodation, particularly if you choose one of the spa hotels in Siofok. In the many restaurants of Siofok you are given a chance to try the spicy Hungarian food with lots of paprika. Lake Balaton is a safe holiday destination with no major crime problems. English is spoken in the area by many younger locals.

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