Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred is a town and district on the shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary.

Understand
Balatonfüred is the third largest town on Lake Balaton, after the brash party town of Siófok on the Southern Shore and Keszthely on the Western Shore. Luckily, Balatonfüred's Baroque elegance and traditional old town keep it from becoming too commercialised. There is still plenty to do in one of Hungary's oldest tourist spots.

This area is possibly one of the nicest resorts along the lake shore. Its beautiful promenades, tree-lined avenues and stunning views of the Tihany Peninsula make this town the finest on the Balaton shore. To catch Baltonfüred at its best, visit during the summer months of May - August.

The town has 5 international partnerships (twin towns): Germering (Germany), Kouvola (Finland) Opatija (Croatia), Kovászna (Romania), and Arpino (Italy).

Talk
The national language of Hungary is Hungarian. Many of the restaurant menus are also in English and as are many of the signs, yet finding people in the area that can speak English well is a difficulty.

German is the second language to many at the lake. English is simply not on the cards for many, particularly those of the older generation, so learn your one-word phrases well. These will come in handy, particularly at the train station where simple words like "Egy retur" (Return ticket) might save you on your holiday.

By plane
Balaton International Airport on Lake Balaton is accessible from Füred. It frequently operates charter flights to Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig and Düsseldorf in Germany, Billund and Copenhagen in Denmark, Amsterdam in The Netherlands and Moscow in Russia. Ryanair also operate flights from Düsseldorf-Weeze, Frankfurt-Hahn. Many flights are also available at Budapest Ferihegy Airport from destinations around the world.

Get around
Due to its size, walking around Balatonfüred is easy. There are excellent footpaths and tree-lined promenades. Even better, the Hungarians in Füred are very polite when it comes to pedestrians. They will almost always stop to let you pass the street. Balatonfüred is amazingly well sign-posted, so walking through the streets is simple.

Many people choose to get around on bikes, which is an excellent idea due to the abundance of high quality cycle paths. Also, roller-blading and scooters are hugely popular.

Suggested walking tours
No.1 walking tour: Start from Balaton shore-Tagore promenade: named after Nobel prize winner Hindu poet R.Tagore. He came for treatment in 1926 to the State Hospital for Heart Diseases. At the beginning of the pr. is the memorial tree and bust of him. At the end of Pr. is the Esterházy beach. In the park next to the Pr. memorial trees planted by various famous people who spent time in the town. Kisfaludy st.: Gyógy tér: State Hospital for Heart Diseases. Horváth house (built 1798). The first Anna-Ball was held in this building on her name day in July 1825. Now there are flats and shops in the building. Kossuth Lajos well-pump room (built 1853). You can taste sparkling mineral water. Anna Grand hotel and Panteon: built cca.1810. Here are plaques to commemorate artists, writers and scientists who had connections with Balatonfüred. In this building organised evry year in July the famous Anna-Ball (Beauty Contest). - Little forest-pine wood: 6 columns of the Stone Theatre (built 1831) - Blaha L. st. country cottage of the famous singer Blaha Lujza -now hotel. Round Catholic church (built 1846.) Jókai Villa-museum (Honvéd St). Built by Jókai Mór, the famous Hungarian writer in 1870. It was his summer cottage. Jókai Street-Ady E. Street th nicest part of the Downtown - Szt. István square: Town hall and "Red" catholic church. (1927) - Arácsi street-Gombás country mansion built in the 18th century, now a boarding house. Arács village centre: Kath. church (1790) Calvinist church (1786). Lóczy st.-Béke st. Koloska valley, and Csárda (Restaurant) Koloska spring:picnic area. Return to Lóczy Street look around at Hősök square: Ferenc Széchényi school for Horticulture. Not far, in the left hand: cemetery with grave of Lajos Lóczy-geologist.

Walking tour No.2: Pier: Borsos Miklós's statue: Balaton wind. Rose garden and statues: the Ferryman and Fisherman. Going to the Weston Zákonyi St: BYC Yacht Club, Hotels Silver Resort modern buildings: shops, restaurants, coffee bars. On the Szécheny st: hotels as far as Camping Füred. At the traffic circle going northerly on the Fürdő st: Sundance park with appartements. Annagora Aqua park: Open from 13. Juni till end of August. Horváth M. st: Balaton sport and conference centre: open air stage, arena, multiplex cinema, restaurant, fitness room, squash. Railway and bus station. Jókai St with nice old Villas. Kisfaludy St., visit the Kisfaludy Galerie.

Alsóörs
A resort village 10 km east of Balatonfüred, an old settlement at the foot of Somlyó Hill.
 * The most famous building here, the Turkish house, which was built on the hill of the village, around 1500, late Gothic style, now functions as an exhibition space. Other sights: Reformed church (Romanesque and Gothic style, 13th century, renovated in Baroque style in 1807, painted wooden ceiling dates back to 1721);
 * near to the border of the village worked red sandstone quarry, now an open-air theatre, commonly known as the amphitheater, in the summer performances are usually kept.
 * In the center of the village is operating the "Kocsma" (lit.:Pub). Here you will find a unique collection of folk instruments and instruction articles.
 * From Csere-hegyi Lookout you will see a great view to gentle slopes which is planted with vines, fruit-gardens and to the lake. There are numerous wine-shops and inviting cellars situated in the vineyards.
 * In the summer, there are cultural programmes, music events, art exhibitions, a rowing regatta on Lake Balaton, folk dances and disco nights. There is a new Sports Arena. The village beach received the title of the 'Best beaches on the Northern Shore'. Significant archery, water sports and kayak tours takes place every summer.
 * Stay: caravan camping sites, hotels, guest-houses, private accommodations.

Balatonalmádi
A resort village east of Balatonfüred. -
 * Fortified Reformed Church (12-13th centuries, inside Baroque, vaulted, undivided hall), St. Ignatius Church (Roman Catholic, Balatonalmádi-Vörösberény, Baroque, part of the ensemble of the Vorosberen monastery today operated hotel in the monastery),
 * St. Emeric's Church (Roman Catholic parish church, built in 1930 on the basis of plans of István Medgyasszay, mixed architectures, Transylvanian and the red stone).
 * Holy Right Chapel (in 1956 moved to here from Buda Castle, must see the Miksa Roth's golden mosaic depicting St Stephen and a fragment of St Stephen's right hand, the relics of Prince St. Imre and his motherHappy (Bavaria) Giselle was placed in here);
 * Lutheran Church; St. Margaret's Chapel; Outdoor Chapel, (in Balatonalmádi-Káptalanfüred).

Do: see the Óvári Lookout for panoramic view and the Pannonia Cultural Centre & Library for events, take walking tours on the Kocsi lake nature trail or on the Vörös Homokkő (lit.Red Sandstone) Nature Trail. Swim or sunbath any of three beaches: Káptalanfüredi Beach (Kócsag u. 1.), Wesselényi Beach (Szent István sétány 6.), Budatava Beach (Lóczy tér 1)/ Sailing, Fishing, Tennis, Cycling, Horse Riding -
 * Events here: Almadi summer festival starting from June to September every weekend with special programmes such as Spring buzz, Balaton Classic Ramada Grand Prix, Hungarikum (food) Festival; Palinkafestival (Spirit Festival), Wine Festival, Harvest Festival, Pumpkin Festival, Advent Fair (in winter), Almádi Napok (Days of Balatonalmádi), Péter Pál Napi Vigadalom (Peter and Paul Daily Festivities)-

Stay: two four-star hotels, a three-star hotel, five guesthouses and private apartments, and a campsite.

Balatonakali
This village is referred to as a great fishing place, still known by its grapes, and its wineculture. Here built the first (wine) bottling plant in the whole Balaton region. The old folk architecture of its can be seen on the Kossuth street's peasant houses.
 * There is a Regional Museum (Kossuth utca 36).

Do: enjoy the well-kept beach, strolling on the Promenad, rent a boat in the marina. Cultural programs, fishing facility, water sports give opportunity spending your time. There are restaurants with Hungarian taste of food. The wine-grovers are waiting for the guests with the famous wines of region.

Stay: ten youth camps, three international campsites there. There are also private accommodations with the Hungarian style of hospitality.

Csopak
Csopak (East of Balatonfüred): The picturesque environment of Csopak attracts the artists, the people who wish to relax and the enthusiasts of the nature.

The sights of Csopak are:
 * Csonkatorony (Stumpy Tower is actually a ruins of St. Stephen's Church from Árpád-era),
 * Paul Water mill (industrial history exhibition)
 * Siaint Miklós church ruins (14th-century) and the Ranolder Castle
 * Villa of Buda, Reformed Church, Cottage Congregation of Jesus' Sisters
 * St. Joseph Medical Source, Ornament well (at the entrance to the beach).
 * The arts lover can watch newer and newer exhibitions in Csopak Gallery.

Do: The beach, the summer programs, the friendly cellars of Csopak. Csopak is famous for its grape and wine culture. (olaszrizling). The summer programs are also related to the wine, at the end of June the Balaton Fish and Wine Festival, the Night of the Riesling, in the middle of July the 2nd Cellar Opening Festival, at the 2nd part of July the 1st Csopak Wine and Soda (Fröccs) Festival with the 6th Ulti party, at the end of July – at the beginning of August the Tuesday Wine Evenings and Csopak days – Wine week between 18 and 22 August. The ‘Csopakabana’ festival. In the middle of September is the Grape and Scarecrow Day and the popular Vintage Dishes Festival. Visit Mount Csákány Lookout (for view). Nosztori valley: for hiking trails

Paloznak
Paloznak six km away only buses stopping here.

Monuments here:
 * Roman Catholic Church (Arpad era),
 * Belfry; Village houses of peasants; County House (ethnographic exhibition);
 * Millennium Park, Dragon Fountain; King Ladislaus Sculpture;
 * Fountain of Heroes;
 * Saint Donatus Sculpture;
 * Calvary;
 * Pongrácz Castle,
 * Hampasz Fountain.

Do: In summer, church concerts, outdoor concerts, exhibitions provide entertainment. In the last weekend of September there are the Village and Harvest Days. There are guesthouses, rooms for rent, two campsites, a couple of pubs and a restaurant.

Örvényes
Örvényes (German: Erewin) - This is the smallest settlement of the Balaton Region with 170 inhabitants. Monuments: The water-mill (1055), the famous historic monument of the village, can be found some meters from the main street. In the 18th century rebuilt Miller house ethnographical and folk art collection can be found. The protected historic monument, the Stone bridge (built in the 18th century in Baroque style), the Water-mill, the Statue of Nepomuki St. János (end of 1700). The church (1200, Roman style, can be found on a hill above the mill). Saint Imre church (built in 1778–1783, in late-Baroque style). Two open air crosses (13th century, in the graveyard, and the other on the way to the wineyard). The Folk House (in St. Imre street). The ruins of a Roman villa. Bridge of Pécsely Creek (double port, late Baroque structure, circa 1800)

Do: Surrounded by the National Park of the Balaton-Highland, walk to the valley of the Pécsely stream, to the old oak trees or to the ruins of Zádorvár. Örvényes beach is nice and quiet, where you do not have to pay ticket. -

Stay: there are guesthouses, rooms for rent and a small campsite.

Tihany
Tihany (SW) - is a village on the northern shore of Lake Balaton on the Tihany Peninsula (Veszprém County). - catch a ferry from the port to Tihany, a stunning peninsula only a stone's throw away. With its Benedictine Abbey and amazing countryside, this peninsula is a must-see. However, bring good shoes as due to the hoards of tourists that flock to the town evrey summer, you might feel the need to go hiking into the hilly interior. The whole peninsula is a historical district. The prime sight is the Benedictine Tihany Abbey now also a museum (Address: I. András tér 1. Tel.: +36 87 538–200. - founded in 1055 AD by András (Andrew) I, who also buried here. The church was rebuilt in baroque style in 1754. The still functioning abbey is a popular tourist attraction. It also has the superb view of Lake Balaton. The echo is the othor main attraction of the village. See the Shouting Girl sitting on a 'Rock' (there is a legend which connect to the Echo: "...a princess with golden-haired goats was punished and her goats were lost in Balaton, only their nails remained, and she was obliged to answer to every passers-by..."). Other sights: Reformed Church (1793). Former Summer Residence of Archduke Joseph of Habsburg (a resort palace built in 1924-1925) can be found in the center of a very nice English Landpark which is about 20 000 m². Former monastery wine cellar and press house. Former abbey granary. Former Abbey Village's pub. Former Abbey doctor's residential house. Former Sports Hotel. Former abbey grange.

To do here: enjoy the beaches on the peninsula ("Somos" open beach, "Gödrös" open beach, Port beach, Yacht club beach, Beach of Sajkod), cycling (a cycle road made safe to exploring the area on bike), hiking (numerous volcanic hills, geysers, the Outer and Inner-lake, the forests and the Balaton shore on foot or on bike),
 * open-air theatre (live performances and concerts in beautiful environment),
 * open-air folk museum ('old life' is presented by several buildings of the museum along Batthyány street),
 * Family leisure park (a playground with a lof of toys, the sand box, the swing and the rope slide, also there is the bowling and the mini golf field).
 * Dolls museum (Visszhang u. 4. Tel.: +36 87 448–431, - porcelain dolls from latest 19th and early 20th century),
 * Historical Wax Museum of Hungarian kings and Pirate Museum (Kossuth u. 35. Phone: +36 30 9468-220). Marzipan Museum (Batthyány u. Phone: +36 30 216-8191).
 * Open Air Museum (Pisky sétány 12. Phone +36 87 714-960).
 * Hungarian Historia (Audiovisual attraction, Posta köz 1. Phone +36 30 864-8373).
 * Levendula House Visitor Center, Tel.: +36 87 538 033,
 * Forest adventure park (try to climbing tree or a half-circle slide),
 * Shipping (Balatonfüred and Siófok can be easily reached by boat), strolling on Pisky promenade (look at the beautiful panorama)

Zánka

 * Zánka is an intimate village at the gate of Nivegy-valley, on the shore of Lake Balaton. Its historic monument with nationwide significance is the Christian Reformed Church built in the 11th century. The other sight of the village is its Village Museum (’Tájház’) from the 18th century. The Village House (’Faluház’) is the centre of the local cultural life. The Children and Youth Centre, the former Pioneer Town (’Úttörõváros’), which is the national centre of youth tourism, belongs to Zánka. Its sailing and ship port is open. On the territory of the Children and Youth Centre an adventure park was established. The establishment is suitable for the vacation of disadvantaged children, too.

Do: The emblem of Zánka is Hegyestű. Take a walk to visit the first geopark of the country. Pentecostal Wine Festival every year. Excellent place for fishing tourism. The cycle path around Lake Balaton goes across Zánka. The local riding school welcomes guests all the year. In Zánka there was a Riding Festival. Among the programmes of Zánka the Fishermen Days in summer and the Grape Harvest Festival in autumn are outstanding.

Stay: In the village you can find numerous pensions and private quarters in addition to the restaurants of high quality. The Children and Youth Centre has a hotel.

Do
Balatonfüred, the yachting capital of the Lake, is a hub for water sports. Along the beaches, there are many paddling boats to be rented (Ft 2500H for an hour), ad can sail boats and electric motorboats. There really is no shortage to the amount of water-fun one can have in the lake. However, neither jet skis nor combustible motorboats are allowed on Lake Balaton, with the exception of the local ferry service and law enforcement officials.

Land activities, including the tennis courts and of course the cycling, blading and jogging are hugely enjoyable. However, one of the greatest activities is a hike into the hilly surroundings of the town. The stunning countryside filled with vineyards and rolling hills is the perfect place for a picnic or indeed a quiet country stroll. The views of the lake are also a treat.


 * Kisfaludy Theatre, Honvéd u. 2–4. Tel. +36 30 502-7132
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Kisfaludy Theatre, Honvéd u. 2–4. Tel. +36 30 502-7132
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Kisfaludy Theatre, Honvéd u. 2–4. Tel. +36 30 502-7132
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Kisfaludy Theatre, Honvéd u. 2–4. Tel. +36 30 502-7132
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.
 * Take a trip to a vineyard. There are many tours offering this, along with wine tasting evenings in a countryside wine cellar.
 * A cruise along the Lake with Champagne and Cake is also fun.

Festivals
What seems like a disproportionate amount of festivals and celebrations are hld each year in Balatonfured. Some of the main events include:
 * International sailing competitions, Sail setting ceremony in May,
 * The Guitar Festival, held in June
 * Balatonfüred Festival of the Arts in July,
 * Anna Ball, one of the most unique balls in Hungary, is the most well known festival in Fured. This classic social function has been organised annually since 1825 and its date is always set on the weekend closest to 26 July, Anna day. Nowadays the traditional venue for the ball is the Anna Grand Hotel.
 * The Wine Tasting Festival, held every August, is proof of the excellent viticulture present in the rolling hills behind the town.
 * Balatonfured Jazz Festival
 * Bay swim in August
 * Concerts in summer, the prize-giving celebration of the international poet contest named after Salvatore Quasimodo. in September
 * Balatonfüredi Arts Festival (Balatonfüredi Művészeti Fesztivál)
 * Festival of ages (Korok fesztiválja)
 * Jókai Days (Jókai Napok)

Spa
One of Hungary's original spa towns, Balatonfüred remains as a spa haven. Spas and wellness centres can be found throughout the town and are a real treat. Its mineral springs are therapeutic and extremely relaxing.

Eat
There are a large selection of restaurants in Füred. However, along the lake shore you are not certain to find anything particularly Hungarian. The restaurants there tend to be of an average quality, serving mostly fish and other popular dishes. However, if you go away from the lake and into the old town or simply a short stroll up from the lake, the restaurans become better and more authentic.

Sleep
Much like the other tourist destinations, there is an abundance of high quality accommodation in the town of Balatonfüred. Villas and self-catering apartments are a popular choice for many families, many of which have a private pool. They can range in size from small cottages to large eight bedroomed houses.

Of course, hotels are also very popular in Füred and there are many beautiful hotels within the immediate vicinity of the lakeshore.

Hotels


For more hotels and other accommodations visit Balatonfüred Website. It gives a wide range of accommodation in the vicinity.

Stay safe
Balatonfüred is a very safe place.

Dogs roam the town at all hours and, as it seems, everyone in Balatonfüred owns a dog which they keep in their gated houses. Indeed, walking past these houses is sure to send you up the wall as the silence is interrupted by the sudden barking! Nonetheless, while the vast majority of these dogs are on leashes and gated up, beware of what you or your children pet.



Cope
Balatonfüred postal code is: H-8230

Religious services
There are places of worship all over the town. Your hotel or local tourist office should be able to guide you to one nearby. If not, though, the following are centrally located.

Go next

 * Győr — the Town of Waters
 * Keszthely — a large town on the west coast of the lake close to the famous Héviz Spa, is well worth a visit. With its Festetics Palace built in 1775, it is a truly amazing town.
 * Székesfehérvár — former Hungarian Royal City
 * The party town of Siófok, again only a short ferry away, is also a good way to se the southern shore of Lake Balaton, yet while it has been somewhat spoiled by highrise and tourists, it nonetheless has everything the tourist would need with a great nightlife to boot.
 * Zirc — Abbey Library, Arboretum
 * Veszprém - visit the medieval Castle on the Hill and the nicest Hungarian viaduct.