| Lake Balaton is a coveted holiday destination no matter
what part of the world you come from or what brings you to Hungary. Watersports is the
main attraction that brings visitor in droves. |
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Most people find the northern shore more picturesque than the southern
shore. The lake has been around for centuries and has always been beautiful - for proof we
know that Romans had built their villas here. If sea-sickness doesn’t affect you then
you should try going around the lake in a boat, with the breeze in your face and lake
spread ahead of you, you’ll probably never want to come away. If you decide on it,
dial +3611181743 for the MAHART ferries that operate in more than 20
towns along the lake.
Siófok is the largest township on the lake. And the most
popular place in it is the Strand. The Strand is a chain of lawns that run along a
concrete shore. There are private and public areas of grass. You can rent the former for a
small fee. If you’re going for a swim or snorkeling you will get aquatic equipment
here on hire. Like most tourist towns, Siófok has a number of discos and clubs. The four
day international Folk Dance Festival – an annual gala at Siófok - displays the best
in indigenous culture. For more sophisticated and classical tastes, there is an operatta
staged every evening at the Cultural Centre on Fö tér.
An enormous hill over the lake goes by the name Badacsony. It
wears green almost all year -covered in vineyards, and with forests. The grapes produced
here go into making Riesling and Sylvaner white wines. 20km (12.5 miles) north of the
lake, is a town Veszprém. It’s distinctive architecture, well-preserved
baroque and rococo style buildings set it apart. It was at one time the seat of the court
of Gizella - István I's wife; today it is a seat of learning. There are universities
here, historical sites on Castle Hill, and churches in the town. Close by, you might take
in the Herend Porcelain Factory and Museum that specialises in making fine china.
