September is one of the best months for planning your vacation at a lake beach. The weather is still pleasant and nature looks beautiful. The cool breeze and clear blue/green water make the lakes magical. You can enjoy strolling along the lake and watching the sunrise or sunset over beautiful panoramas. If you are tired of the “usual famous lakes” try a new experience in a place which is not so tourist, yet: lake Balaton. Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Hungary and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Central Europe. Known as the “Hungarian Sea,” it attracts visitors with its warm, shallow waters and beautiful scenery. People enjoy swimming, sailing, cycling, fishing, and relaxing on its beaches. The northern shore is famous for its vineyards, hills, and charming villages, while the southern shore has many family-friendly resorts. In summer, the lake becomes especially lively, with festivals, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Lake Balaton: getting there
Lake Balaton is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hungary, and it is easy to reach from Budapest. You shall land at Budapest Airport (BUD) and, from there, take public or private means of transportation.
The most comfortable way is hiring our private transfers with a driver at your complete disposal; he/she will also be your tourist guide, if you prefer. If you use the public means, the easiest way is going by train. Trains leave regularly from Budapest’s Déli Railway Station and take about one and a half to two hours to reach towns around the lake, such as Siófok or Balatonfüred. You can also travel by car using the M7 motorway, which takes approximately one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic. Buses are another option, especially if you want to visit smaller towns that are not directly served by trains.
Once you arrive at Lake Balaton, you can use local buses, trains, bicycles, or boats to explore the area.
What is the best season for booking?
Lake Balaton is about 77 km long, 13 m deep and with a surface of 594 sq.km . It is surrounded by charming towns, beaches, vineyards, and green hills and offers lovely beaches.
During the summer, Lake Balaton attracts many visitors who enjoy swimming, sailing, cycling, fishing, and relaxing on the beaches. The water is relatively shallow, so it can become pleasantly warm in the summer months, making it especially suitable for families with children. On the northern shore tourists can explore the Uplands, where they can find vineyards, hiking trails, volcanic hills, and small villages. The Tihany Peninsula is another important attraction, known for its historic abbey and spectacular views of the lake.
Lake Balaton is beautiful in every season. In autumn, it offers peaceful landscapes and colourful forests. For many people, a visit to Lake Balaton in this season is a perfect opportunity to enjoy nature, Hungarian culture, delicious food, and a relaxing holiday. Thanks to the cool September climate, you could also visit the lovely towns around the lake, places such as Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Keszthely.
Beach life at Lake Balaton in September
Lake Balaton, often called the “Hungarian Sea”, is famous for its beautiful scenery, warm water, and lively beaches. Visitors come to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and relaxing by the shore … even in September!
The beaches all around Lake Balaton offer something for everyone. Many of them have large grassy areas where visitors can spread out a towel, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the sunshine. Some beaches are sandy and particularly popular with families because the water near the shore is shallow and usually warms up quickly. The gentle entrance into the lake makes many beaches suitable for children and less experienced swimmers.
One of the best-known beach areas is Siófok , a lively resort town on the southern shore. Its beaches attract young people, families, and tourists looking for entertainment. The northern shore, including towns such as Balatonfüred and Tihany, offers a quieter atmosphere and spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Many beaches also have cafés, restaurants, changing rooms, playgrounds, and facilities for different water sports. The “top 10” of lake Balaton beaches also include Wesselenyi, Helikon, Gyenesi (surrounded by green parks) and Szigliget.
The beaches of lake Balaton are also great places for active visitors. People can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats, while others enjoy sailing, windsurfing, or cycling along the lakeside. In the evening, the beaches become peaceful places to watch the sunset and admire the changing colors of the water. Whether someone wants an exciting holiday filled with activities or a peaceful day beside the water, the beaches of Lake Balaton provide an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
What will you see on the shores of the lake?
Surrounded by green hills, charming villages, historic towns, and vineyards, the “Hungarian Sea” offers much more than just beach life, to its visitors.
One of the most interesting places to visit is Tihany, a picturesque peninsula famous for its Benedictine Abbey. From the village and the abbey, visitors can enjoy wonderful views across lake Balaton. Tihany is also known for its lavender fields, traditional houses, and narrow streets, which are especially pleasant to explore on foot. Another place worth visiting is Balatonfüred, a historic resort town famous for its elegant promenade, beautiful villas, and mineral springs. Visitors can take a relaxing walk along the Tagore Promenade, while admiring the lake and the surrounding landscape. Nature lovers should explore the Balaton Uplands, where rolling hills, forests, vineyards, and small villages create a spectacular panorama. The area is perfect for hiking and cycling. The Badacsony volcanic hill is particularly impressive and is also famous for its vineyards and excellent local wines.
Keszthely, on the western shore, is a lovely city famous for Festetics Palace, a magnificent Baroque castle surrounded by lovely gardens. It also has museums and a charming historic centre. Siófok, on the southern shore, is the liveliest resort town. It has a long lakeside promenade, beaches, restaurants, and the historic Water Tower, which provides excellent panoramic views. Other attractive places include Balatonalmádi, with its waterfront and parks, and Balatonboglár, known for its lookout tower and family-friendly attractions. Together, these towns offer a wonderful mix of history, nature, culture, relaxation, and traditional Hungarian food.
