Where to stay at Lake Balaton: regions and resort towns

The Balaton is large. Therefore, choosing the right place is crucial for the holiday. A family holiday on the flat south bank feels different than a wine holiday on the north bank. Keszthely and the West Balaton offer other possibilities than Tihany, Siófok, Badacsony or Hévíz.

This page is the central overview for places and regions on the Balaton. It leads to the main shores, sub-regions and holiday resorts. If you do not yet know which place fits, it is best to start with the four regional entries: North Bank, South Bank, West Balaton as well as Balaton-Oberland and Hinterland.

Quick facts

  • Suitable for first-time visitors, families, couples, bathing holidaymakers, active holidaymakers, wine travelers, wellness guests and holidaymakers without a car.
  • The most important regions are North Bank, South Bank, West Balaton and Balaton-Oberland and Hinterland.
  • The south bank is especially convenient for families, shallow beaches and classic summer vacations.
  • The north bank is strong for wine, views, nature, culture and more active holidays.
  • The West Balaton connects Keszthely, Hévíz, thermal baths, family places and nature excursions.
  • The Balaton Oberland is suitable for hikes, wine places, viewpoints and quiet villages.
  • Important in the choice of location are proximity to the beach, accommodation location, mobility, shoreside and type of holiday.

The regions of Balaton

The Balaton is best understood through four large rooms. This classification helps with the first decision and leads to the appropriate further pages. Those who know the shores will find the right vacation spot faster.

North Bank at Balaton

TheNorth Bank at Balatonis the scenic side of the lake. Here are vineyards, historical places, viewpoints, peninsulas, beaches, ports and many excursion destinations. Particularly known areBalatonfüred,Tihany,Badacsony,SzigligetandBalatongyörök.

The north bank is well suited for couples, wine travelers, active holidaymakers, those interested in culture, cyclists and families with larger children. If you are looking for particularly flat beaches for small children, you should check the concrete beach or compare the southern shore.

South bank of Balaton

TheSouth bank of Balatonis the classic bathing side of Lake Balaton. Many shore areas are flat, many places are on the railway line, and the tourist infrastructure is heavily adjusted to summer holidays. Important places areSiófok,Zamárdi,Balatonella,Balatonboglár,Fonyód,BalatonfenyvesandBalatonszárszó.

The south bank is particularly suitable for families, bathing holidaymakers, camping guests, train travelers, self-catering and classic holidays on the water. If you are looking for peace, you should check smaller places, quieter accommodation locations or less demanded travel times.

West Balaton

TheWest Balatonconnects beaches, culture, family places, thermal baths, nature and excursions. The centre shall be:Keszthelywith castle, city, beach and good infrastructure. In addition,Gyenesdiás,Vonyarcvashegy’,Balatongyörök,BalatonberényandBalatonmáriafürdő.

The West Balaton is well suited for families, wellness guests, dog owners, cultural travelers, active holidaymakers and anyone who wants to combine beach days with excursions. Also includedHévíz,Zalakaros,Tapolcaand theKis balloonIt is part of the planning in this room.

Balaton and hinterland

TheBalaton and hinterlandstands for nature, caves, castles, wine, thermal resorts, wetlands and excursion destinations off the direct shore. Important objectives areBalaton-Oberland National Park,Tapolca,Kis balloon,Burg Sümeg, Badacsony, Szigliget,Káli basinandHegyestű on the Balaton.

This space is suitable for nature lovers, family trips, wellness guests, wine travelers, walkers, cyclists and travelers who want to experience the Balaton not only as a beach destination.

North bank: wine, landscape and well-known excursion places

The north shore is especially strong for travelers who want to combine lake, landscape, wine and culture. The places are often closer to hills, vineyards and viewpoints. This makes the region varied, but can be more demanding in terms of paths and accommodation than the flat south bank.

Balatonkenese, Balatonalmádi and Alsóörs

Balatonkenese,BalatonalmádiandAlsóörsLocated on the eastern north bank. They are suitable for bathing holidays, families, excursions, cycling and quieter days away from the large south shore resorts.

Csopak, Paloznak and Balatonfüred

Csopakis a well-kept bathing and wine resort near Balatonfüred.PaloznakIt is a small wine and culture village.Balatonfüredis one of the most important places on the north bank, with promenade, port, spa tradition, shipping and good infrastructure.

Tihany

TihanyIt is one of the most famous places on Balaton. The peninsula stands for abbey, lavender, views, walking paths, shipping and special landscape. Tihany is very suitable for excursions, couples, culture, nature and photography.

Balatonudvari, Balatonakali and Zánka

Balatonudvari,BalatonakaliandZánkaThere are quieter north bank places between Tihany and Révfulöp. They are suitable for relaxed beach days, families, cyclists, campers and holidaymakers who are not looking for large holiday centers.

Révfulöp, Ábrahámhegy, Badacsony and Szigliget

Révfulöp’,Ábrahámhegy’,BadacsonyandSzigligetconnect northern shore beaches with wine, volcanic landscape, castle, nature and excursions. Badacsony and Szigliget in particular are among the most characterful destinations on the Balaton.

South bank: flat beaches and classic summer holidays

The south bank is particularly popular with families and bathing holidaymakers. Many places have flat shore areas, good rail connections, holiday apartments, campsites and beach offers. It can get lively in high-demand travel times, but there are also quieter places and districts.

Balatonvilágos, Balatonaliga and Siófok

Balatonvilágos and BalatonaligaLocated at the eastern end of the lake.Siófokis the most famous and lively place on the south bank. Siófok is suitable for beach holidays, nightlife, groups, holidays without car and guests who are looking for a lot of infrastructure.

Zamárdi, Szántód and Balatonföldvár

ZamárdiOffers wide south bank atmosphere, beach, events and proximity to the ferry to Tihany.SzántódIt is important as a connection to the north shore.Balatonföldváris a classic seaside resort with harbour, beach and quieter character.

Balatonszárszó and Balatonszemes

BalatonszárszóandBalatonszemesare quieter places on the middle south shore. They are suitable for families, couples, holiday apartments, train travelers and relaxed beach days.

Balatonlelle, Balatonboglár and Fonyód

Balatonella,BalatonboglárandFonyódare among the important seaside resorts on the southern and western shores of the lake. They offer beaches, train connections, family offers, holiday apartments and good opportunities for excursions.

Balatonfenyves, Balatonmáriafürdő and Balatonberény

Balatonfenyves,BalatonmáriafürdőandBalatonberényLocated in the western part of the south bank. They are suitable for quieter beach days, families, camping, nature and excursions towards West Balaton and Kis-Balaton.

West Balaton: Keszthely, family towns and thermal baths

The West Balaton is particularly versatile. Here the beach, city, culture, thermal bath, family holidays, dog beaches, nature and excursions meet. Anyone looking for variety will find many possibilities in this room.

Keszthely

KeszthelyIt is the most important city on West Balaton. Schloss Festetics, old town, museums, beach, market, gastronomy and proximity to Hévíz make Keszthely a strong anchor for cultural holidays, families, couples and holidays without a car.

Gyenesdiás, Vonyarcvashegy and Balatongyörök

Gyenesdiás,Vonyarcvashegy’andBalatongyörökLocated on northwestern Balaton. They are well suited for families, beaches, active holidays, views, cycling and excursions to Keszthely, Hévíz, Szigliget and Badacsony.

Hévíz and Zalakaros

HévízandZalakarosare not located directly on the lake, but are important places for the Balaton holiday. Hévíz is known for its thermal water. Zalakaros is an important thermal and wellness resort in the southwestern Balaton area.

Tapolca and Kis-Balaton

Tapolcais an important destination in the Balaton-Oberland. TheKis balloonis an important natural area southwest of Lake Balaton. Both destinations complement beach holidays very well, especially for families, nature lovers and days without a classic bathing program.

Which region fits which holiday?

For families with small children

For families with young children, the south shore is often the easiest choice. The water is shallow in many places, many places have holiday apartments, beaches, playgrounds and short distances. Good places are Zamárdi, Balatonföldvár, Balatonszárszó, Balatonszemes, Balatonlelle, Balatonboglár, Fonyód and Balatonfenyves. Gyenesdiás, Vonyarcvashegy and Keszthely on West Balaton are also strong for families.

It is also helpfulBalaton with children,Family holidays in BalatonandFamily beaches on the Balaton.

For pairs

Couples find a lot of variety on the North Bank and West Balaton. Balatonfüred, Tihany, Csopak, Paloznak, Badacsony, Szigliget, Balatongyörök, Keszthely and Hévíz combine lake, wine, walks, culture, wellness and excursions.

For bathing holidays

For bathing holidays, the south bank and West Balaton are particularly practical. If you are looking for shallow water, check southern shore places. If you want to combine beach with excursions, check out Keszthely, Gyenesdiás, Vonyarcvashegy, Balatongyörök, Fonyód or Balatonmáriafürdő. Provides an overviewBeaches in Balaton.

For wine holidays

For wine holidays, the north bank is the strongest. Badacsony, Csopak, Paloznak, Balatonfüred, Tihany, Ábrahámhegy and the Balaton Upperland are important anchors. Good starters areWine Holidays at BalatonandViticulture on Lake Balaton.

For active leave

Active holiday is possible around the whole lake. The cyclists use it.Balaton cycle path. Water sports enthusiasts find suitable places overWater sports in the Balaton. For hiking, views and nature, the North Bank, Balaton-Oberland, Badacsony, Szigliget and West Balaton are particularly interesting.

Other suitable pages areActive holidays in Balaton,Cycling holidays in Balaton,Bike rental on Balaton,E-bike at BalatonandSUP on the Balaton.

For wellness

For wellness holidays, Hévíz and Zalakaros are particularly important. Also Keszthely, West Balaton and thermal baths around the lake fit well. Provide further guidanceWellness Holiday at Balaton,Wellness Hotels on the BalatonandThermal baths in the Balaton.

For holidays without car

Vacation without a car works especially well in places with train station, beach, shopping and restaurants within walking distance. Good places are Siófok, Zamárdi, Balatonföldvár, Balatonszemes, Balatonlelle, Balatonboglár, Fonyód, Keszthely, Balatonfüred, Badacsony, Révfulöp and Zánka. More on thisVacation without car on Balaton.

Choose locations in Balaton correctly

The right place depends not only on the name. The decisive factor is the concrete everyday life. How far away is the beach? Are there shadows? Is the station accessible? Is the accommodation on the hillside? Are there shopping opportunities? Is the place quiet or lively? Are there parking spaces? Are excursions without a car possible?

Who travels with children, should check the concrete beach. Those who travel without a car need short distances. Anyone planning a wine holiday should organize the return trip. If you are looking for peace, you should check smaller places, side locations or less demanded travel times.

Important planning topics

Frequent questions about places and regions on the Balaton

Which region of Balaton is best?

It depends on the holiday. The south bank is especially good for families and flat beaches. The north bank is strong for wine, landscape, culture and excursions. The West Balaton offers a good mix of beach, Keszthely, Hévíz, family places and nature. The Balaton-Oberland and Hinterland is suitable for excursions, wellness, wine and nature.

Which places are good for families?

Good family places are Zamárdi, Balatonföldvár, Balatonszárszó, Balatonszemes, Balatonlelle, Balatonboglár, Fonyód, Balatonfenyves, Gyenesdiás, Vonyarcvashegy, Keszthely, Zánka and Balatonakali.

What Places Are Good for Couples?

For couples, Balatonfüred, Tihany, Csopak, Paloznak, Badacsony, Szigliget, Balatongyörök, Keszthely, Hévíz and quieter places on the north bank or West Balaton are suitable.

Which places are good without a car?

Practical are places with train station, beach and shopping nearby. These include Siófok, Zamárdi, Balatonföldvár, Balatonlelle, Fonyód, Keszthely, Balatonfüred, Badacsony, Révfulöp and Zánka.

Where is the water on the Balaton particularly shallow?

Many places on the south bank have flat shore areas. This is why the south bank is particularly popular with families with small children. Nevertheless, the concrete beach should always be checked.

What places are good for wine holidays?

Good places for wine holidays are Badacsony, Csopak, Paloznak, Balatonfüred, Tihany, Ábrahámhegy and places in the Balaton upper country.

What places are good for wellness?

For wellness, Hévíz and Zalakaros are especially important. Keszthely and the West Balaton are also well suited if sea holidays and thermal baths are to be combined.

Which region is quiet?

Quieter are often smaller places on the north bank, west Balaton and west south bank. Examples are Balatonudvari, Balatonakali, Zánka, Révfulöp, Ábrahámhegy, Balatonberény, Balatonmáriafürdő and Balatonszemes. Accommodation location and travel time are also important.

Which places are lively?

Siófok is the most lively place on the Balaton. Zamárdi, Balatonfüred, Balatonlelle, Balatonboglár and Keszthely can also be very busy in highly demanded travel times.

Where do you best start planning?

It is best to first clarify the shore side and holiday type. Subsequently, the regional sides help to North Bank, South Bank, West Balaton as well as Balaton-Oberland and Hinterland. First time visitors are alsoBalaton's first vacationA good start.

Summary

The places on the Balaton are clearly different. The south bank is strong for families, flat beaches, holiday apartments and holidays without a car. The north bank is ideal for wine, landscape, culture, active holidays and excursions. The West Balaton connects Keszthely, family resorts, thermal baths, nature and beaches. The Balaton-Oberland and Hinterland complement the lake with caves, castles, thermal resorts, vineyards and natural destinations.

Anyone looking for the right place should not only go by well-known names. Decisive are shoreside, beach, accommodation location, mobility and personal holiday type. The four regional overviews help to make the right decision for the holiday on the Balaton.

Further pages

Note: Information on beaches, admission prices, opening hours, timetables, accommodation, transport links, rental, events and seasonal offers may change. Before the trip, please check the official advice of the municipality, tourist information, accommodation, transport company or respective operator.