I write this post more for guys who are looking for an off-the-grid, potential place to take a girl, and maybe a place that could have some potential if you got the timing with the seasons just right. I believe there are some music festivals in the summer, but they were long gone when I arrived.
In any case, I spent a week there at the beginning of this month. I was told it was still "prime season" during that week. Of course, the AirBNB I wanted to book, whom denied me because there was only 2 of us and it houses 9, was completely shut down (it was above a restaurant and the whole thing was boarded up).
This isn't really much of a traditional datasheet, as there isn't a ton to share. But I figured I'd write some general thoughts up for anyone who is interested in seeing this place in the coming summers.
First off, it's a stunning place. Hard to imagine this Europe:
![[Image: balaton.jpeg]](https://thisistrouble.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/balaton.jpeg)
Quick notes and random facts that are important:
1. There are trains everywhere around the lake, but the public transit when you get there is limited to buses that don't seem to come that often.
I'd highly recommend renting a car. I had one and it made things much easier and quicker. If you DON'T get a car, plan to have a more relaxing trip without much exploring...at all.
And yes, the lake is massive. It'll take you several hours to drive around the whole thing.
2. Most of the food consists of "Pizzeria and Kebab" type of places.
The markets are modern and local. Just be prepared for the grease pit of food if you go out. That's not to say there aren't good places, but you do have to find them.
The great thing is that many of the apartments to rent have grills so you can have a BBQ, which is typically pretty damn hard to do in your average European apartment.
3. There is really only one traditional sandy beach, at least on the South side.
The majority of the beaches are grass and rocks, followed by 5-10 steps that take you into the lake.
So that's kind of a bummer, but the sand in the lake is some of the nicest I've ever felt. Very soft, no rocks or kelp on the bottom. It's also very shallow - you can walk for 100+ yards and the water never goes past your knees.
Beginning of September, the water was *supposedly* 75 degrees. It felt more like 65. I did go drunk night swimming once, and went in most days, but it wasn't for more than 10 minutes or so.
There is a place to rent wakeboarding on a pulley system (more on that below).
Finally, I did do a short podcast on the place that has some more details: https://datingabroad.net/episode012/
Pricing
I paid ~$75/night for a nice AirBNB.
It was a 3-bedroom cottage about 30 seconds away from the water, in the city of Balatonelle. It could have very easily fit 6 adults in that place, which would actually be a ton of fun. It's that kind of place where a big group of friends could have a blast.
Average meal out for 2 people with drinks was about $17-$25. Hungary is still pretty cheap. The town of Siofok is definitely the most expensive.
Where to Stay
There are so many damn towns along the lake, your best bet is just to pick the one that's relatively central and has the amenities you want.
Generally speaking the North side is quieter, water is colder - but many of the wineries are on that side. The south side has warmer water and a more lively scene.
Here's a few:
Balatonelle: Where I stayed. One of the bigger places, plenty of modern supermarkets and has the sandy beach. Has a reasonably large "boardwalk" area and overall is pretty central to the South side of the lake.
Siofok: The "party" city...but it was totally dead. Apparently this is where the nightlife is during the peak season. The lake as a whole though I have a hard time imagining to get really popping. It seems far more like a retirement community than an Ibiza.
Heviz: Thermal spa area, so if you really just want to lounge around a hotel this is an option. Don't stay there otherwise.
Tihany: This is the Old Town of the Lake. It's actually a really charming place, but the beaches would be more difficult to get to if you stayed in the town itself. The picture above was taken in Tihany looking out to the South side of the lake.
Things To Do
...well, there's really not much besides lie around and get some R&R.
As mentioned, there is a wakeboarding pulley system in Siofok. You pay about $15 for 30 minutes, unfortunately it was shut down and I didn't partake in it. I think they have water skis as well.
Lake Heviz is a thermal lake, 38m deep. It's a volcanic spring and is worth a trip for the day:
![[Image: 2017-09-03-PHOTO-00016577.jpg]](https://thisistrouble.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-09-03-PHOTO-00016577.jpg)
Closing thoughts and recommendation:
If you go during any time that is not PEAK, PEAK season, best to bring a girl. I seriously don't think I saw a single girl walking around by herself the entire time (mine was with me).
If music festivals are your thing, you can probably have some fun rolling solo. Even if not, you could probably find something to do for a few days by yourself.
Not more than 3 though.
I might go back next summer when it's busier. It's a great place and quite affordable.
In any case, I spent a week there at the beginning of this month. I was told it was still "prime season" during that week. Of course, the AirBNB I wanted to book, whom denied me because there was only 2 of us and it houses 9, was completely shut down (it was above a restaurant and the whole thing was boarded up).
This isn't really much of a traditional datasheet, as there isn't a ton to share. But I figured I'd write some general thoughts up for anyone who is interested in seeing this place in the coming summers.
First off, it's a stunning place. Hard to imagine this Europe:
Quick notes and random facts that are important:
1. There are trains everywhere around the lake, but the public transit when you get there is limited to buses that don't seem to come that often.
I'd highly recommend renting a car. I had one and it made things much easier and quicker. If you DON'T get a car, plan to have a more relaxing trip without much exploring...at all.
And yes, the lake is massive. It'll take you several hours to drive around the whole thing.
2. Most of the food consists of "Pizzeria and Kebab" type of places.
The markets are modern and local. Just be prepared for the grease pit of food if you go out. That's not to say there aren't good places, but you do have to find them.
The great thing is that many of the apartments to rent have grills so you can have a BBQ, which is typically pretty damn hard to do in your average European apartment.
3. There is really only one traditional sandy beach, at least on the South side.
The majority of the beaches are grass and rocks, followed by 5-10 steps that take you into the lake.
So that's kind of a bummer, but the sand in the lake is some of the nicest I've ever felt. Very soft, no rocks or kelp on the bottom. It's also very shallow - you can walk for 100+ yards and the water never goes past your knees.
Beginning of September, the water was *supposedly* 75 degrees. It felt more like 65. I did go drunk night swimming once, and went in most days, but it wasn't for more than 10 minutes or so.
There is a place to rent wakeboarding on a pulley system (more on that below).
Finally, I did do a short podcast on the place that has some more details: https://datingabroad.net/episode012/
Pricing
I paid ~$75/night for a nice AirBNB.
It was a 3-bedroom cottage about 30 seconds away from the water, in the city of Balatonelle. It could have very easily fit 6 adults in that place, which would actually be a ton of fun. It's that kind of place where a big group of friends could have a blast.
Average meal out for 2 people with drinks was about $17-$25. Hungary is still pretty cheap. The town of Siofok is definitely the most expensive.
Where to Stay
There are so many damn towns along the lake, your best bet is just to pick the one that's relatively central and has the amenities you want.
Generally speaking the North side is quieter, water is colder - but many of the wineries are on that side. The south side has warmer water and a more lively scene.
Here's a few:
Balatonelle: Where I stayed. One of the bigger places, plenty of modern supermarkets and has the sandy beach. Has a reasonably large "boardwalk" area and overall is pretty central to the South side of the lake.
Siofok: The "party" city...but it was totally dead. Apparently this is where the nightlife is during the peak season. The lake as a whole though I have a hard time imagining to get really popping. It seems far more like a retirement community than an Ibiza.
Heviz: Thermal spa area, so if you really just want to lounge around a hotel this is an option. Don't stay there otherwise.
Tihany: This is the Old Town of the Lake. It's actually a really charming place, but the beaches would be more difficult to get to if you stayed in the town itself. The picture above was taken in Tihany looking out to the South side of the lake.
Things To Do
...well, there's really not much besides lie around and get some R&R.
As mentioned, there is a wakeboarding pulley system in Siofok. You pay about $15 for 30 minutes, unfortunately it was shut down and I didn't partake in it. I think they have water skis as well.
Lake Heviz is a thermal lake, 38m deep. It's a volcanic spring and is worth a trip for the day:
Closing thoughts and recommendation:
If you go during any time that is not PEAK, PEAK season, best to bring a girl. I seriously don't think I saw a single girl walking around by herself the entire time (mine was with me).
If music festivals are your thing, you can probably have some fun rolling solo. Even if not, you could probably find something to do for a few days by yourself.
Not more than 3 though.
I might go back next summer when it's busier. It's a great place and quite affordable.
