Balatonfured

Balatonfüred is the third largest town on Lake Balaton, after the brash party town of Siófok on the Southern Shore and

By Train

By plane

By Plane

The nearest international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 90–180 km from Balatonfured depending on the location in Veszprém. From the airport, the most practical onward option is a combination of airport shuttle bus to Budapest city centre followed by a train or long-distance bus to Balatonfured.

By Car / Road

Driving is the most flexible way to reach Balatonfured. The town is accessible via the Hungarian secondary road network. Parking is available at the edge of the town centre. Road conditions are generally good, though rural lanes may be narrower.

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. 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. 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 - 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 the 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.

In the town

Arácsi Folk House

( Arácsi Népház ),

Lóczy L. u. 62. ,

+36 87 788-456 , +36 30 3781231 ,

[email protected] .

M W Th Sa 10:00-18:00, Tu F Su closed .

Arácsi Exhibition House

( Arácsi Kiállítóház ),

Same as the Folk House ,

+36 87 788 456 .

F-Su 15:00-19:00 .

• Walking tours — explore the historic centre on a self-guided walking tour, visiting the main square and local landmarks
• Cycling — many Hungarian towns have cycling paths connecting them to the surrounding countryside and nearby villages
• Thermal baths — if Balatonfured or a nearby town has a thermal spa, it is a popular local leisure activity
• Local festivals — check the town calendar for annual festivals, harvest fairs, and cultural events
• Hiking — explore the natural landscape surrounding the town, from forest walks to lakeside trails

Hungarian cuisine is the mainstay of dining in Balatonfured. Look for a local étterem (restaurant) serving classic Hungarian dishes such as gulyás (goulash soup), pörkölt (meat stew with paprika and onions served with nokedli/dumplings), halászlé (fisherman's soup, especially in towns near rivers), and rántott hús (breaded fried meat). A cukrászda (cake shop) serves pastries, cakes, and coffee. A kocsmá (pub) offers simple hot meals alongside drinks. For self-catering, the local market or grocery store provides ingredients.

Hungarian coffee culture is strong in even small towns. A kávézó (café) in the main square is the place for an espresso or a longer coffee, often served with a small glass of water. Hungarian wine is excellent and widely available: look for regional offerings from nearby wine districts. Palinka (fruit brandy, typically distilled from plums, apricots, or pears) is served as a digestif or aperitif. Local beers (sör) include Dreher, Soproni, Borsodi, and smaller craft breweries. Tap water is safe to drink.

Accommodation options in Balatonfured typically include a central hotel or guesthouse (panzió), private room rentals, and occasionally a hostel. Mid-range guesthouses generally offer clean, comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, TV, and Wi-Fi for €30–60 per night for a double room. Panzió accommodation is the most common type in smaller Hungarian towns. Breakfast is usually included. For more options, the nearest larger town or city in Veszprém may offer additional hotels. Booking in advance is recommended during summer and festival periods.

Shopping in Balatonfured centres around the main square and adjacent streets, where you will find bakeries, grocery stores (ABC), and small boutiques. A weekly market (piac) is typically held in or near the town centre, selling fresh produce, local honey, eggs, cheese, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. For more extensive shopping, larger supermarkets (such as Spar, Lidl, or Tesco) are usually located on the outskirts. Shops generally open Monday–Friday 7:00–18:00, Saturday 7:00–12:00, with many closed on Sunday.

• Budapest — Hungary's vibrant capital, reachable by train or bus from most regional towns
• Nearby towns in Veszprém — explore the surrounding region, each with its own character and attractions
• Lake Balaton — Central Europe's largest lake, a popular destination for swimming, sailing, and lakeside relaxation
• Other Hungarian regions — the country's compact size makes day trips and longer journeys straightforward