Things to do in Balatonfured
Hotel Annabella – Balatonfüred
The hotel is situated in what is perhaps the prettiest part of this picturesque town, on the waterfront, only a few metres away from the Tagore Promenade. By day you can enjoy the cooling waters of the lake on the hotel’s own private beach, but it’s also worth taking a stroll to the marina, and visiting the former villas of Mór Jókai or Lujza Blaha. In the evening, the atmospheric restaurants, shops and cafés beckon on the Tagore Promenade, while by day the scenic hiking routes are ideal for a pleasant walk.
Hotel Marina – Balatonfüred
The Hotel Marina is an excellent starting point for exploring not only Balatonfüred, but the surrounding area too. The beautiful villas and the atmospheric Tagore promenade are all worth a visit. And once you’ve got to know Balatonfüred, or if you just fancy something new, the scheduled ferry will take you across the water to Tihany, with its masses of sights and attractions, in only half an hour. For those who’d rather do their sightseeing on foot, we recommend the beautiful hiking routes to Lóczy Cave or the Jókai lookout point.
Attractions
Tagore Promenade
8230 Balatonfüred, Tagore stny.
The first tree bordering the famous lakeside promenade was planted in 1926 by the Indian poet after whom it is named, as a gesture of gratitude for his successful medical treatment. Since then, a whole host of famous personalities have kept up the tradition, including former President of the Republic Árpád Göncz, and cosmonaut Bertalan Farkas.
Mór Jókai Memorial House
8230 Balatonfüred, Honvéd u. 1.
The villa, built in 1870, was owned by the famous writer for 20 years. It was here that Jókai wrote his novel “Az arany ember” (English translations: Timar's Two Worlds, and Modern Midas; The Man with the Golden Touch) and numerous short stories. The permanent exhibition gives us a glimpse into the everyday life of the Jókai family.
City Museum
8230 Balatonfüred, Blaha Lujza u. 5.
This museum, housed in the villa that used to serve as the spa director’s residence, presents the history of Balatonfüred during the Hungarian Reform Era, based on the themes of transport, the Anna Ball and the medicinal spa.
Vaszary villa
8230 Balatonfüred, Honvéd u. 2-4.
This building, which functions as a cultural centre, is home to prestigious art exhibitions, literary evenings, concerts and performances all year round. There’s always something happening here!
Kossuth Spring
8230 Balatonfüred, Gyógy tér
Lajos Kossuth, after whom this Neoclassical drinking fountain is named, liked to spend time in Balatonfüred; and he was also the one who encouraged the introduction of steam shipping on Lake Balaton. Many swear by the medicinal properties of the sulphurous ‘sour’ water that bubbles to the surface here.
Anna Grand Hotel
8230 Balatonfüred, Gyógy tér 1.
The building once known as the Great Inn and Pavilion, and later as the Grand Hotel, has a history of more than 250 years. This hotel hosts the legendary Anna Ball in July of every year.
The Horváth Building
8230 Balatonfüred, Gyógy tér 3.
When this beautiful, pure Louis seize-style building constructed between 1795 and 1798 was opened, it immediately became a popular place to stay, and during the Hungarian Reform Era the luminaries of the age met here to exchange their views.
The Huray houses
8230 Balatonfüred
Mór Jókai’s brother-in-law István Huray, a doctor, was a dignitary of Balatonfüred. Of the three, Romantic-style houses built by him, the large villa and the small villa are protected, listed monuments.
Lujza Blaha villa
8230 Balatonfüred, Blaha Lujza u. 4.
This pretty house, built in the Neoclassical style, was Lujza Blaha’s summer home, “the most beautiful nest” of the actress known as “the nation’s nightingale”, between 1893 and 1916.
Round Church and Gallery
8230 Balatonfüred, Blaha Lujza u. 3.
This Neoclassical building is one of the symbols of Balatonfüred. After it was completed, there wasn’t an engraving, glass or Balatonfüred souvenir that didn’t include a picture of it. Every summer its basement is used as an exhibition space.
Reformed Church (the “white church”)
8230 Balatonfüred, Óvoda u. 1.
From whichever direction you sail towards Balatonfüred, viewed from the water the highest building in the old town, the single-towered “white church”, the hundred-year-old Reformed Church, is visible from afar.
Dőry family holiday residence
8230 Balatonfüred, Jókai utca 28.
Built in 1869, it was said to be the most beautiful family holiday residence in Balatonfüred. Architecturally, it is one of the most exquisite examples of the Romantic style not only locally, but far and wide. It is now a listed monument.
Ruins of the Church of Saint Michael (Papsoka Church Ruins)
8230 Balatonfüred, Vázsonyi út 1.
The church was built on the site of a Roman-era villa, probably in the 12th century. All of its walls were built onto the Roman foundation walls. Today only the ruins of the church remain.
Lutheran Church
Designed by László Benczúr and featuring an altar hanging by textile artist Rózsa Polgár, this modern church with seating for 200 is marked by a façade symbolising the open arms of God, calling to and protecting the faithful.
Arácsi Roman Catholic Church
Constructed in 1785 from what was probably once a medieval shrine, the Catholic church in Balatonarács is an impressive building that dominates its surroundings. Inside, the Baroque main altar is actually older than the structure itself.
Kisfaludy Gallery
The Kisfaludy Gallery opened its doors with new purpose in 2006 as a temporary exhibition space for contemporary painters, sculptors, and photographers. Next door, the Kisfaludy Theatre offers a variety of programs for visitors from spring until autumn.
Széchenyi Manor
Szechenyi manor, the summer residence of the Széchenyi family, was constructed in the Balatonfüred satellite community of Balatonarács by order of Ferenc Széchenyi in 1792 and was used by the count's sons, including István Széchenyi, on various occasions. Today, the manor is home to the Horticultural Secondary and Vocational School.
Ferenc Schneider Collection
Donated to the Gábor Lipták City Library by retired forest engineer Ferenc Schneider (1923-2017), the collection comprises not only books, but also rocks, minerals, and hunting trophies.
The Balatonfüred Pantheon
Located in a covered arcade under the sanatorium's performance hall, the pantheon houses a series of plaques commemorating the many outstanding poets, scientists, and researchers who have written about or done important work for the city.
Children's Kamishibai Theatre
This very popular form of children's entertainment uses paper art to bring storybook tales to life. Originating from Japan, the technique makes potent use of imagery, while simultaneously focusing on the textual aspect of the tale.
Lóczy Cave
8230 Balatonfüred, Öreghegyi út
The largest cave in the Balaton Highlands, at 120 m long, it is characterised by thinly stratified limestone walls that reveal the structure of the mountain. It can be visited without special clothing, under the supervision of a professional guide.
Jókai lookout point
8230 Balatonfüred, Jókai kilátó
A marked tourist trail leads from Lóczy Cave to the lookout point on Mt. Tamás (317 m), which commands spectacular views over Lake Balaton, Balatonfüred and the Tihany Peninsula.
Koloska Valley and Nature Trail
8230 Balatonfüred
The marked tourist trails (blue and green) take you from the lookout point to the Koloska Valley and the Koloska cliffs. The nature trail shows the geology, flora and fauna of the local area on six signboards.
Tihany “Guard Tower” lookout point
8237 Tihany, Apáti-hegy
Tihany’s newest attraction is the three-story lookout point, reminiscent of an Ancient Roman guard tower, on Mt. Apáti. From here you can enjoy view of the surrounding towns and villages, Mt. Csúcs and Sajkod Bay.
Vászoly
8245 Vászoly
This little village with a thousand-year history lies 5 km from Balaton, surrounded by vineyard slopes and forests. A part of the Balaton Highlands National Park, it has a rich flora and fauna.
The Tihany Peninsula
In addition to its value to the landscape, the magnificent Tihany peninsula holds an unparalleled wealth of geological curiosities, plant and animal life, and historical sites, all within just a few square kilometres.
Kiserdő Park
This spacious park located just a few seconds' walk from the cardiology clinic has been called the "lungs of Balatonfüred". The grounds include the spruced up ruins of a former theatre, rest areas, chess tables, rain shelters, hygienic facilities and, right next door, tennis courts.
Lake Balaton Bicycle Path
The Lake Balaton Bicycle Path offers cyclists the opportunity of circling the entire "Hungarian Sea" in a single day. Optionally, as much as 10-15 kilometres of the approximately 210-kilometre tour can be bypassed, bringing the day's journey to around 200 kilometres total.
Annagora Aquapark
8230 Balatonfüred, Fürdő u. 35.
This aquatic adventure park, equipped with the latest technology, offers recreation opportunities in the form of outdoor and indoor, adults’ and children’s pools, wave pools, slides and a wellness centre.
Serpa Adventure Park – Balatonfűzfő
8175 Balatonfűzfő, Uszoda utca 2.
The adventure park opened in 2003 next to the BalatoniBob Leisure Park. Obstacle courses, a zip-line, (wall) climbing, archery, adventures and games await visitors to the adventure park, from 3 years of age.
BalatoniBob Leisure Park – Balatonfűzfő
8184 Balatonfűzfő, Uszoda u. 2.
The bob run in BalatoniBob Leisure Park is situated in a woodland area, near to the centre of the town. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of the 800 m, winding bob run while taking in the marvellous scenery.
Napfény (Sunshine) Beach and Adventure Pools – Balatonlelle
8638 Balatonlelle, Napospart u.
The sandy beach created on the lake shore at Balatonlelle in 2006 is especially popular among families with small children. The adventure pools are located next to the beach, on the waterfront.
Veszprém Zoo
8200 Veszprém, Kittenberger Kálmán u. 17.
Since 2001 the zoo has been continuously modernised and updated, with new animal runs and houses, and an expanding range of services. Alongside the traditional zoo animals, there are some real rarities to be seen here.
Nature Conservation Farm – Salföld
8256 Salföld, Természetvédelmi major
Salföld is located in the heart of the Balaton Highlands National Park. The farm showcases indigenous Hungarian domesticated animal species (racka sheep, buffalo, grey cattle, herding dogs) and horses.
Pleasure cruises with fun activities
The Vanyolai Shipping Company will guide you around the most beautiful parts of Lake Balaton. The boats can also be chartered for weddings, stag/hen nights, sailing and barbecue trips.
Scheduled pleasure cruises
Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. offers a wide variety of pleasure cruises. Its scheduled cruises will take you to see the gems dotted around the shore of Lake Balaton, with many sights to see and culinary delights to sample.
Zamárdi Adventure Park
8621 Zamárdi, Siófoki út
The obstacle courses and approximately 1.5 km rope walkway offer sporting thrills for children and grown-ups alike.
Sobri Jóska Adventure and Amusement Park – Kislőd
8446 Kislőd, Vashámor
The park, not too far away from Balatonfüred, includes an extreme adventure park with zip lines, archery, obstacle courses for cyclists, angling, horse riding, a bowling alley, climbing wall, adventure castle and many more attractions.
Kisfaludy Lakeside Recreation Area
8230 Balatonfüred, Aranyhíd stny.
Located on the eastern side of Balatonfüred, Kisfaludy Recreation Area is the largest bathing facility on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Its ample free parking and moderate admission prices are popular with those seeking a high-standard, yet affordable vacation option.
Esterházy Lakeside Recreation Area
8230 Balatonfüred, Tagore stny.
The beautiful green lawns of the Esterházy Recreation Area offer a fanstastic view of Tihány and easy access to the water for bathers who prefer a quiet, secure place to relax.
Balaton-Gokart
Balatonfüred's own Gokart, CrossCart, and Quad tracks are fun in good and bad weather alike. An excellent programme for families and groups.
Balatonfüred Yacht Club
Founded in 1867, the Balatonfüred Yacht Club is one of Europe's oldest sport organisations. For 19 years running (until 2013) it was the country's most winning sailing club.
Balatonfüred Docks
The docks serve as the launching point for pleasure craft run by Lake Balaton Boating Ltd, as well as the company's children's and disco boats. Tickets may be purchased at the pier.
Vanyolai Boating Ltd
Company offerings include pleasure tours, sailing, boat rentals, boating programmes, and events, all in one place.
