Usually, when it comes to Hungary, everyone has heard of thermal spas with waters that are excellent for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, skin, nerves, etc. But few people know that the oldest resort in the country, which really received the first such status is Balatonfüred. This city has many names, such as "Mecca for yachtsmen", "Capital of Balaton", which speak of its undoubted belonging to the "Hungarian Sea". It turns out that this wonderful town, with old villas, shady plane trees, an embankment with a "jumping fountain", a breathtaking view of the Tihany Abbey, has had the status of a resort since 1772. There are 7 healing springs of mineral water in the city. The composition of the water is hydrocarbonate-sulfate, calcium-magnesium with high mineralization. It also contains lime compounds, it has a high content of carbon dioxide and iron, and besides, the water is low radioactive. European fame for the city was brought by a cardiological sanatorium, located here since 1810. The authentic building is hidden from prying eyes in a quiet park, the hallmark of which is a pavilion with a pump-room, bearing the loud name "Source of Kossuth Lajos". And in the summer, the wonderful town takes on the status of the capital of Hungary, because all the inhabitants of the country strive to visit it at least once. The city vibrates with a sense of relaxation, sparkles with the water surface, whitens with sailboats, and over the cafes, restaurants and various bufets there is a unique smell of "lángos", fried fish and "kürtős kalács". And of course the city is surrounded by a wine-growing region, vineyards run down the slopes, with hidden wineries and cellars, and the white wine from Balaton is considered the best in the country.
The city of Siófok is the largest resort center on the southern coast of Lake Balaton. The famous Hungarian composer Imre Kálmán, the author of world famous operettas, was born in Siófok. The composer's museum houses his piano and many personal belongings. All ships stop in the port of Siófok, and cruise ships depart from here. Siófok is called the entertainment capital of Hungary. In summer, thousands of young people come here, the lovers of music and dancing until the morning.
The city of Keszthely is the oldest city of Balaton, located on the western shore of the lake. There are more architectural monuments here than in other coastal cities. The magnificent palace of the Festetics family in Baroque style, with a beautiful park surrounding it, is one of the largest estates in Hungary, striking in its splendor. Today the castle hosts concerts and festive receptions. The Festetics family Catholic church has also been preserved on the territory, but the largest private library is of the greatest interest, in the funds of which there are 86 thousand copies of books, historical documents and engravings. The library was saved from destruction during World War II.
There is also the famous Zamárdi at Balaton, where the largest electronic music festival in Europe, Balaton Sound, is held annually. Just imagine, during the day you can enjoy nature and the warm waters of Lake Balaton, and at night you can enjoy the latest music from world-famous DJs.
At Balaton, you can not only get treatment and relax, but also actively engage in sports. An important sporting event at the Balaton is the 5.2 km swim, which has been held here in July for 20 years now. Swimmers start in Révfülöp on the northern shore of Lake Balaton and finish in Balatonboglár in the south. Everyone can take part in the swim, so the number of athletes sometimes reaches 10 thousand people. The mild climate and sunny weather at Balaton allow cyclists to admire the surroundings of the lake for most of the year. Recently, work has been completed on a 222 km long cycle track.
Balaton is also interesting for lovers of fishing. There are more than 25 species of fish in the lake, and limited fishing is allowed with a license. Fishing for carp, eel and pike perch is the most popular among fishermen.
