For avid anglers: 3 fishing lakes where the whole family can find something to do

There are few lakes as magical as the Sződligeti fishing pond! But few people know that the fishing pond, known by many as Mesetó (‘Fabulous Pond’), was not formed by a natural phenomenon. Like many other Hungarian lakes, the pond of Sződliget is of artificial origin: it was born from the fusion of old distillery pits to become one of the most charming water bodies in Hungary. The word “charming” is far from an exaggeration here, as the setting is indeed reminiscent of fantasy films and the realm of Tüskevár (‘Thorn Castle’). The enchanted fishing kingdom is accessed via a mysterious forest path, so the only way to get closer to the depths of the floodplain jungle is to leave your car behind. The lake is currently maintained by the Sződliget Sportfishing Association, which was established when the lake was created. Although it’s mainly popular with anglers, you can be a silent observer of the environment even before you take out your fishing rod: beaver tracks, otters are common, and there is even a chance to spot carp, pike-perch and crucian carp jumping in the air. There are also signboards to help you identify many of the species that live here, so you can tell if you are surrounded by nightingales or kingfishers while you are listening to the birds chirping. Nearby is the Liget-erdő (Liget Forest) nature trail, which you can wander along to learn even more forest secrets. After the nature walk and fishing, you can further enhance your Lord of the Rings experience with a pleasant walk to Korsók Háza (‘the House of Pitchers’), where you can admire unique pint glasses in a private collection – from tipsy pots to Guinness record-breaking pieces. If that’s not enough, you can also visit the Panna Confectionery, where every member of the family can find a dessert to suit their taste.

The Balaton of the Palóc people – the most famous lake in Nógrád County – has rightly been given this title. Its uniqueness lies not only in its size, but also in the fact that it is one of the region’s pre-eminent tourist centres. However, this was not always the case: the seven-hectare lake in the village of Bánk was created by damming up the Jenői stream, and in the 1990’s, it became completely neglected and unsuitable for bathing. However, the lake underwent a major transformation in the early 2000’s and is now recognised as a diverse destination. The water is mainly an anglers’ paradise, but fishing is only possible from the pier, following the rules of the local association.

In addition to the catches, the lake is home to various reptiles and strictly protected reed birds, which means that the entire ecosystem is under special protection. Hidden under the canopy, the lake, although suddenly deepening, can easily be labelled a family-friendly lake, as it promises experiences for all ages, both in the water and on land. The lake area attracts attention in the summer, starting with the increasingly popular Bánkitó Festival, which has grown from a party in Inner Budapest to one of the 10 biggest festivals listed by the Hungarian Tourism Agency. For jazz lovers, Lake Bánki is also home to the Louis Armstrong Jazz Festival, which has become such a cult event that a statue of the eponymous artist can be seen in the village. The rural ambience of the lake is broken by the imposing, modern building of the Tó Wellness Hotel, which offers quality accommodation and dining for visitors.

Despite its name, the lake of Nagykanizsa offers many other experiences, not only boating – if you are looking for extreme sports, you can find alternatives here. The lake and its surroundings are ideal for fishing, cycling, hiking and camping, and also have a forest gym, kayak-canoe and dragon boat centre. Walking along the shores of the lake, there are several shady nooks and crannies that provide a pleasant place to fish. However, there is also an area where this sport is prohibited, as this part of the lake is used as an official model boat track and regularly hosts competitions. The excitement doesn’t end there: there are prestigious horse races nearby; the dragon boat festival and the Spartan Race are held on and around the lake, and the area is also home to Hungary’s first international-level, built mountain bike track, the XCO race track in Kanizsa. And the restored lookout is a real jewel in the region’s tourist offer, originally built from a disused oil rig. The Free Sport Park leisure centre is usually the place to go for a wide range of activities, with locals enjoying the stagnant water they call ‘the Csótó’.