The treasures of the Balaton Riviera – 5 + 1 small villages on the northern shore of Lake Balaton that are worth exploring

 Small villages waiting to be discovered on the northern shore of Lake Balaton

 The atmosphere and attractions of the Csopak wine region

 The monuments and picturesque streets of Paloznak

 The tranquility and excursion destinations of Lovas

 The diversity of Alsóörs

 The church and geological trail of Felsőörs

 Natural treasures and viewpoints of Káptalanfüred

The name of Csopak is synonymous with Riesling Italian, characterized by rolling vineyards, patinated wine presses, and lookout points towering above the water. However, many people visit it mainly because of its family-friendly beach. Yet there is plenty to see here, such as Csákány Hill above the village, which can be reached via the Balaton Highlands Blue Trail. The view from the Endrődi lookout tower is breathtaking. On Nosztori Hill, in the Balaton Adventure Park, rope courses and skill games await us  if we want to spice up our trip to Csopak with a little adventure.

There were once seven watermills operating along the Nosztori stream in the village. This is a significant number for such a small settlement. One of the old mills has been converted into a museum, where a mill wheel and the former equipment tell the story of Csopak’s past.

Along the Roman road, the area of Csopak was once the property of the Bishopric of Veszprém. Bishop John Ranolder planned to welcome Queen Elizabeth here as his guest in the 19th century. Sisi never visited here in the end, even though she would probably have enjoyed the bishop’s fabulous estates. Today, the Jásdi family cultivates the old episcopal vineyards. If we walk this way, we can stop by the Jásdi wine terrace. With a glass of wine in hand, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of Lake Balaton.

After a day filled with walking and wine tasting, it is worth staying in the village for dinner: Pántlika Bistro, for example, offers Italian and seasonal dishes in a modern yet friendly atmosphere. Returning to the lakeside area, the Vígmolnár restaurant is also a good choice – it has a special atmosphere within the walls of a former mill, where history and the flavors of Lake Balaton come together.

Behind Paloznak’s quiet streets lies a surprisingly vibrant cultural life, yet it has retained its rural charm. The old farmhouses, flower-filled gardens and panoramic views from the hilltop all suggest that this is a good place to stop for a while. What’s more, there is no shortage of sights to see: St. Margaret’s Church, built at the end of the Árpád era, with its Romanesque foundations and later Gothic details, has preserved the history of the settlement for centuries. In the center of the village, a country house, a bell tower, and carefully renovated old buildings evoke memories of traditional village life.

It is also worth taking a walk along the stations of the Calvary above the village. Starting from the Main Street, take Mandula Street, where, surprisingly, your route will take you past a bell tower. The mysterious Pongrácz Castle hides behind it. Its history began sometime in the 18th century, and today it preserves Paloznak’s rich noble past.

Lovas is a real hidden gem. No crowds, no noise – just silence, vineyards and the blue of Lake Balaton in the distance. The village is an excellent starting point for hiking and cycling, but it is also ideal if you simply want to get away from it all. Király-kút (‘the King’s Well’) is a popular destination in the area. According to legend, King Matthias himself once rested by the spring that flows in this romantic valley. Today, hikers will find benches, a rain shelter, and a fire pit around the spring. 

If you are hungry or looking for a special place, visit Lóránt Csomai’s bistro in Lovas during the summer months, which is a real gastronomic haven: light breakfast dishes, quesadillas, and Mediterranean platters are prepared here, and those with a sweet tooth can enjoy homemade cakes. In the evenings, the place operates as a bar where you can toast with local wines..

For many people, Alsóörs is synonymous with summer swimming, but the town is much more complex than that. The red brick houses, the historic church, and the surrounding hills all tempt us to conquer them. One of the most popular destinations is the easily accessible Kőhegy lookout tower, from where, on a clear day, you can see the outlines of Badacsony on the horizon.

The Alsóörs Amphitheater (or simply Amfi) is a regular venue for concerts, theater performances, and cultural events not only in summer but throughout the year. Here you will find one of Hungary’s largest dome digital planetariums, where the secrets of the starry sky come to life with magical visuals. Under the modern digital dome, at the end of a day at Lake Balaton, you can even explore the universe – a lasting experience for children and adults alike.

If you get hungry, it is worth stopping by Bitang Burger & Coffee Shop. With its fresh, tasty burgers and high-quality coffee, it’s no surprise that it has become one of the neighborhood’s favorite spots. Its modern, friendly atmosphere perfectly matches the relaxed, easy-going lifestyle of Alsóörs.

Felsőörs overlooks Lake Balaton from above – literally. The hills rising above the village offer stunning views of the lake, while walking through the streets, centuries of history unfold. One of the village’s pride and joys is St. Stephen’s Church, which is not only one of the oldest buildings in Felsőörs, but also one of the most valuable Romanesque monuments in the Balaton Highlands. The tiny details of the 13th-century building and its carved stone gate still preserve the careful work of the craftsmen of the past.

Another source of pride for Felsőörs is the Balaton Highlands National Park Geological Exhibition, where visitors can see the region’s unique rocks and rock formations. Walking along the nature trail, you can learn about the geological history of the area. And if you want to venture into the world of fairy tales, it is worth checking out the 5-stop Fairy Tale Trail (Meseösvény), which starts next to the local Miske Kindergarten (21 Main Street).

Hidden away in Káptalanfüred, the tiny Lake Köcsi, with its calm waters and rich flora and fauna, is an excellent place for bird watching and peaceful walks. Starting from the lake, we can also conquer the Csere Hill lookout tower, which stands on the border of Alsóörs and Balatonalmádi, at the top of the 298-meter-high Csere Hill. Built in 1935, the stone tower was the first stone lookout tower in the Balaton Uplands. It was renovated between 2001 and 2003 through a joint effort by local residents and with support from the local government. From here, an unparalleled panoramic view unfolds before us: Lake Balaton, the Tihany Peninsula, the Bakony Mountains, as well as the towns of Alsóörs, Balatonalmádi, Felsőörs, Lovas, and Balatonfüred are clearly visible. In clear weather, you can see all the way to the Somogy hills on the horizon. A visit to Káptalanfüred is the perfect way to round off a trip to the northern shore of Lake Balaton.