Hungary awaits: Lake Balaton in summer is more than just a beach holiday in summer

Without bias, we can say that the monadnocks of the Balaton Uplands are among the most beautiful geographical formations in the world, one of the most emblematic of which is the 415-metre-high Szent György Hill, whose characteristic basalt columns, sometimes 30 metres high, line the hillside like organ pipes.

For a full view of the monadnocks and the Tapolca Basin, visit Haláp Hill, where in addition to the picturesque panorama, you can also enjoy the sculpture park located here.

Locals refer to it as the Stonehenge of Zalaháp, but in fact they praise the work of two sculptors, and although they are not ancient structures, they can still evoke the same mystical experience in visitors as the monoliths of southern England.

One of the jewels of the northern shore, Szigliget Castle has been guarding Lake Balaton for over 750 years, attracting tourists like a magnet due to its imposing appearance. Visitors will not be disappointed whether they climb it for the fabulous panorama, are curious about the castle's history, or are looking for a gastronomic adventure.

The more interesting sights include the furnished Baroque kitchen, the weapons history exhibition, and the former chapel of the Benedictine order, which after restoration has been returned to its former function. The castle's so-called gastronomic courtyard is also popular, and summer evenings are enriched with concerts.

A different, more intimate experience is offered by the Árpád-era wilderness church, a hidden treasure on the southern side of Lake Balaton, on the border of Somogyvámos. Spread out among the rolling fields, on an island of land resembling a giant leaf, its lonely tower, reaching into the sky, preserves the memory of the former settlement, which was razed to the ground by the Turkish wars.

St. Donat Chapel
On the hillside of Balatonlelle, dotted with vineyards and wineries, the chapel dedicated to the patron saint of winegrowers on Kishegy for nearly 300 years – a typical representative of peasant baroque – dominates the landscape, offering a magnificent view of the monadnocks on the other side.

 Nezde Sculpture Park
The pride of Balatonföldvár is not only a special view-point, but also a historical memorial site, whose healing powers are the subject of legends. In the place also known as the Scythian Golgotha, wooden statues of Attila, Koppány, the Taltos and other legendary heroes take you back to ancient times.

Szaplonczay Promenade
Above the vertical northern wall of the Castle Hill in Fonyód, on the Szaplonczay Promenade, you can admire the view of Lake Balaton from Keszthely to the eastern basin. The patinated row of villas on the hillside began to be built 130 years ago, and even then it was compared to the beauty of Geneva, Switzerland.

Extra tip: chilling under the city – It is worth ending your hiking day at the nearby Tapolca Lake Cave, where you can explore part of the 10-kilometre cave system under the city by boat. The visitor centre here also introduces you to the wonderful world of karst regions.

The article was originally published in the Hungarian Tourism Association Foundation's magazine "Hungary awaits".

Source: turizmus.com