A calm resort town on Lake Balaton's southern shore with a century-old harbor, a hilltop lookout tower, and a 3-kilometer beach lined with linden trees.
Balatonföldvár sits along Lake Balaton's southern shore, 120 km southwest of Budapest. You can walk under century-old plane trees on the waterfront promenade, sail from the twin-pier marina that holds 100+ boats, or climb to the Iron Age fort ruins on the loess hills. In summer, the town comes alive with Friday evening concerts at the Roman Catholic Church and performances at the open-air theatre.
Getting to Balatonföldvár
Trains depart every two hours from Budapest's Déli station to Balatonföldvár on the Budapest-Nagykanizsa mainline. The railway station connects to Zagreb and other Central European cities. From Siófok, 23 km northeast, buses run to Balatonföldvár at hourly intervals between 6:00 and 22:00.
Water Activities at Lake Balaton
The 1905-built harbor extends into the lake with two curved piers, creating space for more than 100 boats and yachts. At the marina, you can rent windsurfing equipment, sailboats, and rowing boats. The waterfront has marked fishing zones, beginner sailing lessons, and boat repair facilities.
Parks and Viewpoints
Two rows of 100-year-old plane trees border the western promenade. The town's parks display roses, dahlias, and geraniums from April through October, with paved paths connecting multiple rest areas. Climb to the loess hill's platforms for views of Tihany Peninsula and the volcanic formations on the northern shore.
Ancient Fortifications
Celtic settlers constructed the hill fort between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, giving Balatonföldvár its modern name. The defensive earthworks still rise 4-5 meters high along the elevated shoreline, showing the original structure of this Iron Age settlement.
Cultural Activities
The Roman Catholic Church hosts chamber music and organ recitals every Friday at 19:00 during June-August. The open-air theatre stages Hungarian drama productions and folk music shows nightly at 20:00 in summer months. Local conference centers organize business and academic events, with most activities scheduled between May and September.
