Located on Lake Balaton's western shore, this town has a Baroque palace, thermal baths, and a vibrant beach culture. Its Festetics Palace houses a rare book collection.
Keszthely, a town of about 21,000 residents, sits on the western shore of Lake Balaton in Hungary. The town is home to the grand Festetics Palace, a 101-room Baroque Revival estate from the 18th century. You can explore several museums that showcase Hungary's past, including the Balaton Museum with its exhibits on regional archaeology and natural history. Located on Central Europe's largest lake, Keszthely gives you access to beaches, water sports, and scenic views of Lake Balaton.
Festetics Palace
The Festetics Palace, a 101-room Baroque Revival estate from the 18th century, dominates Keszthely's skyline. Today, it operates as a museum where you can walk through opulent rooms filled with period furniture and artwork. The palace's two-level library contains over 100,000 volumes. During summer evenings, you can attend weekly concerts on the palace grounds.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton, often called the "Hungarian Sea," is central to life in Keszthely. The city has several beaches for swimming, sunbathing, or trying water sports. At Városi Strand, the oldest beach in the Lake Balaton region, you'll find a large park area that welcomes dogs. For a sandy beach experience, visit Libás Strand near the Keszthely Yacht Harbor. The water temperature is comfortable for swimming from June onwards.
Keszthely's City Center
You can easily walk through Keszthely's compact city center. The main street, Kossuth Lajos utca, is a pedestrian area with shops, cafes, and restaurants. At one end, you'll see the main square, Fő tér, where the Gothic Our Lady of Hungary Church stands. Inside the church, you can view the largest Gothic fresco cycle in Hungary at no cost. For panoramic views of the town and lake, climb the church tower. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, visit the lively farmers' market in nearby Piac square to buy local produce, spices, and handicrafts.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Keszthely houses several museums. In the neo-baroque Balaton Museum, you can learn about the region's archaeology, ethnography, and natural history. Along the main street, seven private museums cluster together, each focusing on different aspects of local history and culture. In the pedestrian precinct, you'll come across the Doll Museum, an unusual attraction worth a visit.
Local Cuisine
Hungarian dishes are prevalent in Keszthely's restaurants. For traditional meals, eat at Tompos Étterem in the city or travel to the nearby village of Vonyarcvashegy to dine at Öregház Vendégudvar. If you prefer contemporary options, Pajti serves specialty coffee, while Madárlátta Pékség bakes sourdough bread and pastries. Remember to sample some of the local white wines from the surrounding Balaton wine regions.
Transportation to Keszthely
You can reach Keszthely by taking a direct train from Budapest Kelenföld station, a journey of about 2.5 hours. If you're driving, you can easily access Keszthely from both Budapest and Vienna. Regular bus services also connect Keszthely with Budapest and other towns around Lake Balaton.
Nearby Attractions
A short distance from Keszthely, you'll find the town of HévÃz with its thermal lake. Lake HévÃz is the world's largest swimmable thermal lake, popular for its warm waters. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) area, a protected wetland that's home to various waterfowl species. At the Kis-Balaton Visitor Center, you can learn about the area's ecology and enjoy seasonal views of the landscape.
