This calm Lake Balaton resort town hosts one of Hungary's largest music festivals each summer. Its beach stretches 3 kilometers along the lake's southern shore.
Zamárdi stretches along Lake Balaton's southern shore, where you'll find 4 kilometers of sandy beach with shallow waters perfect for swimming. In summer, international DJs perform at Balaton Sound festival while locals pour glasses of crisp Olaszrizling wine in centuries-old cellars. The town's history dates back to the 6th century, with Avar jewelry and weapons discovered in local burial grounds now displayed in nearby museums.
Getting to Zamárdi
Zamárdi sits 113 kilometers southwest of Budapest along the M7 motorway. You can drive there in about 1.5 hours from the capital, following the well-maintained highway system. Trains leave Budapest's Déli station every two hours, with additional services running during July and August. From Zamárdi's train station, walk 10 minutes to reach the beach.
Beaches and Swimming
The main beach in Zamárdi stretches for several kilometers along Lake Balaton's shore, with multiple entry points and facilities. You can wade 50 meters into the lake before the water reaches chest height, making it safe for children. At the beach, you'll find changing cabins, showers, volleyball courts, and paddleboat rentals. Along the promenade, food stands sell lángos (fried bread with sour cream and cheese), grilled fish, and cold drinks.
Music Festivals
Every July since 2007, Balaton Sound transforms Zamárdi's lakeshore into an electronic music venue with five stages and 100,000 visitors. In August, Strand Festival brings rock bands and pop artists to the same location. You can camp at both festivals or park your car in designated areas nearby. The festival grounds connect directly to the beach, letting you swim between concerts.
Wine and Local Produce
Local winemakers grow Olaszrizling and Chardonnay grapes on the slopes above Lake Balaton. The lake's surface reflects sunlight onto the hillsides and keeps temperatures stable throughout summer. Between August and October, you can visit family wineries like Konyári Pince, where owners guide you through their cellars and explain their winemaking process in English or German.
Historical Context
In 1972, archaeologists discovered an Avar cemetery in Zamárdi containing artifacts from the 6th to 9th centuries. The excavation revealed silver belt decorations, Byzantine-style jewelry, and weapons used by these early settlers. Visit the Rippl-Rónai Museum in Kaposvár (30 minutes by car) to see these items displayed alongside information about pre-Hungarian life in the region.
