Somehow, it’s already been four months since I visited a new country, my latest being my travels to Thailand and Liechtenstein in February and March. It marks the longest time I’ve stayed in one place in more than three years, the longest I’ve stayed at home in Salzburg since I moved here. It feels strange for me, waking up in the same bed every morning, drinking the same coffee from the same mug. No plans, no booked trips. Some days I wake up and decide to spend the day on my balcony, coffee and book in hand. Others, I get on my bike and discover secret little spots. But, like a constant thread weaving through it all, is the element of sameness. A little bubble has safely enveloped me in Salzburg and the immediate surrounds, never stepping foot further than what I can reach within an hour or two. I’ve tried to absorb all that Salzburg could give me this summer, healing, resting, enjoying. But my restless heart has awoken from its slumber…
In need of a change of scenery, I booked a spontaneous two-week trip through four southeastern European countries. I booked the trip two days before I left and it all felt both a bit of a rush but also calm and right. I'll be spending the next two weeks traveling by train from my home in Salzburg to Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia.
First stop: Lake Balaton, the largest lake in central Europe. So large, in fact, that it can be seen with the naked eye from space! I visited Hungary last year but only had time for a long weekend in Budapest. I've had Lake Balaton on my wish list for quite a few years now and it thrills me that the opportunity has presented itself to spend a long weekend there.
Lake Balaton is probably the most popular summer destination in all of Hungary, with Budapest residents flocking there in droves to escape the city.
How to Get to Lake Balaton
I traveled by train from my home in Salzburg, a method of transport I love using to get around Europe. I took a direct five-hour train from Salzburg to Budapest Kelenföld. The regional train takes two and a half hours from Budapest to Lake Balaton; I got off at Révfülöp, where my hostel was located. At the time of writing, this regional train was less than €7!
Mosonmagyaróvár
First view of Lake Balaton
Arriving to Révfülöp
Where to Stay at Lake Balaton
With European summer in full swing, prices are always higher, so I'm going back to my trusty old favourites and hosteling my way through these next two weeks. There is a only one hostel around Lake Balaton on hostelworld, in Révfülöp, just a few minutes walk from the shores of the lake. Hullam Hostel is a family-run little spot with dorms and private rooms, the cheapest of which, at the time of writing, were just €16 per night! It was basic and did the trick; the location was really perfect.
Hullam Hostel
Things to Do at Lake Balaton
I had three days at Lake Balaton and was traveling by public transport. With Lake Balaton being the largest lake in central Europe, there is simply no way you can see it all in a short time. I did my research and read other blogs and here's what I did during my time at this peaceful lake getaway:
Hang out on Szigeti Strand
There are countless strands dotted all around the lake, so pick the one that's closest to you as they all offer beautiful lakefront access. I was surprised at how warm and pleasant Lake Balaton was!
Grab an ice cream or dinner at Révfülöpi móló
This seems to be the place to be in the evenings in Révfülöp and you'll find restaurants and ice cream stalls serving up yummy holiday lakeside food, and a few boutique little shops too. There's a really lovely atmosphere in the air, and you can also wander down the pier and get a idyllic view looking back towards the shore.
Explore the lavender town of Tihany
Definitely a highlight of my weekend in Lake Balaton! Tihany is a little peninsula jutting into Lake Balaton, south of Balatonfüred. It is famous for its lavender (my favourite flower of all - I've traveled the world in search of it!) and produces so many gorgeous products - from body and home care to food, teas, jewelry, clothes and other goods.
Visit the impressive castle, Szigliget Var
One of the highlights of my time visiting Lake Balaton was my afternoon spent exploring Szigliget Var, an impressive medieval fortress. Built 750 years ago, this medieval fortress is perched on Várhegy hill. It was built from 1260 by Favus of Pannonhalma and once protected the lake.
Hike up to Fülöp-hegyi Millenniumi kilátó
This tower was the perfect morning hike above Révfülöp. Offering panoramic views across the lake, you hike up to the tower and then you can climb the round stairs inside for free to the top.
Check out my guide to hiking Fülöp-hegyi Millenniumi kilátó!
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
