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. In need of a change of scenery, I booked a spontaneous two-week trip through four southeastern European countries: Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia.
My first stop was a few days at 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.
Read my complete guide on how to spend a weekend at Lake Balaton!
One of the highlights of my time visiting Lake Balaton was my afternoon spent exploring Szigligeti 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.
How to Get to Szigligeti Var
The 1808 bus runs directly all the way from Balatonfüred along the lake stopping at pretty much every town and beach along the way. I think it was running about once per hour. It stopped in Révfülöp, where I was staying, and then also at Szigliget. The fortress is about a ten-minute walk straight up the road from the bus station. The buses are cash only and are based on distance; Balatonfüred to Szigliget cost me about €3.
How to Visit Szigliget Var
Szigligeti Var offers arguably the best view of Lake Balaton with 360-degree views across the countryside and lake. At the time of writing, adult tickets were 2000 HUF (just over €5) and absolutely worth it. You can explore the entire castle which has undergone extensive renovations and visit all the different rooms and viewpoints.
The drive and the walk up the castle are both a little bit sketchy - I definitely was a little apprehensive in my sandals!
There is a small cafe on site for refreshments and they often run events during the summer here.
