
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 Herzegovina and Croatia.
I visited Hungary last year but only had time for a long weekend in Budapest. This time, I wanted to head west.
My first stop of the trip was a few days at Lake Balaton, the largest lake in central Europe. So large that it can be seen with the naked eye from space! I've had Lake Balaton on my wish list for quite a few years now and it thrilled me that the opportunity 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.
→ Check out 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.
By flight: The closest international airport to Lake Balaton is in nearby Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
→ Check out my complete guide to visiting Budapest!
By car: The easiest way to travel around Lake Balaton is with your own wheels so that you can explore the entirety of the lake at your own leisure.
→ If you don't have your own car, you can rent one in Budapest.
By bus: The 1808 bus runs directly all the way from Balatonfüred along the lake stopping at pretty much every town and beach along the way including Révfülöp, where I was staying, and then 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 at the time of writing.

Bus at Balatonfüred station
Szigligeti Var offers arguably the best view of Lake Balaton with 360-degree views across the lake and the surrounding countryside.
The drive and the walk up the castle are both a little bit sketchy - I definitely was a little apprehensive in my sandals!
At the time of writing, adult tickets were 2000 HUF (just over €5) and absolutely worth it. You can buy tickets when you get there, no need to purchase in advance. You can explore the entire castle which has undergone extensive renovations and visit all the different rooms and viewpoints.
There is a small cafe on site for refreshments and they often run events during the summer here.
→ Find out opening times and events at Szigligeti Var on their website.




















I wrote a complete guide to spending a weekend at Lake Balaton, including:
- how to get to Lake Balaton by car, flight and train
- how to get around Lake Balaton
- where to stay at Lake Balaton
- all the best things to see and do at Lake Balaton
→ Check out my complete guide to spending a weekend at Lake Balaton!

Fülöp-hegyi Millenniumi kilátó

Tihany

Szigeti Strand
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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.