Home Balaton and Beyond

…even when it’s not warm enough to jump in just yet. Start with Tihany, which perches on a peninsula poking out into the lake, for the best panorama across Balaton. Tihany is crowned by the baroque Benedictine Abbey, and in spring, you’ll be sure to catch a bride and groom sailing down the front steps in a fl urry of smiles and rose petals.
Then head to the hills to one of the wineries that dot the hillsides – most produce fl avorful dry whites such as the unpronounceable but oh-sodrinkable Cserszegi Fűszeres. After all, as the Hungarians say, the lake is blue-er, the hills are
greener and the houses are whiter when seen through a glass of wine!
For a fl oating view of the lake’s loveliness, take the car ferry from Tihany to the south-shore capital of Siófok, which in spring is pleasantly calm, before it becomes party central in summer.
Or follow the road around Balaton – try it by bike – which will take you to one charming town after another, all awakening from their winter naps. Gawk at the glittering Festetics Palace in Keszthely, hike up the Badacsony mountain (littered with volcanic vineyards!), or up to scenic Szigliget castle, or dip in that crater lake called Hévíz – it’s hot all year ‘round!
So discover Balaton before the crowds arrive… and in no time, you’ll be nicknaming it “Balcsi” (ballchee), like a local!

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