Perched on the north shore of Lake Balaton, Balatonfüred is a fashionable spa town in Hungary’s west. It features a yacht-filled marina and tree-lined streets dotted with elaborate villas, as well as a world-renowned heart hospital dating back to the late 19th century.
Things to do in Balatonfüred
At the heart of Balatonfüred is Gyógy Square, which is home to the historic State Hospital of Cardiology. It’s also here that you’ll find the 1853 Kossuth Pump House where you can taste the town’s slightly sulphuric thermal water. Learn about some of the famous names who have been cured here at the Balaton Pantheon, including the renowned Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore, after whom the town’s lakeside promenade is named.
The Mór Jókai Memorial House is one of the most attractive villas in Balatonfüred, where the Hungarian author Mór Jókai and his wife spent their summers in the late 19th century. It was here that he wrote one of his most famous novels, “The Man with the Golden Touch”, with the villa’s period-furnished rooms now open to the public as a museum.
Not only is Balatonfüred considered the yachting capital of Lake Balaton but it’s also a hub for a range of water sports. You can rent paddle boards and sailboats along the shore, with no motorised equipment ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. If you prefer to stay dry, you can explore the hiking trails that wind through the surrounding hills and vineyards while enjoying the scenic lake views.
Getting around Balatonfüred
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is just under two hours’ drive from Balatonfüred, with regular trains connecting from the Hungarian capital. Ferries travel to towns around Lake Balaton while bicycle paths make it easy to explore on two wheels. Due to its compact size and promenades, Balatonfüred is a pedestrian-friendly town.