The Hungarian Lake Balaton is surrounded by legends. According to one of them, on its bottom is the altar of the church, before which, because of unhappy love, the girl is crying inconsolably. And as long as tears flow from her eyes, this lake will never dry up.
Balaton is a well-known place all over Europe, where you can have a great rest with your whole family. This is the largest European lake - milk-white waters stretch for 80 kilometers. At the bottom - sand, so the sun very quickly heats the water. By the way, thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the water temperature is sometimes higher than the air temperature.
The lake was popular even in the times of Ancient Rome. Closer to our days, aristocrats built on the coast resorts with mineral springs. The lake was a closed territory for ordinary mortals. In socialist Hungary, prominent officials and "golden youth" stayed here. But now Balaton is open to all.
Healing procedures
Thanks to its medicinal properties, the lake has become one of the centers of sanatorium-and-spa treatment. The health resorts of the local capital of Balatonfüred specialize in cardiology, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. If you just walk along the shore of the lake, you can find many sources of mineral water. Drink - I do not want.
Here, in the vicinity, there is the National Park of the Pribalton Upland. Its volcanic landscape left behind from ancient times craters, geysers, cooled volcanoes. There are many birds and rare animals that are under state protection. The air in the park is amazing, it perfectly helps in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system. Doctors recommend.
Entertainment
For holidaymakers, this real expanse. Local residents and tourists have chosen a lake shore for picnics, games of tennis, football. Extreme sports are surfing and water skiing. Contemplators slowly catch a pike.
With the entertainment in the Lake Balaton everything is in order. On the shores of the lake are several cities (Siofok, Keszthely, Balatonfured), where you can see the sights, wander through the alleys, go to the old churches. For example, in Keszthely there is a palace of Feshtchetich - one of the biggest estates of Hungary, around which a beautiful park is broken.
On the south coast are scattered beaches that are filled to capacity all summer long. There is an atmosphere of constant fun, flavored disco and light alcohol. Most students come here, who want to get the most out of their vacations.
Tourists with families often choose the northern shore. Here there are small villages known for their vineyards. These areas are literally created for large ripe grapes and delicious wines. It is cheap enough, so tourists at first simply do not believe their happiness - because of the availability of alcohol.
In the summer, from July to August, on the north coast is the festival "Valley of the Arts". Within 10 days, author's films, theater productions, musical groups, poets, artists are exhibited here - in general, creative life is boiling.
How to get here
What else is good is Lake Balaton - the lake is located relatively near the Hungarian capital of Budapest. On the fast train, you can get here in 2-2, 5 hours. On his car even faster. So you can go round the whole lake during the day and stop wherever you like.
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| and an eventful vacation on Lake Balaton! |