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3. Hungary
4. Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and the most popular vacation region in Hungary. Lining both shores of its 48-mile (77km) stretch are many towns and resorts, and the north and south shores are distinctly different in character offering something for everyone.

The south shore is thronged by a string of characterless holiday resorts and high-rise buildings where crowds of young people congregate for a hedonistic holiday of sun and fun. Besides the pretty beaches and good swimming, there are numerous land and water-based activities, and at night the discos pulse until the early hours. Siófok is the largest and busiest resort that dominates the southern shore during the summer months, but is completely dead in winter.

The southern edges of the lake include the Golden and Silver Shore beaches (Aranypart and Ezüstpart). Breaking away from the beach life tourists can take a walk down either Beszédes and Petõfi promenades. The Lutheran Church in Oulu Park is also a notable attraction. A short day excursion to the nearby town of Zamárdi and a visit to the towns Ethnographic Museum are well worth the effort.

By contrast the northern shore has limited waterfront development due to its deeper, colder waters and reed beds; its attractions are of an historical and cultural nature rather than activity-centred. Although there are resorts here, it is a destination for those travellers looking for less ostentatious showiness, rather more in the way of scenery, interesting towns and sights, and mineral spas, complemented by the fine wines from the nearby hills of Badacsony. Many of the villages on the shores of the lake have a number of medieval ruins and fortresses.

The oldest and most popular spa resort is Balantonfüred, with an easygoing sophistication and relaxed atmosphere. Jutting out into the lake and almost joining the northern and southern shores is the Tihany Peninsula, which has an old Benedictine Abbey in the quaint town and is surrounded by a nature reserve, which many consider to be the most beautiful place on the lake. To the west and marking the end of the northern shore is the interesting town of Keszthely with its Baroque Festetics Palace which was built in 1745 on the foundations of a ruined castle.

Lake Balaton has been a popular recreation area since the Roman times when the aristocracy built villas and set up health spas here. It was also a famous winegrowing region and the graceful rolling hills, cool water and warm sunshine still provide the perfect setting and climate for both vacations and vineyards.

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