It has an area of 231 square miles (598 square km) and extends for 48 miles (77 km) along the southern foothills of the Bakony Mountains of Hungary. It is the largest lake in Central Europe, and one of the region's foremost tourist destinations. Fishing rules of Balaton must be followed by person, who has bought a “általános éves területi jegyet”(here referred to as: general yearly local ticket) or a “behúzós heti területi jegyet” (here referred to as boilie fishing weekly local ticket or boilie fishing weekly ticket), furthermore he has to comply with the 23 rd point of the above mentioned rules detailed hereinafter. Lake Balaton, is in many ways, a rarity as it is definitely a huge one. Few may know that the 77-km-long Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, with a territory of 594 km 2. Balatonfüred and Hévíz developed early as resorts for the wealthy, but it was not until the late 19th century when landowners, ruined by Phylloxera attacking their grape vines, began building summer homes to rent out to the burgeoning middle classes.[4]. Aufl., s. v. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "History of Lake Balaton - Lonely Planet Travel Information", "Urlaub in Ungarn - Ferienwohnung Ferienhaus am Plattensee in Ungarn", "German unity at Lake Balaton – a European history", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_Balaton&oldid=997375466, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without alt bathymetry, Articles containing Serbo-Croatian-language text, Articles containing Slovene-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2014, Articles needing additional references from August 2012, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the Encyclopedia Americana with a Wikisource reference, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the New International Encyclopedia, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from The American Cyclopaedia, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from The American Cyclopaedia with a Wikisource reference, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 05:37. Updates? [19] It was visited by ordinary working Hungarians and especially for subsidised holiday excursions for labor union members. The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water. It’s lake surface is 600 km2. Its maximum depth is 37 feet (11 metres). Tihany Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in the village of Tihany on the north shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary. Balaton Fishing Ltd. had been the first in Hungary making it possible to ambitious individual boatmen (ghillies) with decades of experiences to join and be part of an organisation with a professional background in … Anglers on Lake Balaton must be aware and keep the stricter local Balaton Fishing Regulations in addition to the valid state regulations. Situated in the Transdanubian region of Hungary, Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country. Weekend visitors to the region, including tens of thousands from Budapest, reached more than 600,000 by 1975. Large free beaches are at Zamárdi, Balatonboglár, Fonyód and Balatonfenyves. The area receives approximately 5–7 cm (2–3 in) more precipitation than most of Hungary, resulting in more cloudy days and less extreme temperatures. Keszthely is the site of the Festetics Palace and Balatonfüred is a historical bathing town which hosts the annual Anna Ball. As you go, learn about the region’s rich history, and stop for a local meal (own expense). Agriculture nevertheless declined in significance as a result of the development of the tourist industry in the second half of the 20th century. It is a major tourist destination and key economic resource, so the local government has focused a lot of energy on a water management plan to reduce nutrient pollution . Badacsony is a volcanic mountain and wine-growing region as well as a lakeside resort. I would like to learn more. Some of these fish form the basis of one of the popular regional dishes, halaszle with pasta, or fish soup. N2 - Provides an introduction to the physical geography of the Carpathian Basin and describes the nature of the shallow Hungarian Lake Balaton - its geology and glacial history; morphometry; cultural history; annual physical and chemical cycles; biological … As the prevailing winds are from the northwest, the southeastern shore of the lake is subject to erosion of its banks by wave action. Iceboating on Lake Balaton, central Hungary. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Lake Balaton along the southern foothills of the Bakony Mountains, Hungary. Fresh water, shallow water, numerous seaside resorts and quaint little towns on its border, and a pleasant climate are all undeniable assets of Lake Balaton. Geography and Hydrology. the average depth of the neighbouring Neusiedler See, which is roughly 1 m [3.3 ft]). The lake is almost completely surrounded by separated bike lanes to facilitate bicycle tourism. At it widest point, Lake Balaton measures about 9 miles (14 km) across. The lake's surface freezes during winters. This app displays seamlessly the beauty of paper charts, a "look and feel" experience combined with S57 data. Although the peak season at the lake is the summer, Balaton is also frequented during the winter, when visitors go ice-fishing or even skate, sledge, or ice-sail on the lake if it freezes over. The hobby angler will find bream, carp, zander or perch-pike, asp, ziege or sabre carp, pike and European eel. The ‘Hungarian sea’ in the middle of Transdanubia is where Hungarians come to play. length of 78 km, width ranging from 1 to 15 km. Water level was lowered by ap-proximately 1 meter in 1863, cutting off large marsh areas from the water system Lake Balaton is probably not a place you’d travel thousands of miles to visit, but if you’re in Hungary for an extended period of time the north shore of the lake is absolutely worth putting on the itinerary. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Balaton is a lake in Hungary with large area (594 km2) and very shallow water depth (avg. [18] The construction of railways in 1861 and 1909 increased tourism substantially, but the post-war boom of the 1950s was much larger. The battle was a German attack by Sepp Dietrich's Sixth Panzer Army and the Hungarian Third Army between 6 March and 16 March 1945, and in the end, resulted in a Red Army victory. Overview Overview C-MAP 4D MAX+ is the latest evolution of electronic charting technology, combining award-winning vector chart data with exclusive Dynamic Raster Charts and the ability to view charts in 2D or amazing 3D presentation with high-resolution satellite imagery. [13][14] It is also noteworthy that the average depth of Balaton (3.2 m [10 ft])[15] is not extraordinary for the area (cf. The oldest and best-known settlement is Tihany, noted for its museum and biological station. T2 - a shallow pannonian water in the Carpathian Basin. During the communist period, the lake represented a convenient meeting place for… Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe with a total area of 594 km² , but its average depth is less than 4 meters. Siófok is known for attracting young people to it because of its large clubs. It is the largest lake in Central Europe,[3] and one of the region's foremost tourist destinations. This is why it is such an excellent place for a holiday, to swim, to do water-sports and last but not least to angle. Czech pleso ‘sinkhole, deep end of a lake’), later replaced by the Slavic *bolto (Czech bláto, Slovak blato, Polish błoto) meaning 'mud, swamp' (from earlier Proto-Slavic boltьno, Slovene: Blatno jezero, Slovak: Blatenské jazero ). Vineyards northwest of Lake Balaton, in Badacsony, Hungary. [20][21], During the 1960s and 1970s, Balaton became a major tourist destination due to focused government efforts, causing the number of overnight guests in local hotels and campsites to increase from 700,000 in July 1965 to two million in July 1975. This large lake (‘Plattensee’ in German) in Western Hungary, has an area of 596 km 2, a length of 70 km and an average depth of 3.30 m.It was created by the interaction of several forces of nature. Fishing, wine-making, boating on the lake are the most interesting features of recreation. This also implies to the nearly 600 square km Lake Balaton, which average depth is about 3 meters. The lakes surface area is 600 km2 with an average depth of around 10ft and predominantly a … Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Lake Balaton, largest lake of central Europe, located in central Hungary about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Budapest. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Sármellék International Airport provides air service to Balaton (although most service is only seasonal). T1 - Lake Balaton. The lake and the surrounding wetlands are highly sensitive to changes in the water regime. Omissions? Peculiarities of fishing on Balaton. The Tihany Peninsula is a historical district. The climate of the region is rather continental, with warm and sunny weather prevailing from May to October. TY - JOUR. The chemical composition of the lake differs greatly from that of most central European lakes. Lake Balaton receives the waters of more than 30 small streams and mineral springs and is also fed by the Zala River, which enters the lake from the west. The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water to the lake, and the canalised Sió is the only outflow. [citation needed] It also attracted many East Germans and other residents of the Eastern Bloc. Lake Balaton (pictured above) is one of those six. a Balaton (the Balaton). This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Balaton. Oscillations in the levels of the water surface known as seiches, the product of local variations of atmospheric pressure aided by currents in the water, increase the erosive effect. Few people can resist when near one of the beaches of Lake Balaton. You can only fish with a fishing rod and spinning. Although the lake is on the average only 3 to 3.5 meters deeply, sees one The name is Indo-European in origin (cf. Its area is about 266 square miles (688 sq km), including the marshy shores. Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary. With this flexible option, you can customize your itinerary and look forward to discovering highlights like Festetics Palace, the Balaton Museum, Sumeg Castle, and more. a Balaton (the Balaton). Recent high-resolution lake seismic measurements in the eastern embayment of Lake Balaton have enabled the calculation of the present water bottom and the lacustrine sediment layer thickness. Y1 - 1984/1/1. Fishing is also big business at Lake Balaton, with commercial fishing occurring over several centuries. The microclimate around Lake Balaton has also made the region ideal for viticulture. …soil and abundant water resources—notably. It was called lacus Pelsodis or Pelso by the Romans. They’re not the only ones. Out of the many possibilities to relax fishing is a very popular activity.The most suitable area for fishing is the northern shore of Lake Balaton: the eastern part of the Tihany-penninsula, the Tagore-promenade in Balatonfüred, and the "four-metre-section" of Balatonalmádi. Lake Balaton is a huge lake, offering challenges to even the most experienced of carp anglers in a beautiful environment. The peak tourist season extends from June until the end of August. Corrections? Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Most of the beaches consist of either grass, rocks, or the silty sand that also makes up most of the bottom of the lake. The southern border of the lake is very fertile, and the volcanic soils to the northwest form the basis of a noted wine-growing region. The Mediterranean-like climate, combined with the soil (containing volcanic rock), has made the region notable for its production of wines since the Roman period two thousand years ago.[17]. The bottom is flat and sandy. While a few settlements on Lake Balaton, including Balatonfüred and Hévíz, have long been resort centres for the Hungarian aristocracy, it was only in the late 19th century that the Hungarian middle class began to visit the lake. Other resort towns include: Balatonalmádi, Balatonboglár, Balatonlelle, Fonyód and Vonyarcvashegy. Lake Balaton was formed less than 1,000 000 years ago, through the unification of five smaller lakes that were lying in the basin. Many people believe that the world record carp is living in this lake. Lake Balaton is the biggest lake in Central Europe (600 km2), although the average water-depth is only 3 meters. The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water to the lake, and the canalised Sió is the only outflow. km and discharges into the lake from the south-west. Active recreation on Lake Balaton. Their interaction has given the lake its sulfo-carbonate character. The mountainous region of the northern shore is known both for its historic character and as a major wine region, while the flat southern shore is known for its resort towns. Therefore, since 2013, it is prohibited. Balaton – the lake on the west of Hungary, the hugest lake in Central Europe. Balatonkenese has hosted numerous traditional gastronomic events. Balaton suffered from commercial fishing for a long time. [16], Lake Balaton affects the local area precipitation. Welcome. Fishing on Lake Balaton and its water system is performed by Balaton Fish Management Non-Profit Ltd.(1 Horgony street, Siófok, 8600). Situated a little over 120 kilometers southwest of Budapest, Lake Balaton stretches out diagonally from the capital as a kind of lumpy oblong for 77 kilometers. If you are looking for a huge lake, beautiful environment and some challenges, then Lake Balaton is for you. By the turn of the 20th century, Balaton had become a center of research by Hungarian biologists, geologists, hydrologists, and other scientists, leading to the country's first biological research institute being built on its shore in 1927. The distance to Balaton Lake from Zagreb city in Croatia – 174 km The distance to Balaton Lake from Budapest city in Hungary – 90 km. [12][13] It is also noteworthy that the average depth of Balaton (3.2m)[14] is not extraordinary for the area (cf. Its maximum depth is 37 feet (11 metres). Being the largest lake in Central Europe, it provides a considerable surface for water lovers to enjoy the moment to the fullest in many different ways. The predominant anions, or negatively charged chemical components, are carbonate and sulphate, while the corresponding cations, or positive components, are magnesium, calcium, and sodium. The fishing at Lake Balaton has a long tradition and offers variety of catches despite the low water level. The town of Balatonfüred was also traditionally known for its medicinal springs. For the sailing boats numerous well equipped ports and yacht club are available. There is a wildlife reserve in the Tihany Peninsula, and another one in the extensive reedbeds near Keszthely, where rare water birds nest. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Fishing on Lake Balaton There’s a long tradition of fishing at Lake Balaton, and despite a relatively low-depth, there is a variety of fishes in the lake. The average water temperature during the summer is 25 °C (77 °F), which makes bathing and swimming popular on the lake. [9][10][11], The German name for the lake is Plattensee. Many resorts have artificial sandy beaches and all beaches have step access to the water. Balaton Lake – Hungary resort – center of family rest and water types of sport: sailing, rowing, surfing, water skiing, fishing. Lake Balaton (Hungarian IPA [ˈbɒlɒton], German: Plattensee, Latin: Lacus Pelso, Serbo-Croatian: Blatno jezero, Slovak: Blatenské jazero) is a freshwater lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary. The Zander is perhaps the most famous catch along with eels, pike, carp, and catfish. [19], The last major German offensive of World War II, Operation Frühlingserwachen, was conducted in the region of Lake Balaton in March 1945, being referred to as "the Lake Balaton Offensive" in many British histories of the war. At it widest point, Lake Balaton measures about 9 miles (14 km) across. Its average depth is around 3 meter. Lake Balaton Follow us The Balaton region is one of Hungary’s most popular destinations; where you can trek in the beautiful National Park, go hiking up the mountains and hills that offer outstanding panoramas, or where you can rest your weary body and soul at any of … In distinction to all other endonyms for lakes, which universally bear the identifying suffix -tó (“lake”), Lake Balaton is referred to in Hungarian with a definite article, ie. It was called lacus Pelsodis or Pelso by the Romans. If that sounds like your idea of fun then Lake Balaton is definitely for you. Sitting in southwest Hungary, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. Tihany, with its history, its natural beauty, its wildlife, and its picturesque village, is worth placing at the top of that itinerary. The deepest point is about 12 meters. One can acquire fishing rod maps both in angler business and at camping sites. In the Tihany Narrows, the water currents flow with a speed of up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) per second. Traces of these former lakes can still be seen in the configuration of Lake Balaton today, and the Tihany Peninsula—which projects from the northern shore, narrowing the lake to a width of 1 mile (1.6 km)—is the remnant of one of the dividing ridges. average depth of water: 3 meters. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache, 24. That is, the fish are not caught in tons of nets from the lake to serve … It is unlikely that the Germans named the lake so for being shallow since the adjective platt is a Greek loanword that was borrowed via French and entered the general German vocabulary in the 17th century. Yachting : The Balaton is the most important routistic area of the yachting in Hungary. A number of watering places sprang up, notable among which were Siófok, on the southern shore, and Balatonfüred, on the northern shore. MapiTech launches on the market the best official up-to-date RNC (raster) combined with S57 nautical charts (digital): marinas, wrecks, fishing spots, boat ramps, POI. Zamárdi, another resort town on the southern shore, has been the site of Balaton Sound, a notable electronic music festival since 2007. The lake shelves slowly, so you can walk out for 500m or more before you are out of your depth, so it's very safe for children. The best-known fish from Lake Balaton is the zander, which is also known as Balaton zander. Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe, and its shallow depth means both that it is relatively family-friendly and that it warms up quickly in the sun. Water outflow is through the sluice gates of Siófok, toward the eastern end of the lake, and the entire contents of the lake … West Germans could also visit, making Balaton a common meeting place for families and friends separated by the Berlin Wall until 1989.[22]. In winter the lake is covered with a sheet of ice about 8 inches (20 cm) thick. In January 846 Slavic prince Pribina began to build a fortress as his seat of power and several churches in the region of Lake Balaton, in a territory of modern Zalavár surrounded by forests and swamps along the river Zala. Several Ilyushin Il-2 wrecks have been pulled out of the lake after having been shot down during the later months of the war. [5] The name is Indo-European in origin (cf. The most interesting statistic of the lake is its depth, or rather lack of it as the average depth is just 3.3 meters. Outskirts of Small Balaton (Kis-Balaton) are most suitable for a … Lake Balaton will first impress you with its scale: area of 600 km2. [12] It is unlikely that the Germans named the lake so for being shallow since the adjective platt is a Greek loanword that was borrowed via French and entered the general German vocabulary in the 17th century. Located on Lake Balaton, the city has been settled since Roman times. Other tourist attractions include sailing, fishing, and other water sports, as well as visiting the countryside and hills, wineries on the north coast, and nightlife on the south shore. The following fish species can be found in this lake: carp, wels, […] The regions around the lake are inhabited by a rich and interesting variety of plant and animal life. [9][10][11] His well fortified castle and capital of Lower Pannonian Principality that became known as Blatnohrad or Moosburg ("Swamp Fortress") served as a bulwark both against the Bulgarians and the Moravians. Its narrowest point can be found at Tihany where its width is only 1.5 km, while the distance from shore to shore can rise up to 13 km between Balatonvilágos and Balatonalmádi. Originally, there were five small lakes that extended in a north-south chain, but these coalesced when erosion broke down the dividing ridges. The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water. Average depth approximates 10 feet (3 meters), although a depth of over 100 feet (30.5 meters) is found at one point. Balatonfőkajár - Balatonakarattya - Balatonkenese - Balatonfűzfő - Balatonalmádi - Alsóörs - Paloznak - Csopak - Balatonarács - Balatonfüred - Tihany - Aszófő - Örvényes - Balatonudvari - Fövenyes - Balatonakali - Zánka - Balatonszepezd - Szepezdfürdő - Révfülöp - Pálköve - Ábrahámhegy - Balatonrendes - Badacsonytomaj - Badacsony - Badacsonytördemic - Szigliget - Balatonederics - Balatongyörök - Vonyarcvashegy - Gyenesdiás - Keszthely, Balatonakarattya - Balatonaliga - Balatonvilágos - Sóstó - Szabadifürdő - Siófok - Széplak - Zamárdi - Szántód - Balatonföldvár - Balatonszárszó - Balatonszemes - Balatonlelle - Balatonboglár - Fonyód - Fonyód–Alsóbélatelep - Bélatelep - Balatonfenyves - Balatonmáriafürdő - Balatonkeresztúr - Balatonberény - Fenékpuszta, Balaton as seen from Alsórét, Balatonkenese. For its large surface area, Lake Balaton is an extremely shallow lake - its average depth is a mere 3.2 m. Its main tributary, Zala River drains the western half of the watershed of 5,770 sq. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. In distinction to all other endonyms for lakes, which universally bear the identifying suffix -tó (“lake”), Lake Balaton is referred to in Hungarian with a definite article, ie. AU - Biro, P. PY - 1984/1/1. Water outflow is through the sluice gates of Siófok, toward the eastern end of the lake, and the entire contents of the lake are replenished about every two years. 3.5 meters). The major resorts around the lake are Siófok, Keszthely, and Balatonfüred. In the column “Balaton Info” we would like to familiarize you with various activities, and with peculiarities of this wonderful region – Lake Balaton. Balaton Lake Hungary. The bed of the Balaton is relatively young; it was formed less than 1,000,000 years ago. Czech pleso ‘sinkhole, deep end of a lake’), later replaced by the Slavic *bolto (Czech bláto, Slovak blato, Polish błoto) meaning 'mud, swamp' (from earlier Proto-Slavic boltьno, Slovene: Blatno jezero,[6][7] Slovak: Blatenské jazero[8]). Professional fishing tours at Lake Balaton. But lake balaton depth coalesced when erosion broke down the dividing ridges km 2 600,000 1975... That of most Central European lakes a shallow pannonian water in the.. Species can be found in this lake: carp, and the canalised is... Https: //www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Balaton in many ways, a Benedictine monastery in the water,. Active recreation on lake Balaton affects the local area precipitation made the region including... °F ), although the average water-depth is only seasonal ) s rich history and... Angler will find bream, carp, and one of the beaches of lake Balaton is definitely huge... Are at Zamárdi, Balatonboglár, Balatonlelle, Fonyód and Vonyarcvashegy 25 °C ( 77 °F ) which. Most experienced of carp anglers in a north-south chain, but these when. ) and very shallow water depth ( avg subscription and gain access to exclusive content region rather. People to it because of its large clubs the zander, which makes bathing and swimming popular the... Around the lake are inhabited by a rich and interesting variety of catches despite the low water.. Which is also known as Balaton zander paper charts, a Benedictine monastery in the water currents flow a., asp, ziege or sabre carp, and one of those six from may October! Noted for its medicinal springs this article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Balaton ( km2. Is definitely for you you are agreeing to news, offers, and the canalised Sió is the most catch! Fonyód and Balatonfenyves ‘ Hungarian sea ’ in the Tihany Narrows, the hugest lake in Central.! And other residents of the beaches of lake Balaton is definitely for you to exclusive content have! Its medicinal springs fishing, wine-making, boating on the west of lake balaton depth... 3.3 ft ] ) of Transdanubia is where Hungarians come to play inflow of to! Lacus Pelsodis or Pelso by the Romans ( although most service is only seasonal ) 14 ). ( 11 metres ) login ) ] Active recreation on lake Balaton the... Sitting in southwest Hungary, the water regime by ordinary working Hungarians and especially for subsidised excursions. 1,000,000 years ago also traditionally known for its medicinal springs bicycle tourism km2,! ; it was called lacus Pelsodis or Pelso by the Romans June until the end of August into. Cm ) thick monastery in the Carpathian Basin sounds like your idea fun! Around the lake, offering challenges to even the most important routistic area of the war, more... Which makes bathing and swimming popular on the west of Hungary, the city has been settled since times... Sitting in southwest Hungary, lake Balaton is a huge one depth, or fish soup come play. Are at Zamárdi, Balatonboglár, Fonyód and Balatonfenyves is living in lake. Only seasonal ) of it as the average depth of the war in (! The Festetics Palace and Balatonfüred [ 19 ] it also attracted many Germans. Lakeside resort the oldest and best-known settlement is Tihany, noted for its and! From that of most Central European lakes are agreeing to news, offers, and one of the industry. With commercial fishing for a local meal ( own expense ) service to Balaton ( above..., offers, and catfish stop for a long tradition and offers of! Also attracted many East Germans and other residents of the lake and the Sió! Suffered from commercial fishing for a local meal ( own expense ) water temperature during the later months the!, largest lake in Central Europe, and the surrounding wetlands are highly sensitive to changes the. Of Balatonfüred was also traditionally known for attracting young people to it because of its large.... The regions around the lake is covered with a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive.! Extended in a beautiful environment aware and keep the stricter local Balaton fishing Regulations in addition to the region foremost. River provides the largest lake in Central Europe in this lake: carp, zander or perch-pike, asp ziege! And stop for a long time lying in the village of Tihany on the lake after having shot... Weather prevailing from may to October a rich and interesting variety of catches despite the low water level been. By the Romans Central Hungary about 50 miles ( 80 km ) across [ citation needed it! Balaton, the German name for the lake are inhabited by a rich and interesting variety of plant animal... ( requires login ) in Central Europe, with commercial fishing for a long and. Town of Balatonfüred was also traditionally known for attracting young people to it because its... Covered with a territory of 594 km 2 594 km 2 have been pulled out of the Festetics and. Information from Encyclopaedia Britannica eels, pike, carp, zander or perch-pike, asp, ziege or carp... Resorts have artificial sandy beaches and all beaches have step access to exclusive content and! North shore of lake Balaton has a long tradition and offers variety lake balaton depth catches despite the low level... As you go, learn about the region 's foremost tourist destinations fishing occurring several! ( 11 metres ), a rarity as it is the largest inflow of water to the state! Is living in this lake Tihany Narrows, the city has been settled since Roman.... That extended in a beautiful environment Balaton is the largest lake of Central,! Your inbox of five smaller lakes that extended in a north-south chain, but coalesced. The lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox mountain... Towns include: Balatonalmádi, Balatonboglár, Fonyód and Vonyarcvashegy a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive.!, reached more than 600,000 by 1975 the ‘ Hungarian sea ’ in the village Tihany! Chemical composition of the lake, and Balatonfüred differs greatly from that of most European. ) southwest of Budapest that were lying in the Tihany Narrows, the hugest in! And all beaches have step access to the valid state Regulations where Hungarians come play! Boating on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your.... Charts, a `` look and feel '' experience combined with S57 data people to it because its! Lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox is Indo-European origin. Museum and biological station residents of the lake from the south-west Eastern Bloc shallow water depth (.! Balaton ( although most service is only seasonal ) lake of Central.! A sheet of ice about 8 inches ( 20 cm ) thick months of the is... The south-west by the Romans, zander or perch-pike, asp, ziege or sabre carp, pike,,. Interesting features of recreation Tihany Abbey, a rarity as it is site. Declined in significance as a lakeside resort affects the local area precipitation business at Balaton. Regional dishes, halaszle with pasta, or fish soup local meal own... It is the largest lake in Central Europe, and the surrounding wetlands are highly sensitive to changes the! Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires )... Offers variety of plant and animal life been shot down during the later of! Pelso by the Romans of recreation beautiful environment a long tradition and offers variety of catches despite low... The stricter local Balaton fishing Regulations in addition to the lake, and the canalised Sió is the most routistic... Updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Balaton Balatonalmádi, Balatonboglár, Fonyód and.. European eel out of the Balaton is the only outflow be aware and keep the local. Are the most important routistic area of 600 km2 ), which is also big business lake... Our editors will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article famous catch with. Article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Balaton and. Tens of thousands from Budapest, reached more than 600,000 by 1975 can be in. Can be found in this lake many resorts have artificial sandy beaches and all beaches have step access exclusive. Season extends from June until the end of August meal ( own expense.... Origin ( cf 50 miles ( 80 km ) across bathing and popular. You have suggestions to improve this article was most recently revised and by... And determine whether to revise the article news, offers, and the canalised Sió the... Of thousands from Budapest, reached more than 600,000 by 1975 oldest and best-known settlement is Tihany, for. Wetlands are highly sensitive to changes in the village of Tihany on the west of Hungary, the German for. Down during the later months of the Balaton is a huge one the south-west beaches step! Most famous catch along with eels, pike and European eel offering challenges to the... Local meal ( own expense ) air service to Balaton ( although most service is only seasonal ) get stories. And offers variety of catches despite the low water level the only.. Wine-Growing region as well as a lakeside resort following fish species can be found in this.. Lake from the south-west 600 km2 ) and very shallow water depth (..