Most holiday-makers visit Lake Balaton to have a swim, but the weather will not always be suitable for that. It is worth having a plan B for rainy days, so we have collected a few destinations for you to explore, each promising a fulfilling and instructive experience. Do not despair, Siófok and its neighbouring area have a wealth of cultural activities on offer.

 

On a rainy day, explore the cultural offer of the Siófok area

Emmerich Kálmán Memorial Home

Emmerich Kálmán, the ‘King of Operettas’ was born in Siófok. The house of his birth is now a museum. It is located on the promenade named after him, and has a selection of his personal items on display. The collection includes some very valuable pieces, such as the composer’s own piano. A visit to the museum is an excellent option on a rainy day.

 

Calling all operetta lovers

The town commemorates the 140th anniversary of the composer’s birth in 2022 with a colourful range of programmes to delight visitors. The Emmerich Kálmán Cultural Centre has a whole year’s worth of themed events, including panel discussions with operetta stars such as Marika Oszvald, Bori Kállay, Trixi Teremi, Andrea Zsadon and Tibor Szolnoki. The discussions are accompanied by a culinary show, which involves the preparation of one of Emmerich Kálmán’s favourite dishes that attendees also get to try for themselves. In the autumn, a week-log festival called Emmerich Kálmán Memorial Days is a must-see for those who want to hear the composer’s most popular works.

 

In search of cultural attractions

If  you are hungry for yet more culture, pop over to Balatonszemes, only a 30-minute drive from Siófok, and visit the Latinovits Memorial House. The permanent exhibition is based on the collection of the National Theatre Historical Museum and Institute, and introduces Zoltán Latinovits, one of the greatest Hungarian actors of the second half of the 20th century. The exhibition provides a glimpse into his creed as a human being and as an actor and into his career, cut painfully short, through a selection of his writings, photos and professional documents. Visits are by prior arrangement.

Balatonszemes also hosts the annual István Bujtor Film Festival every August.

 

“My heart was tortured as the train pulled out”

This is a line from a poem written by Attila József a year before his death, while he was staying in Balatonszárszó. There are a number of venues in the town that commemorate the time the poet spent there, as well as his death. During a rainy day, why not visit the Attila József Guest House, which is located in the building of the former Horváth Guest House. It is from here that Attila József set off on what was to be his last walk on 3 December 1937. The museum welcomes visitors with an exciting, interactive exhibition, which provides an in-depth introduction to the personality of this outstanding poet.

While you are here, it is well worth taking a 2-minute detour by car to visit the Attila József Memorial right by the railway tracks where he died.

 

Jókai Memorial House

On the other side of Lake Balaton, right across Siófok, lies Balatonfüred, which is the home of the Mór Jókai Memorial House. Any literature-lover should definitely visit. Jókai was the greatest Hungarian author of the 19th century and, along with his wife Róza Laborfalvy, often visited Balatonfüred before buying a plot of land and a holiday home here, which is now open to the public. The easiest way to reach Balatonfüred from Siófok  is to take the ferry. During the summer, the ferry leaves Szántód for Tihany every 40 minutes. Then just turn northwards, Balatonfüred is only a 10-minute drive away.

 

Tihany is unmissable

Although Tihany has less to offer in terms of a rich literary history, it is nevertheless one of the most important destinations in the region for its wealth of cultural, historical and aesthetic attractions. The Benedictine Abbey of Tihany is open to visitors all year round, and provides an unforgettable experience. The abbey’s museum hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a range of exciting programmes. Visit their website to stay up to date on what is on. The abbey boasts a Baroque church, and a wide range of wines and culinary delicacies are also on offer.

 

 

Day trip on a rainy day: the Csapody Mansion

Perhaps not the most obvious suggestion for a rainy day, but visiting the Csapody Mansion in Ádánd is an absolute treat to those who delight in taking a stroll amongst the relics of bygone days. The Baroque building, which also displays Neoclassical features, is currently vacant, but visit its park for the majestic trees that are 100 to 150 years old.

 

If you absolutely want to go for a swim on a rainy day

If you are visiting Lake Balaton, the lake is far from the only place where you can go for a swim. There are countless thermal and experience spas in the vicinity, so you can enjoy the water even when the weather is rainy or slightly cooler. Galerius Experience Centre in Siófok is one such venue, which offers fun activities as well as relaxation and a range of wellness services to young and older visitors. The spa is currently closed for refurbishment, so make sure to check opening hours before setting off to avoid disappointment.

 

 

Lake Balaton attracts not just swimmers but also anglers. Fishing in Lake Balaton can be a fantastic experience, and although it is not permitted everywhere, there are plenty of opportunities for the avid angler.

Locals know all the places where fishing is permitted but tourists have to do their homework before arriving to avoid having to wander around endlessly to find the right spot.

 

Fishing in Lake Balaton

Fishing is not permitted at the campsite in order to protect bathers, but we have put together a handy guide for you on fishing in Lake Balaton.

 

What are the prerequisites of fishing in Lake Balaton?

Thankfully, this is no longer a difficult question to answer because a few years ago Balaton Fish Management, a non-profit organisation, set up a database that anyone can use to display on a map the sections of the beach where fishing is permitted.

The Lake Balaton Fishing Tourism Database was created so that the countless tourists who visit the Hungarian Sea each year should have easily accessible information, and anglers on holiday should also be able to enjoy their hobby.

Click here to see the database »

The sections of the beach where fishing is permitted are highlighted in red on the satellite map, but it also shows fishing licence sale points, boat hire shops and shipways. In Siófok, for example, fishing is permitted at the Gold Coast public beach all year long, but during the summer swimming season fishing is only allowed in a way that does not interfere with bathing. (This rule only applies to the side of the Gold Coast that lies east of Hermann Ottó Street.)

 

IMPORTANT!

Please make sure to throw your catch and fish parts in the designated bins so as not to inconvenience the other guests.

 

 

Fishing licences for tourists

Like anything else, fishing has its own rules. The current Lake Balaton fishing regulations have been effective since 1 February 2022. For more detail, visit the websites below:

The rules of fishing in Lake Balaton »

Licence prices for fishing in Lake Balaton »

 

Essential information and regulations for tourists:

Visitors to Lake Balaton need a tourist licence, which anyone with a national licence can purchase. This licence is valid for the same area as the beach licence, which means:

• Beach licences permit the holder to fish from the lakeside up to 1,500 metres into the water or from onboard an unregistered waterborne vessel (they are not valid for long-distance fishing).

With a tourist licence, you may use 1 rod, and catch no more than 3 ‘restricted’ fish. Up to 2 of these may be of the same species, but you may not catch more than 10 kgs of any one species.

It is also important to note that fish are marked for research purposes throughout the catchment area of Lake Balaton. If you catch a marked fish, you must send an email to Balaton Fish Management at halorzes@balatonihal.hu, recording the mark and weight of the fish, as well as the time and place of your catch.

Naturally, there are size and quantity restrictions in effect for certain species, and you must also observe seasonal bans. A useful table summarising all the relevant information is available on the website of Balaton Fish Management.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the restrictions in detail in order to avoid a penalty.

 

Restrictions on angling methods

Long-distance angling is only permitted with the appropriate local licence (valid for either 7 days or 72 hours). Long-distance angling is defined as fishing in a way that the distance between the hook and the rod is not determined solely by casting but enhanced by some sort of equipment, such as a boat, a bait boat or other approved vehicle, or by wading into the water or swimming to the fishing spot.

Bait boats are PROHIBITED, except if you hold a valid long-distance angling licence and you have a valid registration.

 

Experience fishing

To some, angling is a solitary activity because they enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, but other like to go fishing together. You can join an organised fishing trip in Siófok, even from aboard a boat, which is an excellent activity for the whole family.

Click here to visit the Balaton Pro website »

 

The fish do not bite at the campsite

Fishing is prohibited at the campsite, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy fishing in Lake Balaton. You will find plenty of beach sections and jetties close to the campsite where you can enjoy your hobby during your holiday.

It is well known, however, that fish goes off quickly, especially during the summer months. Please clear away all fish and fish parts after yourself carefully so as not to inconvenience other holiday-makers. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Click here to see the campsite rules »

 

Activities for the children and great experiences for the whole family

We all love summer, and not just because the sun is finally out, we are no longer cold, and all we need to wear is something light but also because it is the time to gather the memories that will sustain us for the rest of the year. We all plan our holidays with great anticipation, and they are often the best days of the whole year. Are you the same?

If you are, it is well worth making the absolute most of the opportunities summer offers. Pick holiday and day trip destinations where you can be outdoors as much as possible, participate in interesting activities, and have some fun on the way. Aranypart Camping offers all this and more. Unforgettable experiences, guaranteed.

There is simply no better place for a family holiday than a campsite. Why? Well, you can participate in a number of activities here that are equally fun for the children and the adults. Aranypart Camping offers a wide range of extras that guarantee a memorable holiday to all.

 

Animacik – Aranypart Camping Balaton Siófok

Activities for children

We all know it is pretty much impossible to satisfy a child’s every desire, especially when they are surrounded by many exciting things. This is equally true while on holiday, a time when most parents tend to be a bit more lenient.

Professional animators can transport children into a world of wonder. Aranypart Camping offers a range of activities for children all summer long. In the morning, they can try their hand at crafts and create all sort of marvels or, if they are feeling brave, they can join our races, waterside competitions, the mermaid school and underwater fun programmes.

In the early evening, they can enjoy the mini disco and quiz before bedtime.

The Animacik team of animators are in charge of organising fun and games. They understand children very well, and have many years of experience in making family holidays more enjoyable.

Click here for the daily timetable of activities »

 

Relaxation and regeneration for the adults

After a year of stress and hard work, there is nothing quite like lying in the sun, closing your eyes, and listening to the murmur of the water and the sounds of nature. Well, actually, it can get even better than that.

How about ending the day with an evening sauna session, then having a splash in Lake Balaton against the beautiful sunset? Sounds good, doesn’t it? Or maybe you would prefer to indulge yourself by enjoying a pleasant massage or two that you have missed out on in the busy working weeks. At our campsite, you can do either. The mobile sauna and massage facilities guarantee total regeneration.

Click here to see the sauna session timetable »

We all love summer, and not just because the sun is finally out, we are no longer cold, and all we need to wear is something light but also because it is the time to gather the memories that will sustain us for the rest of the year. We all plan our holidays with great anticipation, and they are often the best days of the whole year. Are you the same?

If you are, it is well worth making the absolute most of the opportunities summer offers. Pick holiday and day trip destinations where you can be outdoors for as long as possible, participate in interesting activities, and have some fun on the way.

Aranypart Camping offers all this and more. Unforgettable experiences, guaranteed.

 

Sports and active holidays

Exercising together fills the body with happiness. Children need a lot of physical activity anyway, and adults will also enjoy joining in fun games. Our campsite offers endless possibilities to do so.

Why not try our range of activities and do something fun together? Aqua fitness for the whole family, a friendly match of football or volleyball, or a bike trip around Lake Balaton will refresh both body and soul, and is an excellent opportunity for some quality family time.

If you feel like having some exercise or relaxing without the family, you can join group exercise classes every morning at 10. Each day, a different type of exercise is on offer, from yoga to Zumba to strength training and stretching.

 

What else is there to do at the campsite?

On top of the activities and organised events, camping itself is, of course, the real joy. Doing it by Lake Balaton makes it all the more enjoyable.

Have a dip in the lake in the morning, enjoy corn on the cob, try some water sports, then spend the afternoon in the open, build a fire and cook something over it or just sit on the terrace with your loved ones: this is the stuff some of our most cherished holiday memories are made of.

 

Find new friends at the campsite

You can enjoy many of our activities and games alongside other guests at the campsite. The children can find playmates and adults can enjoy others’ company, too. You can meet lots of new people and have fun together at the quizzes, folk dancing, various competitions and the evening beach party.

 

 

 

 

When you hear ‘Balaton’, think of two things: the lake and the wine

When talking about Balaton wines, we first have to introduce the ‘terroir’, i.e. the area where these wines are cultivated. The Balaton wine region is one of Hungary’s six wine regions, a well-delineated area that produces quite similar wines.

 

Wine district or wine region?

Be careful not to confuse wine regions with wine districts. A region is a larger area that encompasses a number of districts, each with its slightly different characteristics. The Balaton wine region comprises the following wine districts: Badacsony, Balatonboglár, Balaton Uplands, Balatonfüred and Csopak, Nagy-somló and Zala.

 

General characteristics of Balaton wines

First of all, white wines are absolutely predominant because the local climate favours grapes that produce acidic, fruity and fresh wines. Although wines intended for immediate consumption, produced using reduction technology, continue to predominate, the range of aged wines has been widening, and an increasing number of wineries are producing excellent wines from red grapes. Thanks to the warming climate, the region is now much better suited for red grape varieties that require ample sunshine, such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot.

Talking of the climate, it is worth noting that the northern and southern sides of Lake Balaton are usually considered quite different when it comes to wine growing. The amount of sugar stored in the grapes increases as one moves further to the south, and this is reflected in the alcohol and glycerol content of the finished product. The volcanic soil lends a mineral character to local wines, along with an occasional saltiness.

 

 

Which wines to try?

 

Olaszrizling

It will not come as a surprise that olaszrizling (Welshriesling) is the number one grape variety around Lake Balaton. It is the most planted grape in this region, and it thrives in the local conditions. Its slightly bitter flavour recalls almonds, and is well complemented by minerals, white fruits and, occasionally, floral notes. Most wineries produce very high-quality wines from this variety, which are definitely worth trying, and will help erase the memory of the mass-produced olaszrizlings of the Communist era.

 

Furmint

Most people associate furmint with the Tokaj wine region, but an increasing number of wineries around Lake Balaton also cultivate it. It used to be widely planted not just in Tokaj but all across Hungary. Furmint grapes can adapt well to local conditions, and delicately display local characteristics, so the furmint wines you will find around lake Balaton show fresher minerality, and the pear and apple notes that characterise furmint are also more pronounced here.

 

Kéknyelű

An ancient Hungarian variety, sadly not especially widely planted. It is most closely associated with Lake Balaton, and produces rich wines. Wine connoisseurs should definitely try barrel-aged kéknyelű, which is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

 

Sparkling wines

The local climate is ideal for producing sparkling wines from the local varieties. Be prepared to pay between HUF 3,500 and HUF 10,000 for a bottle from a small winery that does not mass-produce, but these will be the ideal choice to clink glasses with at an important celebration or on a special night.

 

Aromatic wines

Irsai Olivér is one of the most fashionable wines at the moment, especially during the summer months. Its fragrance resembles perfumes and muscat, which contributes to its wide appeal. There are plenty of places around Lake Balaton to try this variety. In addition to Irsai, those who enjoy fragrant, aromatic wines should also try Tramini (Gewürztraminer) and Cserszegi fűszeres.

 

Red wines by Lake Balaton

If you have your mind set on drinking red wine, try one of the local varieties, such as Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) or Kadarka. Pinot Noir also thrives in the local climate, and many wineries use it to produce rosé wines. You cannot go wrong with picking up one of these varieties.

Visitors to Aranypart Camping will be interested to learn that while Siófok is not exactly famous for its viticulture, if you would like to try local wines you only have to travel as far as Balatonkiliti or  Zamárdi, which both boast rows of old wine cellars where guests can enjoy a wide range of excellent wines.

Visit the campsite restaurant to try the best Balaton wines »