Lake Balaton - North

Boat rides are offered in the Tapolcai-tavasbarlang, which also features a guided exhibition about karst. Hegyestű is a 337-metre-high mountain between Zánka and Monoszló. Badacsony lies on the northern shore of Lake Balaton in Veszprém County, opposite the town of Fonyód. Cultural attractions include the Herend Porcelain Museum and Sümeg Castle; in Eplény, the SkiArena Vibe Park offers a ski system with a total length of 7,984 metres.

The Tapolcai-tavasbarlang is part of a cave system beneath the town that has so far been explored over a length of 14.6 kilometres. The boat rides and the guided exhibition “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”) offer different ways to learn about caves and karst. The stated length refers to the explored cave system.

At Hegyestű, the inner face of a basalt volcano that was active around 8 million years ago has been exposed. At a viewpoint on the western edge of the quarry site, you can use a panoramic information board to identify the surrounding hills. The mountain also has a rock garden featuring characteristic rock types from Transdanubia, the western half of Hungary. Those interested in geology and landscapes can see both the area’s volcanic origins and examples of regional rocks here.

Badacsony combines hiking trails and panoramic views with distinctive geological formations known as basalt organ pipes. Special grape varieties are grown on its slopes and used to make Badacsony wine. This makes the area appealing to travellers who want to combine nature experiences with regional winemaking.

In Bakonybél, the Pannon Csillagda has an interactive exhibition about space travel and astronomy. The Herend Porcelain Museum explores the history of the manufactory through a permanent exhibition and rotating exhibitions. The Herend Porcelain Manufactory Visitor Centre focuses on porcelain production, the related techniques and traditions of applied art. In workshops at the mini manufactory, visitors can handle porcelain clay and a brush and try painting for themselves.

Sümeg Castle is another cultural and historical attraction: this relatively well-preserved medieval fortress stands on a bare hill that rises above the surrounding area. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2022, and an interactive exhibition opened there in spring 2023. Szent Mauríciusz Monostor dates back to a monastery founded in 1018 by King Stephen I at the suggestion of the monk Günther, in the area of present-day Bakonybél.

At Levendula Ház, visitors can learn more about the formation of the Tihany Peninsula and lavender cultivation through an interactive exhibition. A craft workshop and an activity garden add to what is on offer. At Veszprém Zoo, the Dinosaur Park features lifelike models of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago. Children can also take part in a real archaeological excavation. The African Savannah Playground includes zip lines, climbing frames, bouncy castles and a safari-striped airplane.

The zoo offers experiences across six continents all year round and welcomes visitors of all ages. When choosing, you can therefore decide whether to focus more on exhibitions and hands-on activities or on the zoo’s various sections. At Ámos-hegyi Pihenőerdő, the focus is on activities in the forest: across 230 hectares, hikers can enjoy a nature trail, a lookout tower, a fitness trail and forest playgrounds.

The SkiArena Vibe Park in Eplény has 16 ski runs, with a total ski system length of 7,984 metres. These figures can help you assess the area as a destination for a stay focused on skiing.

The park also offers chairlift rides above the trees, with two- and four-seater lifts. A viewpoint at Ámos-hegyi in the SkiArena Vibe Park looks out over the landscape of the High Bakony. This lets you distinguish between skiing and enjoying the views without treating the two activities as the same.

To compare other regions in the catalogue, you can also explore Somogy, Győr-Moson-Sopron, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Lake Balaton - South, Békés, Baranya, Heves and Pest.

What can you experience at the Tapolcai-tavasbarlang?

Boat rides are offered there. There is also a guided exhibition titled “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”).

How high is Hegyestű?

Hegyestű is 337 metres high and lies between Zánka and Monoszló. At the viewpoint on the western edge of the quarry site, a panoramic information board helps you identify the surrounding hills.

What is there for children?

Veszprém Zoo has a Dinosaur Park with lifelike dinosaur models and a real archaeological excavation that children can take part in. The African Savannah Playground offers climbing frames and bouncy castles, among other things. Levendula Ház has a craft workshop and an activity garden.

What winter sports information is available for Eplény?

The SkiArena Vibe Park has 16 ski runs and a ski system with a total length of 7,984 metres. Chairlift rides with two- and four-seater lifts are also available.

For the main travel overview: Hungary.