Keszthely

Festetics Palace combines the history of the palace with exhibitions on the Festetics family, hunting and model railways. Helikon Park is Keszthely’s largest green space, covering 17 hectares, and its main path leads straight to the shore of Lake Balaton. The Balatoni Museum, the Georgikon Botanical Garden and waterside activities are also among the topics visitors can explore.

Festetics Palace was built and expanded continuously from the mid-18th century onwards. It remained the property of the Festetics family for 200 years. An exhibition spanning more than 20 rooms explores the family’s former aristocratic life. A visit therefore combines the history of the building with insights into the lives of its former owners.

Other exhibitions focus on different subjects. The hunting exhibition displays trophies of wild species hunted on five continents; many animals are shown in depictions of their natural habitats. The Historical Model Railway Exhibition includes a model layout with more than 2.7 kilometres of track and more than 600 buildings across 503 square metres. Interactive features let visitors activate hidden scenes. A special camera-equipped locomotive also offers a view from the perspective of a train driver.

The Balatoni Museum presents around 10,000 exhibits across more than 700 square metres, along with interactive games and other surprises. Those interested in agricultural history will find a special connection at the Georgikon: it was Europe’s first agricultural college. At the Georgikon Majortörténeti Kiállítóhely, an experience farm complements the exhibition topics with a petting zoo, a play barn, a plant exhibition, a playground and a baking area.

The pedestrian zone is lined with a series of listed Baroque and Historicist buildings. The domed Helikon Monument stands in Helikon Park. It was erected in 1921 to mark the centenary of the Helikon Festival and has become a landmark of Keszthely. The grounds of Festetics Palace also contain a palm house.

Smaller themed places add to the options: the Biblical Garden next to the synagogue at the Goldmark House contains 60 plants mentioned in the Bible. The Szigetfürdő regained its 19th-century appearance in several construction phases during the second half of the 2000s; its interior meets modern requirements. Keszthely thus offers a range of ways to explore history, architecture and designed spaces.

At 17 hectares, Helikon Park is the city’s largest green space and a protected natural area. Its main path leads straight to the shore of Lake Balaton.

Another botanical highlight is the 13-hectare Georgikon Botanical Garden. It is locally protected and notable for its exceptional diversity of species. Its collection includes the Balaton Uplands’ unique fig germplasm conservation collection. Helikon Park and the botanical garden offer different nature experiences: one is a large urban green space with a path to the shore, while the other is a botanical garden with a distinctive conservation collection.

Excursion boats, including the Helka, depart from Keszthely’s distinctive pier for shorter sightseeing cruises. Keszthely also offers sailing, sailing lessons and boat rentals, including options for complete beginners. These activities offer a different experience from visiting the palace exhibitions or green spaces, and may factor into your choice of activities for your stay.

When looking for accommodation, you can decide what matters most for your trip: culture, botanical interests, a green space with a path to the shore of Lake Balaton, or activities on the water. Other destination pages you can explore separately include Balatongyörök, Zalaszántó, Várvölgy, Gyenesdias, Karmacs, Esztergályhorváti and Zalavár.

How large is the model layout at the Historical Model Railway Exhibition?

The layout has more than 2.7 kilometres of track and more than 600 buildings across 503 square metres.

Where does the main path in Helikon Park lead?

The main path leads straight to the shore of Lake Balaton.

Which boats depart from the pier in Keszthely?

The Helka is among the excursion boats offering shorter sightseeing cruises.

For the broader travel overview: Keszthelyi.

Useful information for planning your trip:

Keszthely on Lake Balaton: palace, old town and western shore.