Lake Balaton
is the largest sweat-water lake in Europe. (Surface: 600 km²,
length: 77 km, average deep: 3,5 m) Swimming is often possible from the
end of may at a pleasant 17-20 Celsius. In the summer reaches the
temperature of the lake 24-26 Celsius. That's why there are very good
swimming possibilities and has free scope for water-sports. (Surf,
sailing, waterski) The water of Lake Balaton is clean; it is
permanently examined by the german ADAC. In the lake live 43 fish-types.
The two shores of Lake Balaton are only a few kilometres far from each
other, but they have different character. On the southern side the
water is very shallow, after a few hundred metres walk it will be deep.
On the northern side 20 metres from the shore the water is deep.
The northern side is surrounded by the picturesque Balaton-Highlands.
The lake has
the most visitors in summer spending their holidays in the built in or
free beaches. Families with small children prefer the shallow water of
the southern shore. The souther shore of the Lake Balaton is a family
paradies.
Many visitors go fishing here sitting in the reeds by the shore and
waiting for pike-perches, carps or razor-fish to catch. Others take to
water to sail or go on a cruise on the lake visiting places from
Siófok to Balatonfüred and Tihany.
Although the peak season at the lake is summer, the lovers of Balaton
think that it is also worth visiting the huge lake in winter, when you
can go fishing in the ice-holes, or if the ice is thick enough, brave
visitors can even skate, sledge or ice-sail on the lake.
In Hungary
You also will become the lover of Lake Balaton. You can find
prominent persons among the lovers like painters, writers, poets,
actors, musicians and sportsmen. We are expecting you under the lovers
of Lake Balaton.
To be safe and sound
throughout yor stay at Lake Balaton, please take our advice. We hope
you have a pleasant holiday and return to Hungary again soon.
Lock your car, even if you’ll be back in a moment. Use manned car parks
where you can! Don’t drive if you drink. Don’t drink if you drive!
Don’t change currency in the street. It’s not safe! Keep windows closed
and doors locked, especially when you’re out! Don’t leave valuables
unatended, least of all if they can be seen. Use safedeposit facilities!
Don’t wear or carry any valuables obviously. This applies in places of
entertainment as well! Bicyles make no noise. Not even when a thief
takes them… Black markets aren’t good places to buy souvenirs!
The Balaton waters are fickle. Watch out for storm warings!
Ten directives for
bathtakers
How the bathtaker can contribute to the protection of his own health
and the water quality of the lake?
1. Use the toilette before bath and make the little children also to do
it so.
2. Have a shower before swimming if possible! Wash down sun lotion and
sweat, and you will cool your body too.
3. Do not jump into water with overheated body! If you got heated cool
down yourself by the water of the lake.
4. It is allowed to bath only on the beach or on the appointed stages
of the coast! We cannot know what kind of blocks of wood, objects can
be found under the water surface that may cause hurts.
5. Put the rubbish, wastes always to an ordinary collection container.
6. Make your skin regulary accustomed to sun bathing. Protect yourself
with sun lotion against the harmful rays of the sun.
7. Go to shade during strong sunshine (between 11 a.m. 3 p.m.), protect
your skin from strong sun radiation, protect your head – especially
children’s head – from sunstroke.
8. Do not fall asleep on an inflatable mattrass, it can be easily blown
away by the wind and you can get a sunstroke.
9. Only the allowed number of people can get in a boat. You can prevent
the boats from overloading and overturning.
10. Do not wash your car with the water of the lake! Do not pour sewage
water, dirty water into the lake!
