With nearly 200km of shoreline taking in beaches, volcanic hills, a national park and protected wetlands, Lake Balaton is the perfect holiday destination for one and all. It’s the largest lake in Central Europe and sits on the western side of Hungary – 2 hours’ drive from the capital Budapest – and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
For those who like to unwind in style, sailing on the lake is a popular pastime, while for those who enjoy keeping active there are hiking trails in the Balaton Uplands National Park. The hilly north shore is filled with vineyards providing plenty of opportunity to sample some local wines, and there are 13 Michelin-recommended restaurants situated within easy reach of the Lake.
We caught up with the chefs at three of these restaurants – Gabriella Szikra of A Konyhám Stúdió 365, Richárd Csillag of Lokal47 and László Jahni of Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Kistücsök – to find out more.
The First MICHELIN Key Hotels in Hungary
Discover the first Two-MICHELIN-Key winning hotels in Budapest, as well as exploring every new Key hotel throughout the country.
48 hours in Tihany: Lavender, Lakes and Legends
Renowned for its rolling lavender fields and volcanic lakes, the Tihany peninsula is an unmissable highlight of Hungary's sparkling Lake Balaton.
Iszkor, Hungary: Where the Seasons Speak and the Village Gathers
Tucked away in Hungary’s tranquil Bükk Mountains, Iszkor is more than just a restaurant – it’s a slow-built, heartfelt project. With a passion for seasonal ingredients, deep ties to local farmers and an unwavering respect for the land, Iszkor offers an authentic taste of rural life, where every dish tells a story of place, patience and purpose.
Pajta, Hungary: The MICHELIN-Starred Restaurant Born in a Barn
Tucked away in the scenic Őrség National Park, near the Austrian-Slovenian border, Pajta is redefining rural dining with its exquisitely prepared, locally sourced cuisine. As well as being the most remote countryside restaurant in Hungary to hold One MICHELIN Star, it comes complete with stunning wooden lodges and a forest sauna that allow you to be at one with nature.