Balatonfured is a town on the Northern shore of Lake Balaton in Hungary. It is the third largest town on the lake, after the brash party town of Siofok on the Southern Shore and Keszthely on the Westen Shore. Luckily, Balatonfured's Baroque elegance and traditional old town keep this town from becoming too commercialised. Be that as it may, there is still plenty to do in one of Hungary's oldest tourist spots. Due to the beautiful old town a few minutes from the lake shore, this town is possibly one of the nicest resorts along the lake shore. Its beautiful promenades, tree-lined avenues and stunning views of the Tihany Peninsula make this town the finest on the Balaton shore. To catch Baltonfured at its best, visit during the summer months of May - August.
The national language of Hungary is '''Hungarian''', a difficult language to understand and even attempt to grasp. Fortunately, many of the restaurant menus are also in English and as are many of the signs, yet finding people in the area that can speak English well is a difficulty.
'''German''' is the second language to many at the lake. English is simply not on the cards for many, particularly those of the older generation, so learn your one word phrases well. Thse will come in handy, particularly at the train station where simple words like "Egy retur" (Return ticket) might save you on your holiday.
Fly Balaton airport on the Lake Balaton is accessible from Fured. It has operated as a public airport since 1991 and became the second international airport of the country on May 15, 2002 (after Budapest Ferihegy International Airport). It frequently operates charter flights to Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig and Dusseldorf in Germany, Billund and Copenhagen in Denmark, Amsterdam in The Netherlands and Moscow in Russia. Ryanair also operate flights from Dusseldorf-Weeze, Frankfurt-Hahn and London-Stansted. Many flights are also available at Budapest Ferihegy Airport from destinations across the world.
'''Air companies:'''
There are many ferries that set sail from many ports along the lake, heading for Balatonured. Regular Ferries from Siofok, the main city on the southern shore, operate many times a day. The port is in the heart of the new town.
Trains are one of the best ways to access Balatonfured. If you are in Budapest, the Deli Railway Station on the Buda side is the main train station for the Soth with regular trains to the lake. This station can be accessed on the M2 metro line in Budapest and is the last stop on the line. Tickets are not expensive, coming in at around ?14 return from Budapest for an adult. Click this link for a list of timetables; [http://elvira.mav-start.hu/elvira.dll/xslms/ Hungarian Railways]
Ferries to other parts of Balaton, including the stunning Tihany Peninsula and the party town of Siofok across the lake are available many times a day.
Along the beaches, there are many paddling boats to be rented (2500HUF for an hour, c. ?10) and of course jet skis and other motor boats, with kayaking and sail boats. There really is no shortage to the amount of water-fun one can have in the Lake.
Land activities, including the tennis courts throughout the town, the Aqua Park [http://www.annagora.com] and of course the cycling, blading and jogging are hugely enjoyable. However, one of the greatest activities is a hike into the hilly surroundings of the town. The stunning countryside filled with vineyards and rolling hills is the perfect place for a picnic or indeed a quiet country stroll. The views of the lake are also a treat.
There are many festivals in Fured, includig the wine tasting festival every August and of course its most famous Anna Ball, one of the most unique balls in Hungary. This classic social function has been organised annually since 1825 and its date is always set on the weekend closest to 26th July, Anna day. Nowadays the traditional venue for the ball is the Anna Grand Hotel. There are also many music festivals, including the Guitar Festival in June.
Originally one of Hungary's Spa towns, Balatonfured remains as a spa haven. Spas and wellness centres can be found throughout the town and are a real treat. Its mineral springs are both theraputic and extremely relaxing.
There are a large selection of restaurants in Fured. However, along the lake shore you are notcertain to find anything particularly Hungarian. The restaurants there tend to be of an average quality, serving mostly fish and other popular dishes. However, if you go away from the lake and into the old town or simply a short stroll up from the lake, the restaurans become better and more authentic.
Much like the other tourist destinations, there is an abundance of high quality accommodation in the town of Balatonfured. Villas and self catering apartments are a popular choice for many families, many of which have a private pool. They can range in size from small cottages to large eight bedroomed houses.
Of course, hotels are also very popular in Fured and there are many beautiful hotels within the immediate vicinity of the lakeshore.
For more hotels and other accommodations visit Balatonfured Website [http://www.balatonfured.hu]. It gives a wide range of accommodation in the vicinity.
Balatonfured is a very safe place.
Dogs roam the town at all hours and, as it seems, everyone in Balatonfured owns a dog which they keep in their gated houses. Indeed, walking past these houses is sure to send you up the wall as the silence is interrupted by the sudden barking! Nonetheless, while the vast majority of these dogs are on leashes and gated up, beware of what you or your children pet.
There are places of worship all over the town. Your hotel or local tourist office should be able to guide you to one nearby. If not, though, the following are centrally located.
The tourist information office is located in Balatonfured itself. <listing address="Balatonfured, Kisfaludy u. 1." phone="+36-87/580-480. Fax: +36-87/580-481" email="balatonfured@tourinform.hu"></listing> The opening hours are as follows:
: May 1 - 31. M-F.: 9-16. Sat.- Sun.: Closed : June 1 - 30. M-F.: 9-17 Sat.: 9-13 Sun. Closed : July 1 - Aug. 31. M-F.: 9-19 Sat.: 9-18 Sun.: 9-13 : September 1 - 30. M-F.: 9-17 Sat.: 9-13 : October 1 - 2008 May 31. M-F.: 9-16 Sat.- Sun.: Closed
Due to Balatonfured's excellent central European position, it is ideal for the exploration of many major European destinations such as Vienna and indeed Bratislava. The best way to get to these places would obviously be by train, as frequent trains leave Fured for many major destinations in Europe. The city a few minutes across the lake, Siofok, has direct trains to Croatia's Capital, Zagreb, which arrive in under four hours!