REBEL: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban presents himself as a fighter against "global elites" and is on course for another term in April Plans for a lakeside development show how Hungary’s leader enriches those who stand behind him By MARTON DUNAI central Europe’s largest body of freshwater the rocky shoreline leads to a leafy park at the city of Keszthely a resort whose natural beauty contrasts with the dereliction of its hotels Keszthely used to be a magnet for Communist-era workers and apparatchiks before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 the dilapidated waterfront is set for an investment bonanza The reason: the people who stand to profit from it those first in line to capitalise are Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s friends and family Orban has earmarked more than $3 billion in public funds for tourism ventures across Hungary up to 2030 including more than $1.4 billion for Balaton according to government announcements since March 2014 Most of the cash will come from Hungarian taxpayers About 40 percent of the money for Balaton will come from the European Union which gives funds to members to help lagging regions grow Hungary slides deeper down corruption index “This kind of money has not come to Balaton in all the years since the end of Communism combined,” said Henrik Hoffmann chairman of a Balaton regional tourism association when the prime minister first mooted the prospect of investment the seven most prominent waterfront properties in Keszthely have changed hands An analysis of publicly available data shows three of them are now owned by Orban’s childhood friend Lorinc Meszaros and his business partners and another three by Orban’s son-in-law Istvan Tiborcz and his associates Reuters has also found company documents that show a company co-owned by Orban’s son-in-law Tiborcz stands to collect almost half of any profits from a venture which acquired the resort’s biggest hotel Neither Tiborcz or Meszaros responded to requests for comment Meszaros and Tiborcz are part of a Hungarian elite which has grown fast over the past eight years acquiring stakes in major industries like banking 10 individuals have significant stakes in the Keszthely developments Most of them have become heavyweights in the broad economy: Companies they control have participated in winning bids for public procurement contracts worth nearly $8 billion since Orban resumed power in 2010 according to a Reuters analysis of data collected by the Corruption Research Centre Budapest That is more than 10 percent of the value of such contracts over that time Last year was a bumper one for public procurement tenders: More than $14 billion were awarded and companies controlled by men with interests on the Keszthely waterfront won just over $4 billion of them - more than one dollar in every four Neither Orban or the government responded to requests for comment The European Union’s anti-fraud office (Office européen de lutte antifraude or OLAF) has recommended that Brussels ask Hungary to repay EU funds totalling more than 4 percent of the cash Europe has given it between 2012 and 2015 OLAF declined to discuss specific projects but says on its website it makes such recommendations when it believes EU money has been “defrauded or irregularly misspent.” Suspected violations can include projects that have been overpriced is a bigger share than that of any other EU state amounting to about 850 million euros ($1 billion) of funds OLAF recommended that Hungary take legal action over what it called “serious irregularities” in the award of contracts to Tiborcz and an associate a company owned by Hamar was the adviser on tenders that another Tiborcz and Hamar firm went on to win Neither man has commented on OLAF’s findings and can only recommend steps for the European Union or national authorities to take The EU has “zero tolerance to fraud with EU funds and therefore insists on a clear commitment from all member states to prevent fraud,” a Commission spokesperson said by email The spokesperson did not respond directly to Reuters findings or say what if any funds have been recovered from Hungary The European Commission also carries out its own audits blocks payments when it suspects an irregularity and claws back the expenditure if the irregularity is confirmed has ruled Keszthely for more than a decade and polls show he is set for victory in a national election this April He has long defied oversight by what he calls the “global political overlords” and “liberal elites” and portrays himself as a pioneer among eastern European leaders whose countries are part of the European Union but who rebel - in his case by saying Hungary deserves the bloc’s cash in exchange for opening up its markets and that he should be free to form his own class of loyal industrialists “What some call corruption is essentially the main policy of Fidesz,” Andras Lanczi an Orban supporter at the think tank Szazadveg said in a 2015 newspaper interview that Szazadveg put up on its website “By that I mean the government has set goals like forming a layer of domestic businessmen building pillars of a strong Hungary in rural areas or in industry.” Orban and his associates have a clear system chief analyst at the Political Capital think tank in Budapest: They build positions in sectors and prepare for the arrival of public funds “Close associates of the prime minister get fat on state money,” he said the country’s longest-serving leader since Communist times but he also went on to flout European policy by refusing to house refugees He cut short cooperation with the International Monetary Fund and boosted taxes on foreign banks and multinational corporations he introduced an economic doctrine which he called a revolt against international capital and liberal values It is geared to affirming the supremacy of nationalist-minded people a vogue that has spread across eastern Europe to revolt in 2010,” Orban said in his state of the nation address last year “In seven years of hard work we built our own political and economic system the System of National Cooperation.” He told a gathering of friendly intellectuals in 2013 that this involves nurturing a supportive moneyed class: “The system cannot work without international capital Hungarian national capital must be empowered as well.” Hungary’s economy has grown by about 2 percent a year on average and tourism in Balaton has grown even faster But Keszthely’s tally of 165,000 overnight stays in 2014 slipped to about 135,000 per year according to Hungary’s Central Statistics Office Orban attended a conference of tourism professionals in another town on the Balaton shore based on “sketches on the canvas,” to inject development funds totaling about $1.1 billion in tourism - plus extra funds for Balaton He did not say then where the money would come from with partners including Tiborcz’s old school friend Hamar It went on to acquire the rights to the Keszthely Yacht Club from the city divided the sale into three parts and included an option rather than a cash sale This structure meant that even though the arrangement obliged the buyer to pay more than $1 million for the buildings each element of the deal’s value was below the $100,000 threshold that would require the contract be put out to tender There was a flurry of controversy with headlines such as “Tiborcz buys marina for Christmas” in the press the regional prosecutor said there was nothing illegal about the arrangement “We sold an unprofitable harbour at a decent price,” said Keszthely’s former deputy mayor “This was not an area that was marketable immediately and unconditionally Maybe there were no other investors because they had to commit to serious undertakings there.” Tiborcz quit as a partner in the Yacht Club in March 2015 told Reuters this was a response to the controversy about his purchase An old friend of Tiborcz stayed as CEO at the club said his family had been close to the Tiborczs for three generations installed a chic new restaurant and worked on marketing Peter said that at the close of season last year 130 boats moored there - up from 67 when he took over and just shy of breakeven But Tiborcz’s interest in Keszthely did not end when he quit the Yacht Club By far the biggest hotel on the waterfront is the boxy concrete structure of the Hotel Helikon Behind the Helikon’s grimy windows on a January visit a billiard table stood with a lone cue propped up against it The site was bought in December 2016 by a new company called Pannon Tessera Hospitalis PTH was owned and operated by a veteran hotel manager called Zoltan Somlyai It had zero revenue and he said he was its only employee Company documents showed 90 percent of profits were to be paid to an undisclosed holder of preference shares According to fresh company documents filed last month a company owned by Tiborcz and Hamar owns preference shares in PTH These entitle the holder to 45 percent of any profits it makes The rest of the profit now goes to a Tiborcz associate called Attila Paar who bought a stake last year through a company he owns a lawyer who is largely unknown in the tourism industry Hamar and Paar did not respond to requests for comment said he was more than happy with the plans to revamp the waterfront He served at tables for 35 years as a waiter in the Helikon: He remembered when busloads of visitors came “Keszthely has great potential,” Horvath said Orban’s “sketches on the canvas” were still vague say people involved in Hungary’s tourism industry confusion over what to expect from the government either in the marketing strategy or the funding The government launched one plan in November but withdrew it six months later the government centralised the administration of Hungary’s tourism industry in the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTU) including those to be funded by EU money from 2014 to 2020 The MTU does everything from outlining strategy and assigning state funding down to organising events such as the “Flowers for Hungary” programme Orban’s ministerial office took a similar centralising step in 2014 when it absorbed the National Development Agency such as formulating the tourism marketing strategy she had studied tourism and graduated with an Executive MBA in hospitality management at the private Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne in Switzerland which educates some of the best tourism managers in the world Eight current and former tourism and government insiders told Reuters that Rahel Orban is highly influential in the tourist trade and works closely with the MTU’s CEO The MTU said Guller had “occasionally sought Rahel Orban's opinion about shaping the Hungary brand,” and that she is not paid for this work When asked if she influences decisions on funding Even before Rahel Orban had helped clarify Hungary’s strategy others in the prime minister’s circle joined the Keszthely shopping spree a businessman named Gellert Jaszai made a purchase that paved the way for Orban’s childhood friend Lorinc Meszaros Jaszai bought into a small holding company called Konzum a former retail chain operator that had sunk to a penny stock Konzum bought a real estate fund that included two Keszthely hotels and the rights to a company which operates a lakeside campsite Meszaros announced on the stock exchange that he had bought 19.6 percent of Konzum Meszaros acquired dozens of properties elsewhere around the lake Jaszai said he had known Meszaros for a long time A pipe-fitter and mayor of Orban’s hometown Meszaros is one of Hungary’s most influential businessmen famed nationally for attributing his rise to “God and Viktor Orban.” His interests span well over 100 companies in seven major industries from construction and real estate to energy Konzum is one of four publicly traded companies in which Meszaros and Jaszai hold stakes in anticipation of business success in ventures from tourism to energy “It’s difficult to put a ceiling on the valuation,” wrote stock analyst Gellert Gaal from Concorde in December - a view he said in March he still held “Investors have extreme faith in the profit growth of these companies as if everything these companies touch turned into gold.”  More Reuters investigations and long-form narratives Reuters Investigates offers several ways to securely contact our reporters the Balaton area now is promised improved road and a central state marketing effort around the Balaton brand a 77-year-old Balaton hotel manager who sold a hotel up the lake to Meszaros in 2016 said he chose Meszaros from a half dozen competing bidders solely because Orban’s old friend offered the best price “He probably sees the opportunity in Balaton,” Wossala said sucking on a pipe on the patio of his lakeside home “Everyone who can is building positions now,” he added referring to the government’s planned cash injection in tourism people with good government ties have always received their subsidy before those without.” each waterfront property has several owners The ones with the largest stakes include people whose interests and influence reach nationwide Below are 10 of the Keszthely investors: Seven of them did not respond to requests for comment Lorinc Meszaros (52)A childhood friend of Prime Minister Viktor Orban and worth $415 million according to Forbes Hungary’s Rich List – he ranks No He controls Hotel Balaton and the former Hotel Fonix through Konzum a holding company; and has direct or indirect control of dozens of tourist properties around the lake Konzum also owns the company which operates Zala camping Meszaros owns shares or control of more than 125 companies to date including media construction and Hungary’s fourth largest bank Gellert Jaszai (43)CEO and co-owner of Konzum which owns Hotel Balaton and former Hotel Fonix Jaszai is an important executive in the Meszaros empire He said the hotels are not strategically important for Konzum and the Keszthely investors have no joint strategy He is not a major player in public procurement in his own right A Szijj company bought a stake in Hotel Via in phases from 2015 He is a construction magnate whose fortunes have soared since Orban split with another ally About a quarter of public procurement tenders won by Meszaros companies since 2005 were in consortia with Szijj’s They have also co-owned at least three companies Karoly Varga (55)Varga is from the same town as Laszlo Szijj The pair have won lots of public procurement contracts together Ferenc Kovacs  (38)Holder of 33.75 percent of the Keszthely Yacht Club His other companies include construction firms which scored public procurement contracts mainly in water management and sewer construction He said his activity was free of politics and based solely on business considerations Krisztian Lukacs (43)A lawyer and former procurement tender adviser holds 33.75 percent of the Keszthely Yacht Club Lukacs says he has not participated in public procurements for years Attila Paar (45)The main owner and executive of West Hungaria Bau (WHB) Paar’s business interests have participated in several billion dollars’ worth of successful public procurement tenders He has bought stakes in businesses controlled by Istvan Tiborcz several times he purchased Tiborcz’s stake in Green Investments the company Tiborcz used to buy the Keszthely Yacht Club This year Paar also bought 70 percent of shares in Pannon Tessera Hospitalis a company which bought the Helikon Hotel and Hotel Hullam Paar owns a share in the land and buildings of Zala camping Tiborcz bought a majority stake in a WHB real estate company in 2016 passing it to an entity in the Virgin Islands Paar remains a minority owner of that firm Istvan Szeivolt (70)Owner of a construction conglomerate and companies with a strong track record in public procurement tenders where he has occasionally partnered Meszaros He participates in Keszthely as a partial owner of  the land and buildings of Zala camping In January he bought the largest single stake in the company that owns Hotel Helikon and Hotel Hullam His holding entitles him to more than 45 percent of any profit and includes a share that gives first refusal on further stakes He often operates in close alliance with school friend Endre Hamar - for instance on the purchase of Keszthely Yacht Club in 2014 (he sold his stake in 2015) including a stake in Hotel Helikon and Hotel Hullam in Keszthely Newly opened castles and estates add colour to Balaton’s everyday life this summer If you’re craving a bit of culture alongside beach time explore the following impressive locations The Festetics Palace in Keszthely is not only a museum but also a venue for events has been the home of the prominent Festetics family for over 200 years it now boasts updated suites and exhibition spaces the castle’s pièce de résistance is the splendid aristocratic dining room 8360 Keszthely, Kastély utca 1. | Website Once one of the most significant centres for Hungarian horse breeding and equestrian sports the reconstructed stud farm of the Festetics family in Fenékpuszta has been open to visitors the once internationally renowned estate now welcomes visitors as a diverse leisure centre interactive exhibitions and an equestrian museum await you at the end of the black pine road 8360 Keszthely, Fenékpuszta | Website Although the name Festetics is generally associated with Keszthely the family also has a stunning neoclassical castle in Dég you can catch a glimpse of another aristocratic world characterized by tranquillity Visitors can explore the beautifully furnished rooms and stroll around the lake in the country’s largest English park 8135 Dég, Hunyadi utca 11. | Website immersing yourself in the heyday of a period estate you can explore remnants of earlier agricultural practices and lifestyles Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions 8622 Szántód, Szántód puszta 1. | Website The city becomes a true wonderland for families so bundle up and make memories with your loved ones you can create your own biking routes through this app you wouldn’t think that a secret museum takes you time travelling Explore our curated selection of the best restaurants in Budapest you can unlock the season’s best-kept secrets Explore the top dining spots along the lake where stunning scenery complements culinary delights Join us as we explore the can’t-miss experiences that make Budapest the place to be this season Immerse yourself in a diverse array of exhibitions Festetics Palace has not played such a big role in a film since the shooting of Hungarian feature Kincsem head of the Helikon Museum based at the palace the series may increase visitor numbers and he is confident that Keszthely will attract more tourists for this reason as well there is no agreement whether the palace will be used again should a second series be filmed The question of Lake Balaton’s capital has ignited many arguments in the past and Keszthely are constantly battling for the title Yet it’s an absolutely fruitless argument since Balaton is a special region with a thousand faces so it could easily do with three capitals.Keszthely is a truly unique place as it has so much to offer that a lifetime probably wouldn’t be enough to explore it all One thing is for sure: no one can say that it’s boring Even ancient Romans knew this as they liked to rally in the area and built a blossoming agricultural and gastronomic life here Perhaps they already felt how pleasant the climate of this region is: summers aren’t unbearably hot with the closeness of Lake Balaton and the Adriatic Sea and winters are also a lot milder than anywhere else in the country abandoned Russian military bunkers guarding the runway provide a clue to its recent history an excited group of press and cameras swoop to welcome the first ever tourists to fly into this new passenger terminal Balaton is not the typical budget city-break destination associated with lager-loving But what Balaton does offer is unspoilt countryside Lake Balaton is Europe's largest body of fresh water Hungary's landlocked holidaymakers have long flocked to its shores to escape the summer heat It is just a 20-minute drive from the airport before the lake comes into view and even on a clear day you can hardly make out the far shore Such a vast body of water is clearly a jackpot for anyone who loves water sports Sailing comes in all sizes from passenger cruises to canoes In summer you can swim in water that heats up to a comfortable 27 degrees and in winter skate on the frozen surface It is said that the water is so pure you can even drink it But if you can bear to drag yourself off your sun-lounger some of Balaton's best attractions are found away from the water's edge While some more developed southern lakeside resorts have been invaded by tacky restaurants and brash bars unspoilt and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts Once equipped with my two wheels Lake Balaton's excellent cycle path is mine to explore The route circumnavigates the entire lake and with more than 150k (93miles) of coastline I set off with more modest ambitions along the northern shore from Keszthely In just an hour - and an ice-cream stop - I have made it to the nearby viewpoint of Balatonyörök The route is punctuated by many such beauty spots and winds past reed banks that attract large numbers of water birds such as heron and swans If you are more comfortable on four wheels rather than two Driving northwest from the lake the road winds past picture-book chalets vineyards and fields of corn; it's all I can do to stop myself bursting into a Julie Andrew's number I take a break in the historic town of Keszthely Built in the eighteenth century the family was forced to flee in 1945 but the palace fortunately survived looting thanks to the placement of a cunning sign alerting would-be looters of "contagious" diseases Luckily the thieves fell for the ruse and the result is a fine example of how Hungary's now lost monarchy used to live Keszthely town itself has a timeless feel to it The streets are as quiet and safe as a town in 1950s England and the fashions are pure eighties europop German tourists contentedly wipe cappuccino froth from toothbrush moustaches and eat plates of Hungarian sausage meat The place is untouched by the fast pace of Western Europe Global chains are not to be found and the memory of Hungary's communist past hangs thick in the air here There are many such historic towns and villages in the countryside around Lake Balaton and with Hungary's growing reputation for wine you may also consider taking time out to visit the numerous vineyards to sample the local wines The Balaton Uplands National Park is home to Lynx stag and wild boar as well as several varieties of birds Most of the countryside is fairly flat so there is no serious hiking to be done but there are plenty of easily conquered vantage points that reward you with spectacular views across the lake If you aren't lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the wildlife you can enjoy a taste of them instead - wild boar and venison deer and pheasant are all popular in Hungarian cuisine Lake fish such as the famed Balaton pike-perch and the catfish figure prominently on the menu Also worth trying is the traditional goulash which is actually a paprika spiced soup rather than a stew For anyone looking for a more extreme way of appreciating the view Balaton is acquiring a modest reputation for adventure sports quad biking and micro light flights are all available for a snip of the price that you would pay in the UK In a fit of recklessness I opted for the micro light flight which looked like a couple of tent poles rigged up to a sheet I had second thoughts about my decision to fly puffa flight jacket - in keeping with 80s Hungarian fashion - and an old crash helmet If you can picture Bananarama meets Topgun you'll have the general idea My outlandish gear thankfully didn't affect the views or the thrill of perching high above the lake and seeing the ground rushing to meet you as the tiny plane comes in to land If all the activity has left you in need of some TLC then head to nearby Hévíz and bathe in the warm waters of this natural thermal lake The sulphuric water gives off an eggy smell and is mildly radioactive but don't be put off as its therapeutic qualities are reputed to ease rheumatism and promote relaxation The truly dedicated even drink the water which tastes about as good as it smells Numerous health spas have set up around the area and offer massage body wraps and a range of health and beauty treatments Again you will often pay significantly lower costs than in the UK Unfortunately some spas are still set in ugly 70s concrete blocks But most are rapidly upgrading their interiors to shake off the old austerity For the local community here the new passenger terminal is a welcome relief from the military past when Russian troops Hopefully Balaton will manage to balance the benefits of its new tourist market without suffering the potential side effects Ryanair fly from London Stansted to Balaton from £16.19 one way Buses to and from Balaton airport are infrequent and it is recommended to hire a car Many hotels and hostels will include car hire in the package price Most popular are the summer months of June to August when the lake is at its warmest but off season the lake is much quieter Gotobalaton.co.uk Georgia Brown flew with Ambrus Szilárd Fluglehrer A ten-minute flight costs £7000f (just under £18) Located behind Festetics Palace the museum is a great warm-up activity to do before you head into the stunning palace building; a complete tour takes about an hour The two exhibits are housed in a brand new building and you can also find various plastic models and a helicopter simulator inside you can hop on the mini train in the garden Tickets are available in a variety of types and combinations; the combination tickets can be used at a number of other local museums.The members of the Festetics clan were keen hunters and while their vast trophy collection was lost the collections of other noble families were not If you’re interested in seeing a diverse display of wonderful animals in hunting trophy form The exhibition is especially exciting for little kids because animals hailing from the same continent are showcased on room-size dioramas The model railway is a whole other story: more peaceful and absolutely monumental the exhibition shows parts of Zala County and Germany as well as the Austrian Semmering Pass It’s clear that no expense was spared: the schedule is operated by professional software but parts of the exhibit need some more work If you loved Miniversum on Budapest’s Andrássy Avenue too (one of the people working on Miniversum helps with the maintenance of this display).How much did we pay?1,600 forints/person for both exhibitions but those visiting just one will only have to pay 1,100 forints who told us that the main aim was to serve breakfast and lunch (the latter as a daily menu) while also providing an à la carte selection and bistro dishes for dinner Like all the other successful businesses in the neighborhood which is very important to Dániel Bezerics and the beer from the Abbey of Zirc.The kitchen is quite slow still As the owner puts it: “we like to take our time with everything to create memorable dishes” News of the establishment is already spreading even though it only opened a week and a half ago Last Saturday they prepared 30 portions for lunch The plans are ambitious: they want to add an outdoor barbecue smoker and they want to host concerts and parties at the upstairs champagne bar and the goal is to perfect even the tiniest details yet reasonably priced grub.How much did we pay?3,000 forints for two The refurbished premises house an innovative interactive exhibition showcasing the traveling habits of the nobility Manager Zoltán Varga showed us around the ever-expanding exhibit which was created based on thorough research and comprises items from a variety of other museums The 1,500-square meter exhibition space features stories about the joys and perils of traveling in a carriage Visitors can step into the shoes of a real carriage driver and start a van with an old-fashioned starting handle The exhibition is easy to navigate thanks to the lines and pictograms on the floor and the interior of an old parlor car of the Hungarian national railway company will be put on display in the near future An arts and crafts fair will open in the courtyard and the neighboring botanical gardens are also being renovated so this will soon become one of the coolest museums in the Balaton region How much did we pay?The exhibition is part of Helikon Palace Museum but you need to buy a separate ticket to enter; an adult ticket costs 1,300 forints Manager Szabolcs Karádi said the confectionery has been open for 13 years with updates happening every two years; the next one is scheduled for next year when they’ll launch a new delicatessen bistro which supplies cakes and confections to another twelve towns who sometimes work under the guidance of Florentine master confectioner Alessandro Noferini The ingredients are mostly imported to guarantee an authentic Italian effect we can confirm the effectiveness of this method: both of the cakes we tried one of them made with forest fruits and the other with vanilla cream and jam We came to the conclusion that the shop would get much more hype if it were located on a tiny street of Gyenesdiás instead of the center of Hévíz How much did we pay?1,380 forints for the two cakes Here are a couple more places worth checking out if it's chucking it down with rain outside: The Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE) is putting 42 of its properties up for auction Of particular note is the inclusion of the Georgikon Water Park and Beach which is now also up for sale at a guide price of HUF 904 million (EUR 2.22 million) The higher education institution, established in 2021 as a foundation of the state-owned Szent István University, will be auctioning a total of 42 properties in Szarvas, Gödöllő and Keszthely this April, according to 24.hu eight properties with a combined value of nearly HUF 2 billion (EUR 4.92 million) will be sold the management of the local MATE campus had intended to develop the Georgikon Water Park and Beach in Keszthely in 2022 they are now auctioning off the area between the Helikon Hotel and the Sirius Hotel for HUF 904 million (EUR 2.22 million) Among the properties for sale in Keszthely is a former dormitory building that has been in a state of disrepair for years and is no longer in use which offers a panoramic view of Lake Balaton and is located next to Helikon Beach is being offered at a guide price of HUF 325 million (EUR 800,000) Also for sale in the western part of Keszthely is a property of nearly three and a half hectares with a guide price of HUF 308 million (EUR 760,000) A Zichy Castle in Fonyód, awaiting a buyer, has appeared on a real estate agency’s website It is listed for HUF 790 million (EUR 1.94 million) The castle, situated on a 30-hectare site has a floor area of 665 square metres and contains 26 rooms The Sonline County news portal reports that the building was once used as a summer residence by Count Béla Zichy and his family the building served as office space for the local peat mine until the 1980s it was revived and restored to its original character as a hunting lodge thanks to the dedicated efforts of the family the family no longer lives in Fonyód—the father is often abroad and the children live in Budapest No one has the time or energy to take care of the estate anymore,” said Valéria Erős Read more here: Hungary’s historic gem awaits its new owner: Zichy Castle for sale – details and PHOTOS and website in this browser for the next time I comment Y"},"category":false,"taxonomy":{"active":false,"name":"category"}},"markup":{"custom_html":true,"wpp-start":"","wpp-end":"<\/ul>","title-start":"","title-end":"<\/h2>","post-html":"{thumb} {title} {stats}<\/span>{excerpt}<\/p><\/li>"},"theme":{"name":""}} You have successfully joined our subscriber list SupportUs Newsletter © 2025 DailyNewsHungary | All rights reserved Lake Balaton has been enjoying its heyday again Besides the large number of domestic visitors many foreigners also visit the “Hungarian Sea” in the summer Where does the charm of Lake Balaton originate As Turizmus Online writes Keszthely is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of Lake Balaton Keszthely’s tourism is on the rise and has a promising future This uprise is powered by synchronised efforts in tourism and hotel expansions The surge in visitor numbers can be attributed to enhanced accessibility to the town. With almost 6,000 beds catering to tourists, the accommodation landscape consists of two-thirds privately owned and one-third commercial establishments. According to Keszthely’s mayor, Jenő Manninger, most visitors come from Germany, Poland, Czechia, Austria and Slovakia more than 300,000 overnight stays were registered in the city an increase of more than 40 percent compared to the previous year with almost twice as many overnight stays in the town in spring and autumn than in 2022 Tourist tax revenues increased by more than 70 percent last year This is the most dynamic development at Lake Balaton The István Bujtor Film Festival is set to take place in Keszthely in 2024 and the Keszthely Cake competition to engage the public Keszthely’s charm lies in its picturesque allées and tree-lined streets steeped in Festetics heritage The City of Facades initiative has recently planted nearly 300 trees, aiming to create a connected experience through themed cultural and tourist activities Surrounding attractions include the MATE Georgikon Equestrian Centre and the splendidly restored Festetics Manor Featured image: depositphotos.com The Festetics Palace in Keszthely (Zala County Lake Balaton) is the most visited historical palace in the country Today it serves as a museum and exhibition place offering six permanent exhibitions in five buildings The construction of the Baroque-style castle started in the 18th century and throughout 200 years it belonged to the noble family of Festetics The family was one of the most aristocratic ones in Hungary for centuries and the members of it played an essential part in forming the country’s economic It was Kristóf Festetics who first bought fields and yards in the area of Keszthely back in 1739 Construction works of the monumental Festetics Palace started in 1745 under the supervision of Kristóf Festetics The first central part of the building complex was completed in five years and had thirty-four rooms The family had many plans about expanding the castle’s area with more buildings the second part of the constructions started and lasted until 1804 Between 1883 and 1887 the castle faced significant changes: its style was changed into neo-Baroque and the whole structure got its own water and heating system The most remarkable part of Festetics Castle is its 42-hectare park which is a strictly protected area approximately 70,000 flowers are planted in its area The park has its own palm house and outdoor exhibitions The palm house features exotic and rare plants The oldest plant in the garden is a 400-year-old Common European oak tree The park also features an exhibition representing the biggest chariot collection of Hungary only featured in Keszthely The library of the castle is the only remained aristocratic collection in Europe with approximately 80,000 books It is the perfect example and representation of the aristocrats’ educational and cultural life back in the 18th which was restored to its original look to take visitors back in history when they enter features old and rare encyclopedias and many printed documents from the previous centuries a special room for events was built which gives place to weddings Featured image: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag More and more foreigners fall in love with the small Hungarian village in Zala county According to 24.hu the local government no longer has territory to sell in Vindornyafok a small settlement of more than 100 residents The small village located in the Western parts of the Keszthely plateau is beautiful The road leading to the settlement is guarded by blooming cherry plum trees in the spring and summer It was first mentioned in 1358 as a village belonging to a Hungarian noble family the magnate Sárkány family acquired a share in the village But most of the settlement belonged to the Derecskei family Derecske is on the other end of today’s Hungary: between Debrecen Attila Hág told Zaol that they are carrying out several developments in the settlement and many foreigners fell in love with the village carried out energy developments at the local government’s headquarters the medical centre and the cultural centre able to receive 80 guests and Germans live in the village in beautiful houses He added that the village had only one free building site they are thinking about creating a new street Keszthely is a lovely city that is situated on the Northwest corner of Lake Balaton Even though it has only about 20,000 inhabitants it is a very popular city due to its location Keszthely has a long history because the oldest remains that were found here are from the Neolithic Keszthely is not a county seat because Zalaegerszeg plays that role in Zala county Read along because you will fall in love with this charming city Festetics Castle is one of the most-known buildings of Keszthely where the city organises its cultural programmes it is the fourth biggest castle in Hungary It was built from the middle of the 18th century until the 1880′ that owns about 80,000 books including antique encyclopedias and prints that is a nature reservation offers a relaxing area to take a nice walk Photos: www.facebook.com/festeticskastelyhivatalos/ The House of Balaton Wines (Balatoni Borok Háza) can be found in the castle’s 500 years old cellar system since 2005 Visitors can not only taste wines here but also enjoy a guided tour there is a hunting exhibition as well as a historical model railway with the country’s biggest layout visitors can experience the way of travelling in the old times Photos: www.facebook.com/VadaszatiModellvasutKiallitas/ The Balaton Museum lets visitors get to know the history of Lake Balaton and sailing It also introduces the older as well as the modern times on this topic It has permanent and temporary exhibitions The Doll Museum exhibits a wide range of dolls from the older times The dolls have various dresses and clothes; some of them are traditional Hungarian ones There is also an 18+ section for those who are interested the Marzipan Museum is definitely a good choice for you you can admire beautiful and detailed works made of marzipan visitors can relay at the confectionary of the museum and choose from many cakes and sweets to eat or to give as a present We recommend you the Cadillac Museum if you are interested in antique cars You can find Cadillacs made in different times you will be able to see the model from The Godfather movie as well The Surber Music Vending Machine and Phonograph Museum and the Nostalgia Museum fly you back in time Check out the Historical Panopticon as well if you like history and that also includes the beauty of nature Visitors do not need to go far to experience it because Helikon Park lies right in the city It is the biggest green area in Keszthely and offers a relaxing environment There are hundred-year-old trees in this park that offer shadow many programmes and events are interesting Keszthely is also close to the so-called Small Balaton (Kis-Balaton) The reason why it got separated is that a railroad was built nearby there had to be regulating works with the lake’s water level Small Balaton got separated from Lake Balaton this area is protected due to its rich natural treasures Featured image: www.facebook.com/festeticskastelyhivatalos/ The 4-star hotel is also announced a grand opening promotion After more than 3 years of planning and building, the Sirius Hotel in Keszthely, next to Lake Balaton opened its doors to the public, turizmus.com reports 1,500 square metres of spa and wellness facilities bars and a 113 square metre conference room the hotel’s director is quoted as saying that their aim is to create a balance and harmony for their guests which contrasts with the hectic everyday life the concept of the hotel is built around the symbol of water which is not only possible due to its proximity to the largest lake in Central Europe but also due to the huge wellness area offering a wide range of exclusive services The real speciality of the hotel is the 128-square-metre Sirius President Suite the suite also has a terrace of almost 200 square metres with breathtaking views of the night sky and Lake Balaton Sirius Hotel has a total of 1,500 square metres of spa and wellness facilities That includes outdoor and indoor adventure pools a children’s pool and a gallery lounge there is also a panoramic Finnish sauna in the garden of the hotel with a view of Lake Balaton It is placed on the eastern side of the hotel which allows guests to enjoy their morning beverages and breakfasts with a view of the sunrise over Lake Balaton In their a la carte menu they fuze the world of French cuisine with classic Hungarian dishes “Regionality and sustainability are very important to us we place great emphasis on the ingredients both in terms of quality and in supporting small producers in the area We would like to present the well-known classic Hungarian dishes in a redesigned At the same time we are also keen to venture into the magical world of international cuisine” – described Dávid Góczán Sirius Hotel also welcomes team-building events, conferences for up to 70 people, events and weddings, with a 113-square-metre conference room. The hotel, which celebrates its grand opening, is currently offering a 25+5 percent discount. More information can be found on their website Guests might be able to take advantage of the new, modern catamarans and ferries that soon will enter service in Lake Balaton. the most popular tourist destination in Hungary is its capital there are still plenty of interesting destinations to visit or maybe even consider moving to This time, Uswitch has compiled a list of lakeside town and city destinations in Europe so that you can enjoy both the fun provided by the water nearby and indulge in the historic and entertaining experiences the local town has to offer The beautiful scenery is reason enough to purchase a waterfront property but there are also the added advantages of tranquillity these locations also tend to have cleaner air as well as a host of psychological benefits In order to determine the best lakeside town Uswitch created a points-based system to rank them by factors such as average weather in the area the number of restaurants per 1,000 inhabitants and the area of green space in the vicinity with the first place awarded to Lake Bolsena with a total score of 88.89 out of 100 and the last place on the podium goes to the popular Lake Garda in Italy Lake Neusiedl in Austria took fifth place with a total score of 75.92 the Hungarian Lake Fertő is currently closed to visitors it will definitely be worth a visit once the construction work is finished Finally, in ninth position is Keszthely, a tourist destination already popular thanks to the beautiful Festetics Palace and the closeness of the Hungarian Sea “Despite having much less sunlight than competing lake cities, this gorgeous settlement boasts temperatures of over 26°C, as well as the second-highest lake temperatures,” Uswitch justified it only being in the TOP 10 consider visiting Keszthely since it is home to one of the most visited historic buildings in Hungary The Baroque-style Festetics Palace today serves as a museum and exhibition place offering six permanent exhibitions in five buildings one of the most remarkable parts of the Festetics Castle is its 42-hectare park approximately 70,000 flowers are planted in its garden protected area is also home to one of the largest bird parks in Hungary which recently reopened in March Not only that, but Keszthely has also been featured in the Netflix original series Shadow and Bone as well as several other Hungarian locations which needed little to no alteration to fit the aesthetics of the show If you like Balaton and Hungarian culture, you are in luck – according to Origo the exhibition of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory has been reopened in the renovated Abbey Gallery at the famous Benedictine monastery 300 square metres of interior was renovated on two levels and the surrounding area of the abbey was also refashioned taking up 2,650 square metres and giving place to a total of 14 thousand plants visitors can enjoy several types of beaches around the Hungarian Sea adventure parks and numerous tailor-made spas recently a new kind of architectural approach a more eco-friendly idea has been born on Lake Balaton’s shores the Department of Architecture of the Hungarian Academy of Arts – together with the local government – announced a competition for the development of the Balaton shore areas of Keszthely an epoch-making idea was born by the architects Péter Hámori and Sándor Guba As the Hungarian news portal Index reports the focus of their idea is the restoration of the natural protection zone of Lake Balaton they would rebuild it similarly as it could have been in the past Within the framework of their eco-friendly idea the zone between the railway and the shore of Lake Balaton would be a car-free zone It could only be driven by human-powered vehicles (bicycles winding waterfront would be much longer (1.8 kilometres instead of the current 500 meters) This would also respond to the exclusionary phenomenon of open beaches closing one after the other across Lake Balaton The lost revenues would be replaced by water sports equipment rental massage and sauna pavilion operation under the municipality’s authority mud therapy) would be built from the material of demolished buildings and slides This kind of approach already worked in several European countries and they are glad that there was a great interest in their idea Now they are looking for a location and a venturous municipality on Lake Balaton’s shores that support their environment-friendly idea to be realised It is time for swimming and summer recreation A popular destination is Lake Balaton where families like to go to relax which they also take with them on summer trips their four-legged friends are not allowed to take part in the beach activities Here is a list of beaches to enjoy this summer with your furry friends The Keszthely Dog Park and Picnic Garden, which opened its doors in 2020 A number of alterations have been made to the area before opening to make the beach as safe as possible It awaits dogs and their owners on nearly half an acre movement area – everything is provided to make both bipeds and quadrupeds feel great in their free time and umbrellas enhance the comfort on the beach which has recently won the title of Tourism of the City of Keszthely the beach will charge a token entrance fee this year The entrance fee is HUF 200 for dogs and HUF 300 for their owners The beach is open from 9 am to 7 pm in the summer The Keszthely Dog Park and Picnic Garden also requires mandatory vaccinations There is also a snack bar and washbasins in the area The more than nine-hectare beach can be accessed from Highway 7 via a row of plane trees There are many grass and sand sports fields on the beach and a basketball court has been set up in the water There is also a children’s playground on the beach The Balatonföldvár dog beach opened its doors on 2,500 square metres. It can be reached from the capital in up to an hour. Here, dogs and their owners can enjoy Lake Balaton in a large open area there is a specially designed ramp for the dogs to get into the water but there are also shallower parts in the beach area It is worth noting that the beach can only be visited with regularly vaccinated and worm-free dogs and it does not hurt to have the vaccination book on hand In the middle of Balatonlelle, west of the boat station, there is a nearly two-kilometre-long free beach and there are several buffets for those who are hungry after enjoying a swim there is a huge slide for adrenaline seekers The long stretch has many restaurants and public toilets Small dogs and large dogs fit in perfectly with each other on the beach in Fonyód so there is no changing room for the dog owners and puppies can only be brought along with a vaccination book Admission is HUF 300 for students and HUF 500 for adults and dogs There is a washbasin and a snack bar for the owners which is something worth preparing for.Like other beaches an immunity certificate is not required here either according to the unanimous opinion of dog lovers provides excellent recreation for dogs and their owners The open beach with a narrow shore is a place for those who want to relax as opposed to the Gödrös free beach not far from the entrance of the Tihany Peninsula It is located close to the centre of the settlement between the Tihany boat station and the ferry and can be accessed on foot on a stepped road leading through a forest but there is also a possibility of paid parking nearby Source: sokszinuvidek.24.hu; turizmus.com; hirado.hu Breath-taking lakes, centuries-old trees, romantic stairs that lead to the Danube – these are some of the things that will enchant you in the most beautiful parks of the country. Magyarorszagkul.nlcafe.hu collected 10 Hungarian parks you should definitely visit 🙂 The Margaret Island is one of the biggest and oldest parks in Budapest entertainment facilities and restaurants welcome both children and adults wishing to relax The island has been a unique spectacle for centuries It is the beloved spot of both Budapest dwellers and tourists because this is where the city’s most popular running track The Jókai Park is the most patinated region of Siófok because there was once a famous horse racecourse in its place This park is still one of the most popular destinations at Lake Balaton but it’s not the home of excitements anymore You can walk among incredible flowers and trees and enjoy the beauty of the Japanese and landscape gardens while parents can have fun at the chess tables The Zsolnay Cultural District executed in 2011 is not only the cultural centre of Pécs It welcomes visitors with monuments and a park full of stunning plants Besides walking in the garden and participating in outdoor events all age groups can find something to do in the district children can enjoy the shows of the puppet-theatre while adults can choose from several great museum exhibitions Miskolctapolca’s fantastic park and lake system have been the pearls of the city for 80 years This special region was formed in the place of the onetime Árpád era abbey The park rich in unique plant species is mainly dwelled by birds feed ducks or have a picnic on the six hectares of this magical environment There are several restaurants on the brink of the park not to mention that this is also the location where the famous Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca is located lying in the Parád-Tarna Valley of the Mátra Mountains is known for its thermal water and huge ancient park The 10 hectare region is one of the biggest walking parks in the country where you can completely switch off from everyday stress You can wander under special trees like maple-trees The twittering of birds completes the whole experience you can stroll among the rows of centuries-old plane which used to be the property of the Festetics family where several literary events were held in the past one hundred years you can admire the statues of famous Hungarians related to Keszthely lying few minutes away from the city centre of Debrecen becomes a popular destination as soon as spring kicks in One of the most visited parts of the park is Lake Békás and its fountain Those who want to relax can rest on the pier or indulge in daydreams on the promenades while those who want to do some sports can go running or cycling kids can have a blast at the 600 m2 playground and its animal toys make sure to visit the 100 hectare landscape-garden behind the Esterházy Castle The region used to be the exclusive game park of aristocrats and common people weren’t allowed inside referred to as the Castle Garden by locals the special atmosphere is still ensured by ancient trees like ash The Danube walk of Vác has been one of the symbols of the city since medieval times Most of the region has been landscaped throughout time thus providing an ideal location for relaxation while couples can share romantic moments on the stairs that lead down to the river The panorama of the mountains on the other side of the river is breath-taking from the walk The park named after poet Ferenc Verseghy lies along the walk of River Tisza and is one of the symbols of the city with its colourful flower gardens It’s an ideal location for an afternoon spent outdoors because kids can run around while parents relax in the mesmerising smell of roses The rosarium has been a beloved spot in the heart of the city for almost one hundred years Featured image: www.facebook.com/Keszthely Hungary is a popular tourist destination for many people worldwide and attracts millions of visitors every year Hungary received over 46 million international tourists in 2022 The country has a diversity of places to visit They not only attract international visitors let us take you through the best places to visit It is a picturesque town located 20 KM away from Hungary’s capital is popular for its narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses that give it a magical look but its magnificent churches and baroque architecture also attract many people The town features the 17th-century Orthodox Blagovestenska church Many tourists visit the church to admire its impressive Buda icons and elaborate décor Other tourist attractions in Szentendre include: has many historic and ancient places to check out on your maiden visit Budapest is a place to be if you want to learn about the country’s history it is famous for many entertainment activities Along with performances at the Budapest Opera House and Hungarian cuisine You can as well have some gaming fun at Las Vegas Casino and Tropicana Casino. Luckily, online gambling is also legal in the country. So, you can enjoy various games, including Aussie casino game favourites in your hotel room You will find top online casinos to join for your fun they have top-notch bonuses and a wide variety of games for excellent gaming experiences Esztergom features the largest church in the country It is a popular tourist attraction because of its magnificent interiors and large size the Basilica has a museum with one of the largest Christian relic collections the city is the best place to learn about the impact of Christianity on Hungary the cathedral is closed in Winter and you can only visit it in other seasons Other top tourist spots in Esztergom include the Danube Museum and Castle Museum 133 kilometers from Budapest on the Eger stream The city has a vast number of tourist attractions you can visit the Valley of Beautiful Women to enjoy the finest wine It is an amazing place to taste different wines and a perfect spot to drink with your friends They also sell the wine in big plastic jugs cheaply if you want to carry some home The village has a rich history in the country, which attracts both local and international tourists. It is found in the Lake Balaton region. Tihany is popular for its Abbey which has the first records of the Hungarian language the Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma has impressive monastic buildings with unique architectural styles you can visit and tour Other great attractions in Tihany include the Lavender Garden It sits on 100 hectares and provides a stunning sight in bloom Lake Balaton is also a beautiful place for a long walk You can also visit Benedictine Abbey Church Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary after Budapest It was once the country’s capital between 1848 and 1849 It is located in the Great Plains in the northeast of Hungary The top attractions in the city include museums and parks You can visit the Reformed Dormitory Museum stocked with over 17,000 art pieces The Déri Museum also has ancient Asian and Egyptian artifacts to check out Another great place for a family tour is the Aquaticum Debrecen Park Lake Balaton is among the top tourist destinations in Hungary The lake is a national treasure because it’s the largest freshwater body in the country and central Europe Lake Balaton is located about 80 kilometers southwest of Budapest It is a major holiday destination for many people, surrounded by several resort towns and beautiful forests. Not only that, but Lake Balaton also has volcanic hills All these attract many tourists throughout the year It is an interesting place to visit at Hungary’s north-eastern border Aggtelek has the Baradle Cave with stunning stalactite formations that attract big crowds of tourists the caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are gazetted as UNESCO World Heritage centers They are a group of over 1000 caves displaying a rare combination of glacial and climatic effects This makes Aggtelek a perfect study place for geological history students Get the most out of your maiden visit to Hungary by visiting some of the best places in the country Many of them are of great historical importance to the nation with a wide variety of entertainment activities for your enjoyment and relaxation Siófok is a vibrant and popular tourist destination situated on the southern shore of Balaton Known as the “capital” of the lake it offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors One such attraction is, naturally, the beach. Siófok Beach stretches for several kilometers and offers facilities such as sunbeds Those who love outings at night shouldn’t worry either Siófok is famous for its vibrant nightlife also known as “Party Street,” is the hub of nightlife in Siófok with numerous bars and clubs lined up along the waterfront For those who enjoy bathing, but are not a big fan of the waters of Balaton, we recommend to visit Galerius Wellness and Spa Located located only a short hop from Siófok it is a popular attraction for relaxation and rejuvenation steam rooms and a wide range of wellness treatments the city has some fascinating cultural and historical sites worth exploring as well offers panoramic views of the town and the lake The city’s centre features several charming churches including the Holy Trinity Church and the Protestant Church Tihany offers a unique window into the hidden opportunities and gems of Balaton it provides tourists with stunning panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes The peninsula is a designated nature reserve The Benedictine Abbey is one of Tihany’s main landmarks and a significant historical site it is a beautifully preserved architectural gem Visitors can explore the abbey’s interior admire the tranquil courtyards and enjoy the serene beauty of the region Tihany is famous for its lavender cultivation and the sight of vibrant purple fields is a treat for the eyes visitors can stroll through the fragrant lavender fields learn about lavender production and purchase lavender products and gifts Keszthely is a picturesque town located on the western shore of Lake Balaton Known for its rich history and cultural heritage Keszthely offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors The main highlight of Keszthely is by far the Festetics Palace one of Hungary’s largest Baroque-style castles This impressive mansion was the residence of the Festetics noble family lavish interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens the palace serves as a museum where visitors can explore its various rooms Keszthely boasts several beaches along the shores of Lake Balaton offering excellent opportunities for swimming Some popular beaches in Keszthely include the Libás Beach and the Balaton Museum Beach Keszthely is home to the Marzipan Museum and Confectionery a unique attraction that showcases intricate marzipan sculptures made by local artists Visitors can admire the impressive artworks learn about the history and techniques of marzipan-making and indulge in delicious marzipan treats Infostart.hu reveals that Hévíz and Keszthely are the most popular destinations in the Balaton region editor of balatontipp.hu shared his data about the ranking among these cities Hévíz is the most successful city in the Balaton region since it has a 7 percent growth regarding the number of nights spent in the hotels of the town last year Nights spent here by foreigners rose with 9,7 percent while the Hungarians’ number grew by 3 percent 700 thousand people from abroad decided to stay in Hévíz Siófok got the second place in the competition it is the winner among the cities that are located right by the shore a touristic outgrowth of the city decreased spectacularly with 8,6 percent thanks to the 15,9 percent domestic decline it earned the second place on the list with 240 nights internationally and 467 domestically Árpád Győrffy highlighted that it has been Hévíz, Siófok, and Balatonfüred on the stage for years now It is a change however that while Siófok’s popularity seems to be decreasing Balatonfüred is getting more and more beloved due to its 11,3 percent rise This causes Siófok be on very thin ice because 706 thousand nights are not much more than Balatonfüred’s 693 thousand nights Zalakaros got the fourth place with a 10,7 percent rise that means 554 thousand nights in this case. Domestic popularity has grown with a notable 10,1 percent. Keszthely won the fifth place from Zamárdi compared to last year. What is more, Cserszegtomaj and Tihany improved their accomplishment with one-one place