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| Balatongyörok | ||
| County | Zala | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 1.060 (2019) | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Balatongyörok is a village on the northwestern shore of Lake Balaton in Zala County in Hungary.
background
getting there
By plane
After Sármellék Airport, 22 kilometers away, was reopened in the spring of 2010, there is the possibility of a direct flight to Lake Balaton, at least from some major cities in North Germany. A shuttle service connects the airport with the Balaton holiday resorts.
From southern Germany there is only the possibility to fly to Budapest and from there to travel on with a private shuttle service or by train to the Balaton holiday resorts.
By train
With the exception of Szigliget and Tihany, all seaside resorts on Lake Balaton, including Balatongyörök, can be reached by train.
In the street
The easiest route from Germany from A8 Munich - Salzburg, then A1 west autobahn towards Vienna to the Steinhäusl junction, there on the A21 Vienna southern bypass to the Vösendorf junction, further south on the A2 to Gutramsdorf junction, further on the A3 to the end of the autobahn, there on the B16 to the Hungarian border. The B16 turns into the E84 and this leads directly to Lake Balaton.
By boat
mobility
Tourist Attractions
- "Szepkilato" lookout point. The "Szepkilato" lookout point on the eastern edge of the village directly on the E71 is a must for every visitor. It probably offers one of the most beautiful views over the southwestern Balaton. The main street Kossuth Lajos ut. especially in the lower part is an ensemble of old fishermen's and farmhouses that are well worth seeing. The Bakony Forest with its interesting flora and fauna begins on the northern edge of the village. A paradise for hikers and unfortunately more and more frequented by mountain bikers lately.
activities
Cycle tourism
The Balaton cycle path leads directly through the village. Since there are hardly any inclines, this offers even the most inexperienced cyclist the opportunity to cover long distances without great effort. During the main holiday season, however, there is heavy traffic on the bike path. Bike tours into the Balaton hinterland are much quieter but also more strenuous. Due to its proximity to the Bakony and Keszthely Mountains, Balatongyörök is an ideal starting point for this.
shop
Food
There are two small supermarkets in the village for daily needs. People with higher demands have to go to Keszthely, 8 kilometers away. All well-known supermarket chains are represented there. TESCO and INTERSPAR are particularly recommended, especially because of their range of Hungarian foods. TESCO is open 7 days a week.
clothing
You can buy clothing / shoes / fruit / vegetables and other items in the corresponding specialist shops in Keszthely or at one of the weekly markets in the area, most of which take place on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
Wine
The Balaton and its surroundings are famous for their wines. For your daily needs or to take home with you, you can buy your wine at a wine tasting in one of the well-known top wineries or, and that is the much cheaper option, simply shop at one of the winegrowers in the area. Here just follow the signs with the inscription BORON (i.e. WINE) which are mostly on the side of the road and try the house wines of the winemakers. You will be surprised at the quality and price.
gastronomy
A wide range of gastronomy can be found in Balatongyörök. You can eat cheaply at the kiosks on the beach and at the buffet at the "Szepkilato - viewpoint" in Kossuth Lajos ut. there are some restaurants with different price / performance levels. The restaurants and csardas on Becehegy and Paphegy (directly on the E71 on the eastern edge of the village) are very good and inexpensive.
nightlife
During the season, from May to September, the bars and restaurants on the beach and in Kossuth Lajos ut. open until late at night. This also applies to the stalls of the local winemakers. In addition, the restaurateurs alternately organize street balls and jazz fiestas in front of their inns, where live music and house specialties are offered. The highlights of the year are of course the wine festival in July and the grape harvest festival in September.
accommodation
There are two hotels and several guest houses in the village. There are also a large number of private landlords of good to very good standard. On the eastern edge of the village there is a well-equipped campsite that also rents out bungalows. A second campsite is located on the southwest edge of the village, directly on Lake Balaton.
health
Practical advice
language
Since the Hungarian language is not related to any other common European language, it will take some effort to learn. The attempt to learn the Hungarian language in the crash course just for vacation is therefore only possible for language geniuses. However, this is nothing to worry about. In all Hungarian holiday areas and especially at Lake Balaton, German is the most common foreign language. You will therefore hardly encounter any communication problems here. Should you still manage to pronounce some Hungarian words or phrases correctly, your Hungarian interlocutor will be happy to hear this. Our tip: Let a Hungarian teach you your Hungarian!
trips
- Keszthely. The capital of the West Balaton can be reached in a few minutes via the E71. In any case, this is a must Balaton Museum and Festetics Castle. The other municipal or private museums, which are discussed in detail below, are also worth seeing. The area around Kossuth Lajos ut. and the market (pic) offers opportunities for shopping.
- Badacsony. The imposing mountain, remnant of a former volcano, can be reached in a few minutes via the E71 in the direction of Balatonfüred. From the wine village of the same name, located below the mountain on the bank, a footpath leads to the Platau. On the way there are various options for wine tasting from the local winemakers. Those who make the effort of the ascent will be rewarded with a wonderful view over Lake Balaton and the Balaton hinterland. Famous / notorious is the steep climb up the stairs with approx. 420 steps on the west side of the mountain. The mountain is also extremely interesting from a geological point of view. The buffets down in the village then offer the hiker a variety of cheap and good food and drinks (try the breaded pike!).
- Szigliget. The place, on a headland halfway between Balatongyörök and Badacsony, is known, among other things, for its very picturesque castle ruins. Considerable restorations have been carried out here in recent years, so that the castle with its small historical exhibition is always worth a visit.
- Africa Museum. About 2 kilometers on the E71 in the direction of Balatonfüred, located on the left directly on the road, the Africa Museum offers, among other things, a collection of African cult and art objects as well as a petting zoo for children.
