Famous bathing lake · Hungary

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton has 125 officially rated bathing spots, 114 of them currently with excellent water quality according to the EEA (as of July 2026).

Excellent 114Good 10Sufficient 1

Lake Balaton is Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, stretching about 77 kilometres across the heart of Hungary. Its warm, shallow waters, vine-covered hillsides and dramatic basalt peaks make it one of the continent's most beloved summer destinations. Of 125 rated bathing spots, 124 achieve a good or excellent water quality rating – an outstanding result.

The lively southern shore around Siófok and Zamárdi suits families and those seeking entertainment, with popular spots like Balaton Zamardi Nagy Strand and Balaton Siofok Petofi Szallodasor. The quieter northern shore around Balatonfüred and Tihany attracts water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers: Balaton Tihany Godros Strand and Balaton Balatonfured Esterhazy Strand are prime examples of the quality on offer. The western end near Keszthely invites a more relaxed pace.

nextlake.eu helps you discover all official EU bathing sites on Lake Balaton at a glance – with water quality data, an interactive map and easy filtering to find your perfect spot.

FAQ
Can you swim in Lake Balaton?

Yes, swimming in Lake Balaton is absolutely possible and very popular. The lake is a freshwater lake in Hungary and one of Central Europe's most visited summer destinations. Official bathing areas are well-marked and regularly monitored.

How clean is Lake Balaton?

The water quality at Lake Balaton is excellent. Out of 125 officially rated bathing spots, 114 received the top EU rating of 'excellent', 10 were rated 'good', and only 1 was rated 'sufficient'. The lake consistently meets high European water quality standards.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Balaton?

Yes, swimming in Lake Balaton is safe. An impressive 124 out of 125 monitored bathing spots are rated good or excellent under EU standards, making it one of the cleanest large lakes in Europe. Always check local flag signals before entering the water.

Where can you swim in Lake Balaton?

Lake Balaton has 125 officially rated bathing spots spread along its shores, giving you plenty of choice wherever you stay. Visit nextlake.eu for an interactive map with locations and current water quality ratings. Many beaches offer amenities like showers, changing rooms and lifeguards.

Regions

Other languages