Active water sports on Lake Balaton—SUP, kayaking and everything in between

Would you have guessed that you can go on water tours in the Balaton Uplands National Park? A visit to the Kis-Balaton wouldn’t be complete without exploring Diás Island, featuring the memorial of the famous Hungarian writer István Fekete and ‘Matula’s hut,’ built based on his novel Tüskevár to commemorate its best-known hero, Uncle Matula. As the area is strictly protected, it can only be visited on guided tours. Canoe tours departing from the Kis-Balaton Visitor Centre bring you even closer to the atmosphere of István Fekete’s novels and the wildlife of the marshlands. On canoe tours from Kányavári Island, visitors can spot herons, marsh harriers, cormorants, egrets and, if fortunate, even deer bathing in the water. If curious about the tales of the marshland, this programme is sure to become a favourite.

June 27—weather permitting, this is the day of the MOL Balaton Rowing, when the lake can be crossed in any human-powered watercraft. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience, as experienced paddlers, hobby rowers and serious competitors all take on the stretch between Zamárdi and Tihany together at this lively event. Surely, you won’t stay at home either? It’s thrilling just to watch!

Conquer the Hungarian sea standing on a SUP board! Embark on the adventure in the morning over the mirror-like water, in the afternoon while enjoying the gentle touch of the fading sun, or in the evening amid the golden sunset. SUP, short for stand-up paddle, is a fantastic activity because it combines exercise and relaxation—paddling while standing engages the legs, as well as the core and arm muscles. It improves balance and endurance while being gentle on the joints, making it ideal for beginners. Additionally, gliding across the water’s surface, quietly exploring a lake or river, and seeing the landscape from a completely different perspective is a unique experience, whether alone or with friends. 

While SUP provides calm, water-level relaxation, sailing delivers a stronger sense of freedom and genuine adventure—especially on windier days. It’s important to take responsibility for a sailboat only under the supervision of a qualified skipper, and if your skills aren’t sufficient, it’s better to enjoy the power of the wind and sun as a passenger. Viewing the shores from the middle of Lake Balaton, listening to the lapping waves and feeling the gentle breeze on a sailboat are sure to make daily worries fade away. 

Even if you don’t spin, jump or flip on the first try, wakeboarding is still worth trying whenever you get the chance. If that’s what you’re after, the thrill of wakeboarding awaits around Lake Balaton in Siófok, Balatonfüred and Vonyarcvashegy.