Five secret sights – lesser-known things to do around Lake Balaton

Make sure you include a visit to the city of Veszprém among your weekend activities: in recent years many of its buildings have undergone major renovation, and if you’re holidaying at the lake, for example in Alsóörs or Balatonalmádi, you can get to Veszprém in just fifteen minutes. The Veszprém Castle is worth visiting more than once as most of the city’s landmarks are found in this charming Baroque quarter. Once you pass through the Gate of Heroes, you’ll be captivated by its historic atmosphere. You’ll see the Fire Tower, the Archbishop’s Palace, St. Michael’s Cathedral and the statues of King St. Stephen and Queen Gisela. The cross at the top of Benedek Hill is unmissable, offering a lovely view over the city and the valley of the Séd stream.

The Modern Gallery is also located in the Castle District, showcasing the ever-growing collection of László Vass, a master shoemaker, featuring Hungarian and international contemporary works. The exceptional collection focuses primarily on geometric and constructive trends, offering a unique insight into 20th- and 21st-century abstract art. Alongside the permanent exhibition, temporary shows introduce new perspectives and artists.

It’s worth stopping off at the Akarattya Clifftop, whether you’re arriving or heading home, as it provides one of the most beautiful panoramas of Lake Balaton with a sweeping view over almost the entire eastern basin. The vista from the top of the loess wall is especially stunning at sunset, when the surface of the lake glimmers in shades of gold. The viewpoint is easy to reach. It’s just a short walk from the road, making it a perfect stopover. 

The Human Comedy group of sculptures at Kornyi Lake near Kővágóörs is a striking feature of the Balaton Uplands. It is composed of four figures and was created in 1986 from steel tubing and limestone. It has long since become part of the landscape. The monumental bronze figures, each between 2.4 and 3.6 metres tall, reflect the diversity of human destinies and form a fascinating contrast with their natural surroundings, standing before the marshy ground of the Káli basin and the basalt hills beyond. The site is particularly worth visiting in spring or summer, when more than a hundred bird species nest around the lake, including the great egret. The sculptures and the surrounding nature together create a truly special experience.

The Zalaszántó Peace Stupa stands on a forest clearing atop a hill and is considered one of the largest stupas in Europe. This sacred Buddhist structure houses relics of the Buddha, with a 24-metre-high Tree of Life inside. The stupa was inaugurated in 1993 by the 14th Dalai Lama and has since become a symbol of peace and quiet in the region.

Prayers, meditations and retreats are held here regularly, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance. Visitors walk clockwise around the stupa, and shoes must be removed before entering the meditation centre as a sign of respect for the sacred space. The hilltop also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape, providing both spiritual and natural enrichment.

In the heart of the Zselic Landscape Protection Area, far from any sources of artificial light, the Star Park offers activities partly inside the observatory building and partly in the surrounding forest. You can’t visit the observatory unless you schedule a guided tour, although the outdoor areas of the Star Park, including the lookout tower and rest points, are freely accessible for most of the year. You can learn about the mysteries of the night sky via telescope demonstrations or even on guided night-time forest walks, but make sure you register on the website beforehand.