Keszthely - Discovering Hungary

Travelling to Keszthely

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Keszthely, a pretty good destination in Hungary (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Keszthely and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Keszthely, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Hungary, here's everything to know about Keszthely for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Keszthely

Keszthely is a town in western Hungary, located on the shore of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. It is the cultural and economic center of the region and a popular destination for tourists. Keszthely is known for its historic buildings, including the Festetics Palace, which is one of the largest Baroque castles in Hungary and houses a museum and library. The town also has several thermal baths and spas, as well as numerous outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, and cycling. Being close to the lake and surrounded by mountains and vineyards, Keszthely is a beautiful place to visit all year round.

What to visit in Keszthely

Keszthely is a small town located on the western side of Lake Balaton in Hungary. It is known for its beautiful architecture, picturesque streets, and natural attractions. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Keszthely: 1. Festetics Castle - This beautiful castle is the main attraction of Keszthely. It was built in the 18th century and is one of the largest castles in Hungary. It has over 100 rooms and is surrounded by a beautiful park. Visitors can take guided tours of the castle and learn about its history and architecture.
2. Balaton Museum - This museum is located near the Festetics Castle and is dedicated to the history and nature of Lake Balaton. It has a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, natural specimens, and exhibits tracing the history of the lake.
3. Helikon Castle Museum - This museum was built on the ruins of a former monastery and is located in the historic center of Keszthely. It showcases the life and work of the renowned Hungarian writer, Balint Balassi, and has a collection of antique furniture, ceramics, paintings, and manuscripts.
4. Lake Balaton - This is the largest lake in Central Europe and is a top tourist destination, particularly in the summer months. Visitors can take a dip in the lake, rent a boat or water sport equipment, or simply relax on the numerous beaches that surround the lake.
5. Georgikon Manor Museum - This museum is located in the nearby town of Keszthely-Cserszegtomaj and is dedicated to the history of agriculture in Hungary. It showcases tools, machinery, and equipment used in farming, and includes exhibits on winemaking and animal husbandry.
6. Keszthely Market Hall - This is the oldest market hall in Hungary, built in 1897. It is a great place to experience the local culture and purchase fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Overall, Keszthely is a beautiful town with a rich history and a lot of attractions to offer to tourists.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Hungary, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Keszthely.

When to go on holiday to Keszthely

The best time to visit Keszthely, Hungary is during the months of May to September when the weather is warm and most of the tourist attractions are open. During this time, you can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and biking. July and August are the peak tourist season, so you can expect bigger crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, you can visit during the shoulder season which is in May and September. The winter months from December to February are cold in Keszthely and most of the tourist attractions are closed during this period.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Keszthely

There are several options to get to Keszthely, Hungary: 1. By plane: The closest airport to Keszthely is Hévíz–Balaton Airport, which is approximately 15 km away from the city. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Keszthely.
2. By train: Keszthely has a train station, so you can take a train from Budapest or other major cities in Hungary. Check the timetable on the Hungarian Railways website for more information.
3. By bus: Numerous bus companies operate services to Keszthely from Budapest and other major cities in Hungary, as well as from neighboring countries.
4. By car: If you have a car, you can reach Keszthely easily from Budapest by taking the M7 motorway towards Balaton.
Once you arrive in Keszthely, you can take a taxi or public transportation to your desired destination within the city.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Keszthely, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Keszthely

Keszthely is a charming town in Hungary that boasts of a rich culinary heritage. Here are some typical foods of Keszthely along with a short description of each: 1. Halászlé or Fisherman's Soup - This is a spicy fish soup made with freshwater fish like carp, catfish, and perch. It is usually cooked over an open fire and flavored with paprika, garlic, and onions.
2. Pörkölt or Stew - This hearty dish is made with beef, pork, or chicken, and seasoned with paprika and other spices. It is often served with potatoes or dumplings.
3. Töltött Paprika or Stuffed Peppers - This is a popular dish in Hungary and is made by stuffing bell peppers with ground meat, rice, and spices. The peppers are then baked or simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
4. Gulyás or Goulash - This is a thick soup or stew made with beef, onions, paprika, and spices. It is often served with crusty bread or dumplings.
5. Rétes or Strudel - This is a pastry made with flaky dough and filled with sweet fillings like apples, cherries, or poppy seeds. It is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with whipped cream.
6. Lángos - This is a deep-fried dough that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It can be topped with various toppings like sour cream, cheese, and bacon, or with sweet toppings like Nutella and jam.
7. Pogácsa - These are small, savory biscuits made with flour, butter, and cheese. They are often served as a snack or an appetizer.
Overall, the cuisine of Keszthely is rich, flavorful, and perfect for those who love hearty and satisfying meals.
You can find general info about typical foods in Hungary here.

Is Keszthely an expensive destination for tourists?

Keszthely can be considered as a moderately expensive destination for tourists, compared to other places in Hungary. It's a popular tourist town located on the western shore of Lake Balaton with many attractions, like the Festetics Palace, the Balaton Museum, and the Helikon Castle Museum. The prices may vary depending on the season and the type of accommodation and activities you choose. However, generally, the prices for food, accommodation, and sightseeing are slightly higher than the average prices in Hungary. Still, Keszthely offers a unique cultural experience and is definitely worth visiting.

Where to find accomodation in Keszthely

The best areas to find accommodation while visiting Keszthely, Hungary are, of course, in the city center or near the Lake Balaton as Keszthely is located on its western shore. Staying in the city center will give easy access to the main attractions like the Festetics Palace, the Balaton Museum, and the Keszthely Market Hall, while staying near the Balaton coast offers an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and access to water sports activities. Another option is to look for accommodation in the nearby villages, such as Gyenesdiás or Hévíz, which are close to Keszthely and offer a quieter and more rural experience.
You can check hotel prices at Keszthely here:
Booking.com

Is Keszthely a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Keszthely is generally considered a safe place for tourists. It is a popular tourist destination in Hungary and has a low crime rate. However, it is always important to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure. Additionally, it's wise to be aware of any local customs or cultural differences that may affect your safety. Overall, Keszthely is a beautiful and peaceful city that welcomes travelers from all around the world.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Hungary here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Keszthely.

What type of travelers will enjoy Keszthely the most?

Keszthely, Hungary is a charming town located on the western shore of Lake Balaton. It has something to offer for every type of traveler, but in general, it is perfect for families, couples, and travelers who are interested in history and relaxation.
Families with children will enjoy the town's outdoor activities and attractions such as the Balaton Museum, Festetics Palace, and the beach. There are also plenty of restaurants that cater to families.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area, intimate wine tastings, and relaxing spa treatments.
Young people can have fun in Keszthely as there are many bars and nightclubs in the area. Additionally, water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular on the lake.
Overall, Keszthely is an excellent destination for all types of travelers, and each can find something to enjoy.

How to get around Keszthely

To move around Keszthely, you can use various modes of transportation, such as: 1. Walking: Keszthely is a small town, and many of its attractions can be easily reached on foot.
2. Bicycle: You can rent a bike to explore the town and the nearby areas.
3. Public Transport: Local buses and trains connect Keszthely to nearby towns and cities.
4. Taxi: Taxis are available in Keszthely, and they are a convenient way to move around the town and reach the nearby places. 5. Car rental: You can also rent a car to explore the town and the surrounding areas on your own.

What to see around Keszthely

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Keszthely (Hungary): 1. Hévíz: famous for its thermal lake and healing properties, Hévíz is just a 10-minute drive from Keszthely.
2. Szigliget Castle: a beautiful castle located on a hill overlooking Lake Balaton, about a half-hour drive from Keszthely.
3. Tapolca: known for its cave system, Tapolca is a 20-minute drive from Keszthely.
4. Festetics Palace: a stunning palace located in Keszthely itself, which houses a museum and beautifully landscaped gardens.
5. Káli Basin: a scenic region with several picturesque villages, vineyards, and hiking trails, about a 45-minute drive from Keszthely.
6. Keszthely Hills: a beautiful hilly region surrounding Keszthely, with hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Balaton.
7. Balatonederics: a charming village with a beautiful church, vineyards, and several restaurants, about a 25-minute drive from Keszthely.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you would like any further information or assistance.
For every travel information about Hungary you can click here.

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