7 spring activities at Lake Balaton worth trying in March

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In spring Lake Balaton shows a completely different face than in the summer season. The shore is quieter, nature is finally waking up and the weather is ideal for excursions.

If you travel to Lake Balaton in spring, there are many things to choose from: a castle visit in Szigliget, a hike on Badacsony, a walk in Balatonfüred or farmers' markets in the Balaton Uplands.

We have collected 7 spring activitiesworth trying around Lake Balaton in spring.

View from Szigliget Castle: the upper castle courtyard in the foreground, with a panorama of Szent György Hill in the background.

A trip to Szigliget Castle

The castle of Szigliget offers a unique panoramic view of Lake Balaton and the Balaton Uplands.
From here you can clearly see Badacsony, the row of witness hills and the Tapolca Basin, and on a clear day even Sümeg Castle appears on the horizon. It is especially pleasant to hike up here in spring, when the air is clear and the landscape is fresh and green.

Why go up in spring?

– pleasant hiking weather
– fewer tourists
– stunning Balaton panorama

If you want to know more, we have written a separate article about it:

👉 Szigliget Castle: an excursion and panorama at the castle of Lake Balaton

A spring hike on Badacsony

The In spring, Badacsony is an excursion spot with a special atmosphere on the shore of Lake Balaton.
As you walk the paths of the hill, the panorama slowly unfolds: Lake Balaton below, the witness hills around, and the hills of the Tapolca Basin behind. The landscape is still calm and quiet, and the view changes at every bend.

On the hike, several well-known places are worth a stop:

– Kisfaludy lookout tower
– Rózsakő (Rose Stone)
– Ranolder Cross

At the end of the hike, it feels good to stop on a Badacsony wine terrace for a glass of wine and enjoy the Balaton panorama.

Spring atmosphere on the Tagore promenade in Balatonfüred: a wooden pergola covered in roses, colourful flower beds, people strolling, with Lake Balaton and the marina in the background.

A walk on the Tagore promenade in Balatonfüred

The Tagore promenade is one of Balatonfüred's most beautiful and best-loved places.
It is especially atmospheric in spring: the huge plane trees come into leaf, the rose garden and flower beds fill with colour, while the sailing boats still rock quietly in the harbour.

On the promenade there is always a reason to stop:

– a walk under the plane trees on the shore of Lake Balaton
– a coffee or ice cream on one of the terraces
– browsing among the sailing boats in the harbour
– a short walk on the pier, with a lovely view of Lake Balaton

The Tagore promenade is a place where it is easy to slow down: you just take a walk, sit on a bench and enjoy the calm spring atmosphere of Lake Balaton.

A visit to the Folly Arboretum

The Folly Arboretum in Badacsonyörs is a place you always want to come back to.
It is especially beautiful in spring: the garden is full of flowering plants, pleasant shady paths lead under the huge cedars, and almost everywhere you go the Balaton panorama appears.

This is a place to slow down, stop at a bench or viewpoint and simply enjoy the silence. At the end of the walk you can rest on the terrace with a glass of wine or a refreshing syrup while admiring the sparkling lake. 

Why is it a good outing?

– a peaceful walk in a special garden
– huge cedars and unusual plants
– beautiful Balaton panorama

Discover the year-round farmers' markets and craft fairs of the north shore! Fresh produce, unique crafts, local culture.

Craft markets and local producers

In spring the farmers' markets come to life, where you can taste local delicacies and craft products.

One of the best known is the Liliomkert market in Káptalantóti, where you can find:

– local cheeses
– homemade jams
– Balaton wines and fresh baked goods.

If you love food experiences, a market like this is a real Balaton outing.

We have written more about the area's markets and local producers here: 

👉 Farmers' markets in the Balaton Uplands

Cycling around Lake Balaton

Spring is a great time to get on a bike and explore a section of the Balaton cycle path.
The weather is pleasant and the cycle paths are not yet busy.

Popular sections:

– Balatonfüred – Tihany
– Badacsony – Szigliget
– around Keszthely

If you are thinking of a cycling tour, we have also written detailed routes and tips:

👉 Spring cycling tours around Lake Balaton

A cycling family – father, mother and little girl – in spring sunshine.

A trip to the Koloska Valley

The Koloska Valley is a real green oasis near Balatonfüred.
The forest paths along the stream are pleasant to walk, and in spring the fresh green leaves and birdsong make the area especially charming.

There are several rest areas and fire pits in the valley, so many people come here for a relaxed outing or even an outdoor lunch. At the end of the walk it is worth stopping at the Koloska spring, one of the area's well-known hiking spots.

Why is it a good outing?

– a pleasant walk on shady forest paths
– picnics at the rest areas by the stream
– a family-friendly outing near Balatonfüred

The Koloska Valley is a good choice if you want to get away from the lakeshore for a while and enjoy the silence of nature. 

Why is Lake Balaton special in spring?

In spring, Lake Balaton offers a completely different experience than in the summer season.

✔ a calmer atmosphere
✔ fewer tourists
✔ perfect hiking weather
✔ fantastic views wherever you go

If you love nature, good wines and Balaton views, spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in the area.

Sunrise, panorama, peace. Why do our guests keep coming back?

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✨ The magic of a Balaton holiday – when the sun rises behind Badacsony

A holiday in Szigliget is a special experience – not only because Lake Balaton is close by, but because of its unique location.
The guesthouses of Lívia Apartmanok in Szigliget have something special: from the terrace you can watch the sun rise from behind Badacsony every morning. The sight of the hills, gardens and the sparkling lake slowly filling with light is almost impossible to put into words.

Many guests sit out on the terrace at dawn with a cup of coffee – just watching nature move and listening to the birds. Anyone who has experienced this knows: here we don't just rest – here time slows down.

💬 “This is where the day really begins in the morning”

Our guests often tell us that mornings start differently here.
Instead of starting the day in a rush, here they have time to pause for a moment.
The play of light on the slopes of Badacsony, the oleanders blooming on the terrace and the still sleepy silence – all make for the perfect Balaton morning.

“I have never got up at dawn so happily – I just sat with my coffee and watched the sun slowly rise over the hill. The birds were singing, the garden smelled wonderful – I hardly wanted to move from there.”
– wrote one of our returning guests from Délibáb Guesthouse.

🌿 Close to nature: your own garden, birdsong and blooming calm

There is always something happening in the gardens of our guesthouses. Pink and white oleanders bloom around the terrace, under the big, fragrant leaves of the fig bushes the fruit ripens, and the young cedar stretches majestically towards the sky – soon to cast shade over the yard.
The From the terrace of Napkelte Guesthouse the morning light is especially beautiful – as the sun's rays glide over the flowers of the rock garden, the whole garden fills with warm golden light. The house's name is no coincidence – here the sunrise really plays the leading role.

🍳 Calm mornings, generous breakfasts, a Balaton rhythm

Many guests have learnt to appreciate the joy of a slow morning again with us:

  • Warm light streaming in through the open window
  • Breakfast on the terrace
  • A moment when no one looks at the clock

Instead of the city bustle, in Szigliget silence reigns in the mornings. The sound of birds, distant church bells, sunlight filtering through the trees – this is what our guests love so much.

🔁 The experience you will want to come back to again and again

Some places don't just keep memories, they bring them to life again and again.
Szigliget is such a place.
Our guests often say that when they come back to us, they open not just the door of a guesthouse – but a feeling too. The peace they found here the first time.

One guest proposed to their partner here, another rested with us before the birth of their first baby.
Some have been coming in the same week for years – because this is where they recharge.
And one guest told us:

“This place wasn't just a holiday for us, it was a kind of new beginning.”

Because there are days when it isn't the plans that matter, but being in a good place – with ourselves and with each other.

📌 Why choose Lívia Apartmanok's guesthouses in Szigliget?

🌄 Unrivalled views of Badacsony and Lake Balaton

🏡 Spacious guesthouses with their own garden

🚗 Private parking, a safe environment

💬 Helpful, personal hospitality

➕ A final tip:

If you love quiet mornings, if you like keeping a journal, or simply want to feel the first light of the sun fill your soul – you will find your place here.

👉 See our guesthouses here: See the houses

A wine adventure on Szent György Hill, not just until dawn!

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The Balaton Uplands has one of its most exciting wine regions on Szent György Hill – volcanic basalt soil, family wineries, natural wines and everything you look for on a memorable trip. We went to the June Szent György Hill Until Dawn event, but soon realised: this area is worth a trip all year round – even on a weekday afternoon!

If you are staying in one of Lívia Apartmanok's guesthouses in Szigliget , you can comfortably explore the hill from here by bike or with the Balaton Wine Taxi (Bortaxi) – this makes the trip not only safer but much more enjoyable.

🌿 Why Szent György Hill?

  • A unique microclimate and volcanic terroirthat produce excellent wines
  • Small family wineries, friendly hosts
  • Beautiful views of the witness hills and Lake Balaton
  • Tasting terraces and walking paths open from spring to autumn
  • You can explore it by bike, or order a Wine Taxiif you don't want to cycle

🍷 Wines that won us over – Lívia's tasting list

1. Hóbor Cellar – Irsai Olivér

This cellar is an ideal first stop for a wine afternoon. Their light, floral Irsai Olivér goes down easily while you look at the sunlit rows of vines. Friendly service, family atmosphere.

🚲 Tip: the road to the cellar is gentle and pleasant by bike too.

2. Szászi Cellar – 2023 Szent György Hill Olaszrizling

The Szászi Estate has long been known for quality wines from organic farming. Their 2023 Olaszrizling is balanced and full of character – a typical Balaton wine with a volcanic twist.

👨‍👩‍👧 Ideal for families too, as there is a restaurant on the estate.
🛺 If you are not cycling, call the Wine Taxi – they are happy to bring you here too.

3. Napsárkán – Sárkánytangó (Riesling)

This winery is a real insider tip – the wines here are made with youthful energy. Sárkánytangó is a cool-fermented, spontaneously fermented Riesling, made truly unique by a short time in barrel. Vine blossom on the nose, fruit and freshness on the palate.

🚴 For cyclists a real treat: the route runs along dirt tracks between the vines.
💬 Got a question? Napsárkán is active on Instagram too!

4. Horváth Cellar – Olaszrizling

A true classic Olaszrizling – honest, clean and easy to drink. The cellar's style is just like its wines: no frills, friendly and authentic. A great choice for an afternoon stop or to end the wine route.

🛵 If you are not cycling, the Wine Taxi driver knows your favourite entrance path too.

5. Bencze Estate – the world of natural wines

If you are looking for something new, visit the Bencze Estate, where natural wines are made using biodynamic methods. By prior appointment, themed wine tastings are also available – we tried the 'Introduction to the world of natural wines' talk, and it was an eye-opening experience.

🚲 Easy to reach by bike, the terrain is not too hard – we recommend it to everyone.
📞 Advance booking required!

🏡 Accommodation that makes a great starting point

Our guesthouses in Szigliget – the Napkelte Guesthouse and the Délibáb Guesthouse – are an excellent starting point for a wine tour. You can bring your own bike or rent oneat the nearby Brin-Garázs, but if you prefer the comfortable option, the Balaton Wine Taxi service will take you safely and in style to the cellars you choose – and bring you home.

🚲 Our travel tips:

Bicycle: Szent György Hill and its surroundings are pleasant to cycle, especially from spring to autumn. An e-bike is an even better choice.

Balaton Wine Taxi: a personalised route, a wine-friendly driver and no worries about driving – so wine tasting stays relaxed.

📅 Extra tip: Szent György Hill Until Dawn – only once a year!

If you have never been to the June “Szent György Hill Until Dawn” event, mark it in your calendar! On this day all the cellars open at once, with concerts, grilled food, conversations and wine until dawn.

But if it happens to be not June, the hill is still alive – and often shows a calmer, more intimate side. That is exactly what we love about it.