Lake Balaton North Shore & Hévíz
Drive west along Route 71 on the north shore, connecting Tihany, volcanic wine country, and the thermal lake.
A self-drive mini-loop with short daily drives, staying two nights in Balatonfüred and one night in Keszthely. Dedicate a full day to the Tihany Peninsula, then head west via Badacsony and Szigliget, and finally soak in the thermal waters of Hévíz before returning. Perfect for couples and long weekends. This route focuses solely on the north shore and does not include the south shore beaches.
Lavender blooms from late June to July. August is peak season, so book accommodation early.
Day by day
Day 1 · Veszprém to the Lakeshore
Lake Balaton (Tihany)（Veszprém Castle District、Balatonfüred & Tagore Promenade）
Drive from Budapest via the M7 and Route 8 to Veszprém (about 1.5 hours), then south to Balatonfüred (about 25 minutes).
A motorway e-vignette is required. Traffic heading to the lake area can be heavy on Friday afternoons in summer.
Stay: Balatonfüred
Day 2 · Tihany Peninsula Day Trip
Lake Balaton (Tihany)（Tihany Abbey、Tihany Open-Air Ethnographic Museum、Tihany Lavender Fields & Lavender House、Inner Lake (Belső-tó)、Hermit Caves (Barátlakások)）
Drive from Balatonfüred along Route 71 to the peninsula (about 20 minutes), park in the village, and explore on foot.
Stay: Balatonfüred
Day 3 · Volcanic Wine Country to the West Shore
Lake Balaton (Tihany)（Badacsony） → Hévíz & Keszthely（Szigliget Castle、Festetics Palace、Keszthely Lakeside & Pier）
Drive west along Route 71 to Badacsony (about 40 minutes), then continue via Szigliget to Keszthely (about 30 minutes).
Hungary has a zero-tolerance policy for drink-driving; ensure a non-drinking companion drives during wine tastings.
Stay: Keszthely Old Town
Day 4 · Hévíz Thermal Lake & Return
Drive from Keszthely to Hévíz (about 15 minutes), then return to Budapest via the M7 in the afternoon (about 2.5 hours).
The thermal lake is open year-round. Expect heavier traffic on Sunday afternoons.