The goal is to make Lake Balaton not only a summer destination

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 16. 11:58

Lake Balaton has been an iconic location for summer recreation in Hungary for decades. Beaches, festivals and summer sunshine attract tourists here year after year. However, when autumn comes, lakeside life becomes quieter, restaurants are closed, and visitors think there is no reason to come here. This is the phenomenon of the so-called “double curse of Balaton”: due to the lack of tourists, the restaurateurs do not open, while due to the closed places, the visitors do not return. The second part of Index’s series of articles looked for the answer to how Lake Balaton can be made sustainable all year round, and what steps local caterers are taking to break “the curse”.

The attraction of autumn Balaton

Although summer is still the most popular time, more and more people are discovering Lake Balaton in other seasons of the year as well. The autumn landscape, local wineries, spas and hiking spots offer diverse program opportunities. Still, many people have the misconception that Lake Balaton closes at the end of the summer season. Péter Princzinger, VisitBalaton365 Nkft. according to its executive director, this is one of the biggest obstacles the region faces: people don’t know that Lake Balaton is an exciting destination all year round.

Sustainability at Lake Balaton

For local entrepreneurs, the autumn and winter months are the most challenging. How can they stay open even when there are fewer tourists? The experts gathered at the Androsics Estates agree that the situation can be changed by expanding the Balaton’s offer, with new programs and campaigns. The aim of the “1000 reasons to visit Lake Balaton in autumn” campaign is to promote the lake’s year-round appeal and to show that the autumn colors, wines and natural treasures offer experiences just as valuable as summer bathing.