Balaton Lake placed in Hungary, is the largest lake in Central Europe, and one of its most common tourist destinations. As Hungary is landlocked (don't have exit to sea), it is often affectionately called the "Hungarian Sea". The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water to the Balaton, and the canalized Sió is the only outflow.
In Hungarian language, the lake is known as Balaton (nicknamed Balcsi). This name derives from the South-Slavic "blato", which means mud, and has no meaning in Hungarian. The Romans called the lake Lacus Pelso. Pelso derives from a local name for the lake, perhaps from the Illyrian language, as the Illyrians once populated the region.
Balaton Lake affects the local area precipitation per annum. The area receives approximately five to seven cm more precipitation than most of Hungary, resulting in more cloudy days, and less extreme temperatures. The lake's surface freezes during colder winters so it can be used for ice skiting. Balaton region's climate has also made it ideal for growing grapes to make wine, and beside Tokaj, it is very famous wine production area in Hungary. Secondary radiation is emitted from the lake doubling the amount of sunlight that the grapes vines of the region receive. The Mediterranean climate combined with the soil (containing volcanic rock) has made the region notable for its production of wines since the Roman period two thousand years ago.
The major resorts around the lake are Siófok, Keszthely and Balatonfüred, Balatonboglár. Siófok is known often as the "Party Capital of Hungary", which attracts many young party goers in summer due to its numerous large discos. Keszthely is the site of the famous Festetics Palace and Balatonfüred is a historical bathing town home to the annual Anna Ball.
Balatonalmádi - Balatonfüred - Tihany - Badacsonytomaj - Badacsony - Vonyarcvashegy - Keszthely - Siófok - Zamárdi - Balatonföldvár - Balatonlelle - Balatonboglár - Fonyód - Balatonfenyves - Balatonmáriafürdő
© 2009 Web development by Web Design UK