What is the largest lake in Central Europe?

The largest lake in Central Europe is Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton is a large freshwater lake in western Hungary, covering roughly 594 to 600 square kilometres. It stretches about 77 to 78 kilometres from west to east through the Transdanubian region, making it the largest lake in Central Europe by surface area.

Balaton is unusually shallow for its size: its mean depth is only about 3.3 metres, while its deepest point is approximately 12.2 metres. The Zala River supplies most of its inflow, and the Sió Canal provides its only outflow. Its shallow water warms quickly in summer, helping make the lake one of Hungary’s best-known holiday destinations.

The lake’s shores also have a long cultural and economic history. Roman-era viticulture, resort towns such as Balatonfüred and Siófok, and the volcanic hills of the northern shore all contribute to its distinctive character. A common mix-up is Lake Geneva, which is larger than Balaton but is generally classified as a Western European or Alpine lake, not Central Europe’s largest.