Which lake is Hungary's largest lake and a major resort area?

Lake Balaton is Hungary’s largest lake and one of Central Europe’s foremost resort areas.

This freshwater rift lake lies in Transdanubia and stretches about 78 kilometres from southwest to northeast. The Zala River supplies its largest inflow, while the canalized Sió is its only outflow. Although broad and famous, Balaton is relatively shallow: its average depth is about 3.3 metres and its maximum depth is roughly 12.2 metres.

Tourism grew strongly in the nineteenth century, when resorts such as Balatonfüred and Hévíz attracted wealthy visitors before expanding toward a wider middle-class holiday market. Today, Siófok, Keszthely, and Balatonfüred are among the best-known lakeside destinations.

The northern shore is hillier and includes vineyards, volcanic landscapes, and the Tihany Peninsula, while the flatter southern shore is lined with beaches and resort towns. Swimming, sailing, cycling, fishing, wine tourism, and festivals all contribute to Balaton’s reputation. Lake Fertő and Lake Velence are important Hungarian lakes, but neither matches Balaton’s size or national tourism role.