Tihany Peninsula

General information

• Balaton TravelPass
• Tihany Wikipedia
• Tihany tourist information
• Hungary tourist information
• Climate
• Wind, waves, weather

Paddleboarding

With its 12 kilometers of coastline, the Tihany Peninsula is a true SUP paradise. This is largely due to the fact that, since 1952, Tihany has been part of Hungary’s first nature reserve, which is also a wonderful place to paddle. Since 2004, it has also been a Natura 2000 site and is known for its volcanic formations, such as basalt tuff and geyser cones.

A good starting point for SUP tours on the west side is the SUP Center Balaton, from where you can either set out on a short loop to the southwest or paddle the entire length of the western shore

It’s best to avoid the southernmost part of the peninsula, as there is heavy boat traffic there and many swimmers from the Hotel Club Tihany are in the water. In contrast, the eastern shore offers a pleasant blend of nature and civilization. Small marinas and parks pop up here and there among the reed beds. There’s also a lakeside promenade running alongside the road, and from the water you can look up at the steep slope leading up to the abbey.

Swimming

The water temperature in Lake Balaton averages 22°C to 24°C in midsummer, with maximum temperatures of around 28°C recorded on very hot days. Those who enjoy natural swimming spots will find what they’re looking for along the western shore but will have to venture a little off the lakeside trail since the shoreline is heavily overgrown.

In contrast, the eastern shore offers several free accesses to the water along the waterfront promenade, as well as beaches that belong to hotels and are therefore not open to the public. There are also affordable lidos on all sides of the peninsula, all of which boast adequate facilities, ensuring that families with children, in particular, are well taken care of.

Sajkodi Beach
Sajkodi sor 22, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)70 380 0328

PartKert
Kenderföld út, 8237 Tihany

Városi Beach
Váralja u. 23, 8237 Tihany

Somosi szabad Beach
Tihany 7117, 8237 Tihany

Worth seeing

The Tihany Peninsula is unique in Hungary and Europe. Formed by volcanic activity, it features stunning scenery with ancient relics, rare plants, and a wide variety of animals. Since 1952, it has been Hungary’s first nature reserve and is part of the Balaton National Park, which includes protected areas such as Bozsai Bay in the northwest and the Outer Lake.

The oldest surviving written document in the Hungarian language, the founding charter from 1055, is preserved at the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany. With its Baroque church and two onion-domed towers, it is the iconic landmark of the peninsula and houses the tomb of King Andrew I.

The Lavender House features an interactive exhibition on volcanism as well as the flora and fauna of the Balaton Uplands. During the annual Tihany Lavender Festival (mid-June), the meadow blooms purple and the air is filled with the scent of lavender. Right next door, you can stock up on unique local lavender products at the shop.

The Tihany Open-Air Museum features historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The colorfully restored houses offer an authentic glimpse into the region's traditional folk architecture and rural life.

Extra Tips

The small Inner Lake is located in the heart of the peninsula and is perfect for walks and relaxing on the shore. Although there is even an open-air stage here for summer concerts, this spot is still largely unknown, especially among tourists, and is therefore quiet.

At the SUP Center Balaton, you can rent SUPs and set out on your own to explore Tihany National Park. The SUP Center offers two- to three-hour self-guided SUP tours, but the highlight is definitely the guided sunset SUP tour.

The Ortorony Observation Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Lake Balaton and the surrounding hills.

Every Saturday, the small PIAC Placc Market offers fresh vegetables, cheese, sausage, honey, and antiques.

The Wine Festival in Tihany takes place every year in mid-September and celebrates the grape harvest with a historical parade in which hussars, musical groups, and costumed children march through the streets. Wine is served in the main square, and there are cultural performances such as whip-cracking and betyár chants in front of the abbey church. The festival concludes with a celebration that lasts until morning.

Overnight Stay

Oleander Vendeghaz
Kossuth u. 21, 8237 Lettvaros

Tihany Yacht Club
Rév u. 7, Clutihany, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)70 426 6949

The Houses of History – Anno 1830
Major u. 61, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)20 299 2926

Hotel Tihany Átrium
Kenderföld u. 19, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)70 408 4458

OliverLux Apartment House
Fürdőtelepi utca 2, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)70 608 6300

SunVillage Camp – Mobilhazak Alsoorson
Camping utca 19, 8226 Alsoors
Phone +36 (0)20 270 5577

Gastronomy

Tihanyi Vinarius
Kiserdőtelepi út, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)30 683 9904

Kecskekorom Hungarian Restaurant
Kossuth Lajos utca 19, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)20 541 6275

Gulyas Udvar Etterem
Posta Koz 2, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)87 438 051

Régi Idők Udvara Skanzen és Étterem
Batthyány utca 3, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)70 284 6705

Zaft Beach Bar
Kenderföld út, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)30 709 6841

Plage 18
Kenderföld út 18, 8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)30 590 2784

Vibe Caffe & Brunch
Kossuth Lajos utca 29, 8237 Tihany

Kecskeköröm Csárda
Kossuth Lajos utca 19,  8237 Tihany
Phone +36 (0)20 541 6275