Free time activitiesThe editors of this website intended to offer free time activities which may not only be reached by car or public transport from Balatonberény but can also be reached easily by bike (on bike route if available) which nowadays becomes more and more popular way to travel in the region.
The bike route going around the Balaton which exceeds 200 km, also crosses our village. Luckily, for those who are not well trained to ride a great distance, the services of the national railway (MÁV) offering to transport bikes in separate cars is available in order to reach further destinations.
Csillagvár (Starcastle)
 The castle nearby Balatonszentgyörgy, named Starcastle after the shape of its layout, was built by László Festetics between 1820 and 1823. It is an ideal destination by bike for a family, since the distance is only 5 km from Balatonberény. The habits of prisoner treatment from the 19th century and the change in the uniform of the special force of the Hungarian army (Huszárság) can be seen in the castle. And the exhibition of the beautiful dolls takes care of the entertainment of the girls as well. Stepping out of the building, the garden offers more to see: there are exciting animals like goats or racoons. And in case after the ride and the walk we got hungry we are invited to eat in the restaurant decorated outside with tools and other objects from the folk-life.
www.csillagvar-balaton.hu
Tibetan Cultural Centre
On the southeast slope of the grapehill between Balatonberény and Balatonkeresztúr, the Tibetan Cultural Centre was created belonging to the territory of Balatonkeresztúr, which is the meditation centre of the Gelugpa traditional Buddhist group lead by the Lama Dalai. The centre opened in 2000, emphasises the close relationship between the Tibetan Buddhism and Hungary focusing on their main common ground, the works of Sándor Kőrösi Csoma.
Rabten Tashi Ling (the garden of luck) waits for the visitors intending to practice their Buddhist religion and also for the visitors who only desire to rest without any religious background. The centre with an incredible view for the Balaton consists of 9 puritan small houses, one of these also serves as an altar. Two times per days Buddhist service (pucsa) is given, at which anybody is free to participate.
On the first Wednesday of each month, at 5 p.m., the monks of the centre introduce the Buddhist meditation for the interested ones, and answer (in English or German language) the questions which may have been raised. The guided tour of the centre is available in Hungarian language on Monday and Friday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. or upon appointment any time. Free admission.
Rabten Tashi Ling Tibetan Centre of Hungary
H-8648 Balatonkeresztúr, Postal box 23
Phone: +36 85 702022, +36 203 546353
E-mail: info@rabten.hu
Small Balaton
The Small-Balaton, located 15 km from Balatonberény, is one of the most important treasure of the protected nature in Hungary. With its plants and animals unique in all over Europe, it offers an unforgettable experience to the visitors finding themselves in the middle of an untouched world of the past: the silent music of the reed and the impressive birdsongs together create a harmony absorbing our souls, suddenly we realise that we already feel as if we were the integral part of the nature... Regarding that this area is full of unique plants and animals highly protected, the visit of certain part of it is only possible upon authorisation. The most popular tourist destination free to visit, is the island of Kányavár which is perfect for a one-day excursion with our family also bringing the picnic basket. In August 2000, the Residence of Small-Balaton located in Vársziget, next to Zalavár was  opened where the public can gain information about the history and the natural treasure of the Small-Balaton region. Those visitors who are not only interested in the nature but like to know more about history, they will also find their expectations. In Zalaapáti the church and monastery of the abbey, furthermore the castle of Szentkirály may be visited. Zalavár, the heart of the county in the ancient times, also offers interesting sites for the visitors: Memorial of St. István (Stephen) and the Cyril and Methodical memorial. At least but not last, the buffalo farm of Balatonmagyaród is always popular among the youngest ones.
www.kisbalaton.hu
www.balatonmagyarod.hu
Vörs
The calm village located 8 km from Balatonberény may also be an attractive destination for the tourists. Apart from the untouched appearance of the village, the village house with its original interieur, the fire department museum unique in the entire country and the 200 years old church may offer an interesting visit. The church is famous for its Bethlehem celebration which is the greatest in Hungary taking place each year before Christmas.
www.vors.hu
Keszthely
 Keszthely is one of the cities around Balaton which has the richest and oldest traditions and most fascinating architecture and only located 13 km from Balatonberény. The bikers can get there on the Balaton bikeroute separated all way from the public roads. The most amazing point of the city is the main plaza with its gothic church. Starting from here and walking all the way down on the corso for pedestrians, we can find ourselves in front of the castle, the most important tourist site of Keszthely. This castle of the Festetics dynasty built in the middle of a beautiful park is one of the most impressive baroque building in Hungary with a world famous library of scientific books. The visitors may not miss the Balaton Museum which presents the nature and the cultural traditions of this region. The agricultural education and the agricultural traditions of the 18th century present in the region are shown to the public by the exhibition of the Georgikon Museum. Passing through the Helikon Park on the way to the port and the local beach, the Helikon memorial may be found reminding us of the cultural festivals organised between 1817 and 1819. Arriving to the lake, the two most impressive hotels of the city (Hotel Balaton and Hotel Hullám) can be seen with their fascinating architecture. Regarding that the city is not far from Balatonberény (35-40 minutes by bike riding at an average speed) and it offers a wide range of sites to see, Keszthely may be an ideal destination for our guests.
www.keszthely.hu
Hévíz
 The small town next to Keszthely is one of the most famous destinations of spa tourism in Hungary. The bikers can get there towards Keszthely on the bikeroute separated all way from the public roads. The most important thing to visit in Hévíz is the natural lake thermal bath with a surface of 44,400 square meters; the temperature of its water is an average between 33-35 °C during the summer and never goes below 23 °C during the winter. Its water primarily offers cure for rheumatic, muscular and cerebrospinal illnesses, and also for gynaecological problems. The popularity of Hévíz is also shown by the fact that more than 2 million guests visit the place yearly. The marvellous hotels of the town provide the guests the full range of wellness and medication services. The town also intends to offer more and more cultural programs for the satisfaction of the visitors.
www.heviz.hu
Fonyód
The city of Fonyód may be found 20 km from Balatonberény at the bottom of the Várhegy mountain with its heights of 232 meters and the Sipos-mountain next to it with its heights of 170 meters. Because of its geographical position, it offers one of the most beautiful panorama to the Balaton. The Postás belvedere of the Sipos mountain as well as the Berzsenyi belvedere of the Várhegy mountain is reachable through official hiking routes. The city is famous for its port, with the longest pier of the Balaton from where visitors may take a remarkable boat trip to the city of Badacsony located on the opposite side of the Balaton. The city of Fonyód is full with statutes and memorials to be found on the streets, and with eye-catching residences so called villas protected as monuments. The most famous of these villas is certainly the Crypt-villa located in József street which is the touching symbol of unfulfilled love since the death of the beloved inspired the man in love to carve in stone their own bodies lying on their nuptial bed… Close to the villa there is the Millennium Double Cross with its heights of 18 meters installed in 2001. On the way home from Fonyód it is worth to take a look to the villas of Bélatelep and also the visit of Balatonfenyves and Balatonmáriafürdő may not be missed for the tourists discovering the neighbourhood.
www.fonyod.hu |
