Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred is a town in Veszprém County, serving as the administrative center of the Balatonfüred District. Originally part of Zala County from the time of King Saint Stephen until 1946, it is now known as the “Capital of the Northern Shore of Lake Balaton” and the oldest resort on its shores. In terms of overnight stays at commercial accommodations, it ranks as the sixth most popular destination in Hungary. Its fame comes not only from its proximity to Lake Balaton but also from its carbonated mineral springs and Mediterranean-like climate. It is also a major sailing hub.

The town consists of three main areas:

The ancient settlement stretching along both sides of the railway.

The historic spa district built around the healing springs.

The modern resort area, featuring hotels, campsites, and vacation homes.
The former village of Balatonarács was annexed in 1954.

Balatonfüred’s economy is primarily based on tourism, healthcare, and hospitality, supported by local industries such as wine production, a shipyard, and urban infrastructure. Its commercial and service sectors expanded significantly in the 1990s, now meeting modern demands. Former closed-garden areas are gradually being upgraded and integrated into the city center.

The town’s infrastructure is rapidly developing under municipal autonomy. It has a modern gas network, advanced telecommunications, and a growing commercial sector, including a large shopping center opened in 2010—the biggest in the region. It also serves as a tourism hub for nearby towns like Tihany and the western lakeside settlements.

With a significant permanent population, Balatonfüred has a well-developed urban institution system, providing regional services (land office, utility companies, etc.).

The town’s State Heart Hospital has restored the health of many cardiac patients, including Nobel Prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Previously, the Balatonfüred Shipyard was the largest employer; today, hotels and the Heart Hospital dominate. Three construction firms, two meat processors, and two trucking companies operate here—the largest of which runs 65 trucks across Europe, with an on-site service and inspection base.

The town has a new passenger harbor, a renovated air rescue base, three beaches, a campsite, and multiple marinas.