Balatonboglar

Balatonboglár is a significant town of the southern shore of Lake Balaton thanks to its shallow, sandy lakeshore. Other attractions are the marshy woodlands of Nagy-Berek, the nature reserves of the Castle (Várdomb) and Graveyard Hills (Temetődomb), and the varied flora and fauna of the environs. The town has been awarded the title of 'International town of grapes and wine' in 1987, due to its famous winery.

Artefacts found both in and around the town provide evidence that the area has been inhabited for over six thousand years. The first mention of the settlement is found in a charter of 1211. According to another historical document, Balatonboglár had a regular boat connection to Révfülöp on the northern lakeshore.

The first lakeshore station of the southern railway line was built in Boglár. Thanks to its accessibility and to the shallow, sandy beach, it was one of the first places where bathing tourism started. The first sites for holiday homes were sold off in 1890 and the town was officially called Balatonboglár from 1907. Five years later, when the new marina near the railway station was finished, it was designated a spa town.

Following World War I the value of the bathing spots around the Lake soared in value, but after World War II the bathing associations were disbanded, and the largest vacation houses nationalised.

The next upswing in its fortunes took place at the beginning of the 1960's. Due to the establishment of a tertiary-level school of viticulture, the increase in population and in the number of vacationers, public works and institutions were built, and the city's cultural life also took a leap. The most significant company, the Balatonboglár Winery Plc. (Borgazdaság Rt.) soon became well known throughout the country for its beverages, wines and champagnes.

There are many well-kept parks, beaches and green areas in the city, thanks to which the city was awarded first prize in the Floral Hungary competition in 1995. Apart from bathing and participation in cultural and sporting events, visitors may also visit the various famous sights.

How to get there:
By railway the town is served from Siófok, Székesfehérvár, Budapest, and Nagykanizsa. Local Volán buses depart at the Siófok and Keszthely terminals. By car take Route 7 or from the south, Route 67 and 6711. There are many boat trips offered at the harbour.