Visiting Balatonfüred and Tihany

You have been driving a little bit along the Lake Balaton on your left. You can park your car and explore Balatonfüred on foot. Balatonfüred was the first resort town to be built around Lake Balaton thanks to its thermal waters. The first public hospital for cardiology was built and the rich people from the 19th century started to come here and build nice villas that you can still see today.
You can start by checking out this church which has a circular form which makes it look quite different than other churches. It has a neoclassical style and was built in 1846. inside, you can admire the painting of the crucifixion by Janos Vaszary (1891).

The Vaszary Gallery is housed in the beautiful Vaszary villa from 1892, that has been restored. It used to be the residence of the Vaszary family. Is showcases some works from the most famous person of the family: the painter Janos Vaszary. There is a nice collection of objects from the 18th century and some temporary exhibits.
Open hours Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 - 18:00 Closed on Mondays. You can see more information and the program of their exhibits on their website.

Have lunch at the Sailing restaurant which is housed in a beautiful wooden villa and has a great terrace right by the lake. You can enjoy the beautiful views with the boats coming in and going out of the port. It is a good location to enjoy sunset as well. The food is delicious and the service is good. Eat something local like fish from the lake and try the local wines. I recommend to try their signature cocktail "Sailing" for aperitif, the catfish soup and any dish with catfish. And the peach mousse covered in chocolate is a delicious and light dessert.
Open hours Monday - Friday 12:00 - 21:00 Saturday 11:00 - 22:00 Sunday 11:00 - 19:00. You can book a table on their website.

After lunch, you should take a digestive walk on the most popular promenade of Balatonfüred. It is the favorite activity for the locals. You can check out these two statues of the Fisherman and the Ferryman Guard Statue and then keep walking along the lake for beautiful views admiring the blue water of Lake Balaton. It is a very pleasant walk with more statues, nice trees and beautiful flowers.

After spending some good time in Balatonfüred, it is time to visit Tihany. Tihany is probably the most picturesque town on Lake Balaton, it is located on a peninsula coming in the middle of the lake. Actually here you can cross on the other side of the lake by quick ferry.
Go up the hill where is located the Benedictine abbey of Tihany. This place offers one of the most beautiful views of Lake Balaton in my opinion. It is the postcard view of the lake. Then you can visit the abbey which was built in 1754 with beautiful altars, pulpits and wooden sculpted screens. You can access the museum from the crypt of the church for exhibits of religious objects and exhibits about Lake Balaton.
Open hours Monday -Saturday 10:00 - 18:00 Sunday 11:15 - 18:00.

Lavender is a very common plant around Balaton Lake. You will find it everywhere, in giftshops, in ice-cream, beer, wine, water, etc. So to know more about it and its culture around Lake Balaton, you should visit the Lavender house. You will learn about the history of lavender and the culture of the people of the peninsula of Tihany from the geology of the area with its volcanic origins to the actual production of Lavender. They can also provide different activities.
Open hours vary according to the season so it is better to check the website.

Go back down from the hill to enjoy the Lake. Here is a suggestion to have a swim but there are several nice stops in the area where you can put your towel and enjoy the water, just choose your favorite spot according to parking options and the crowd on that day. Choose the place that suits you and gives you the best view. The lake is not deep at all so you can swim with children without a problem. The water is pretty warm in Summer.

Have dinner at the best restaurant in Tihany. This place is quite interesting, it looks like a museum with agricultural objects. it is located in a little side street away from the crowd with little trees and flowers around so it is a very nice place to relax after a big day. And the food is absolutely spectacular whether you prefer fish or meet. It is a great place to try Hungarian specialty and the local specialty which is quite interesting and unique that I recommend is the lavender wine and lavender beer.
Open hours Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 - 22:00 Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Spend the night at this great boutique hotel, the most expensive rooms have a balcony. Here you can enjoy the pool, as well as the jacuzzi, the sauna and the spa. So you can relax after this nice first day as tomorrow will be a very active day with hiking.