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The lake, situated in the middle of Transdanubia, is often referred to as the 'Hungarian Sea'. The Balaton is 77 km long and -with its opal, yellowish-green, silky water- it is the largest lake in Central Europe. All along the shore there are pleasant beaches; the shallow water in the south is ideal for children while the northern side is better suited for swimmers. In the summer the temperature of the water varies between 20 and 26 centigrade. The water and the silky mud of the lake have a curative effect on nerve disorders, anemia and fatigue. This is the biggest lake in Hungary and in Central-Europe, in the centre of the Dunantul (Transdanubia), between the southern edge of the Bakony hills, the Somogyi hills and the Mezofold. Its area is 595 square km. Its length is 78 km, the average width 7.7 km (12.7 km between Balatonaliga and Balatonalmadi, while 1.3 km in the Tihanyi strait).
The average depth of water is 3 to 3.6 m, the deepest point is in the Tihanyi strait where it is 12.5 m. It is 1.2 to 2 m deep a couple of meters off the shore on the northern side, while it is only 0.5 to 0.8 m at a distance of 300 to 500 m on the southern shore.
Lake Balaton is fed by the Zala river as well as 31 permanent and 20 temporary watercourses and regulated by the lock at Siofok, which takes any superfilous water through the Sio-canal into the Danube. The dominating wind is from north-north-west, therefore the range of the Bakony hills and the reeds of the lake create sheltered stretches along the northern shore. It can be dangerous when there is a wind, especially a storm, because the shallow water results in high waves and these crash onto the southern shore. The seasonal wind-pressure on the western basin of the lake moves the standing water and creates a current across the Tihanyi-strait into the eastern basin. When the strength of wind diminishes the current ceases and the original water-level comes back again. This movement of water may also effect the navigation of small boats.
The lake is the main area of sailing tourism in Hungary. There are a number of well-equipped harbours and yachting clubs always available to those who wish to store their gear on a continuous basis and to yachting tourists. Boat trips along the shore are also popular. It is forbidden to use boats driven by internal combustion engines on the Balaton. The auxiliary motor of small sailing boats can only be used in an emergency and when embarking or disembarking at the harbour. The towing of water kites (hang gliding) is forbidden. Boats and water sport crafts – except the boats participating in any aquatic events and organised training plus any sailing boats with a sale surface of 10 m2 – are allowed to navigate on the water up to 1.5 km from the shore. Bathing is not allowed without the escort of a water craft beyond 1,000 m from the shore in Somogy county and 500 m from the shore in Veszprem and Zala counties. Camping is allowed only at the indicated sites and camping places along the shores of Balaton.
All types of sailing boat can use this lake and call at the harbours. Boats with centre-boards may, in general, navigate to the vicinity of the shore if not in the harbour, and boats with keels should anchor further off. It is worth checking the touring days allocated to your type of any sailing boat. Among the rowing boats, the Balaton is safe for the closed deck types, like kayaks and canoes and the “nutshell” type of rowing boat typical of the lake. In any case tonneau covers or waterproof sheets are recommended as protection against water. When boating, 8 to 10 touring days plus 2 to 3 days of rest should be calculated for any tour around the Balaton. 3 to 5 touring days plus 1 to 3 days of rest will be necessary to accomplish the big water tour on the route Siofok - Tihanyi-strait - northern shore - Keszthely - Zala mouth.
Source: Nr. 1. hungarytourism.hu |
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