Hungary - Lake Balaton Region Attractions

Alsóörs is charmingly situated on a lakeside terrace, at the foot of Somló-hegy (200m (656ft), which is covered in forest. This little resort has moorings for boats and a sandy beach. The Reformed Church with a west tower dates originally from the 13th C, but underwent marked changes during a rebuilding program in the 18th C. A road known as Petofi köz - on which stands the "Turkish House" (Török ház), a 15th C Late Gothic manor house - leads up to Somló-hegy. The building gets its name from its rather unconventional turban-shaped chimney.

In the autumn of 1937 the great Hungarian poet Attila József (1905-37) tragically committed suicide in the quiet holiday resort of Balatonszárszó. In the boarding-house at József Attila utca 7 where he spent his last days there is a museum in his memory.

Balatonszárszó has numerous festivals throughout the summer months and a lake that is frequented by anglers.

3km (2mi.) inland from Alsóörs lies the little village of Felsoörs, which so far has remained unspoiled by mass tourism. The church of St Mary Magdalene is a pretty Romanesque building in red sandstone which was later rebuilt in the Baroque style. The west tower and the richly decorated recessed doorway are original, dating from the 12th C, whereas the nave and west wall are 13th C. The interior decoration including the high altar, gallery and beautifully carved pulpit are in the Baroque style and were installed in the mid-18th C.

The second largest holiday town on the south bank stretches as far as the ancient settlement area at the foot of the extinct Fonyód volcano, the highest elevation on the south side with the two peaks of Sipos-hegy (207m (680ft)) and Vár-hegy (233m (765ft)). When the railroad line was built along the south bank in the 19th C, the town soon grew into a popular resort. Four holiday centers lie along the 8km (5mi) stretch along the bank from Fonyód - Sándortelep, Bélatelep, Fonyódliget and Alsó-Bélatelep.

Remains of a Roman villa have been uncovered on the edge of this little village. The old water-mill was in use from about 1800; today it is a museum.

From Buzsák it is worth making a detour to Somogyvár, 11km (7mi.) south of Lengyeltóti on the road to Kaposvár. The royal Benedictine monastery, the uncovered ruins of which are open to visitors, was built in 1091-95 on the site of a Bronze Age rampart.

The expressway 7 ends before it reaches Zamárdi, and Highway 7 then continues along the south bank. North of the railroad line there is a 10km (6mi.) stretch of holiday homes one after the other, and on the other side of the line lies the old village center. Visitors should visit the local museum at Fö utca 83, a typical arcaded house with a pergola, thatched roof and barn. One room and the kitchen are fitted out with country-style furniture and everyday items from days gone by.