Balatonboglár is located on the southern shore of Lake Balaton in Somogy County. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, or families looking for fun activities. This charming town offers a mix of stunning viewpoints, historic churches, adventure parks, and lakeside promenades. Whether you’re interested in hiking up the Várdomb for breathtaking views, discovering art at the Kék and Vörös Kápolna, or simply enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the lakeside parks, Balatonboglár has something for everyone.
About Balatonboglár
Balatonboglár is located between the towns of Fonyód and Balatonlelle. Between 1979 and 1991 Balatonlelle and Balatonboglár together they formed a common town called Boglárlelle. Its population is approximately 6000. This is the official center of the Balatonboglár wine region and has often been called “the city of grapes and wine” since 1987.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best sights and activities you can’t miss.
1.) Sphere Lookout Tower (Gömbkilátó)
One of the symbols of the town and Lake Balaton. Its official name is Xantus János Sphere Lookout Tower, and was named after János Xantus ethnologist and zoologist, who was born in Somogy County. It is located on the top of the volcanic Várdomb at an altitude of 165 meters. The lookout tower was originally presented as a symbol of the Hungarian aluminum industry at the Budapest International Fair as the “Hungarian Atomium”.
The structure was built in the inspiration of the famous symbol of the 1958 Brussels World Fair. And then moved to Balatonboglár in the late 1960s, where a wooden observation tower had previously stood.
Originally, the spherical structure, 15 meters in diameter, was planned to be built with an inner glass cover. Natural forces did not allow this, and as a result, it is only made up of 240 triangular aluminum plates. It was closed and renovated several times, and has been open to visitors again since the summer of 2012 after another renovation.
The sphere has also been equipped with decorative lighting, which can be easily spotted from afar, even from the northern shore. It offers an excellent view of Lake Balaton. Besides, in front of it you can find a meadow on the pleasant, hilly area, where you can take walk or a picnic.
The entrance fee for the Globe Lookout is 490 HUF/person, and combined with the High Trail: 890 HUF/person.
Address: Balatonboglár, Kilátó u. 8, 8630
2.) High Trail (Magasösvény)
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Várdomb was still known as Kopaszdomb (Bald Hill). The reason was, because the hill was completely barren, covered only with volcanic tuff. In the mid-20th century, the hill was planted mostly with black pine trees by Gaal Gaston, one of the leader of the village.
In 2023 the 500-meter-long and 10-meter-high Magasösvény was opened. The walkway runs along the eastern and western ridges of the hill. Visitors can go around and learn about the flora and fauna of the tree canopy level from interactive boards at the 15 tetrahedron-shaped rest areas.
Admission prices: 490 HUF/person, combined with the Gömbkilátó: 890 HUF/person.
Address: Balatonboglár, Kilátó u. 8, 8630
3.) St. Elisabeth Park (Szent Erzsébet Park)
From Széchenyi Street, you can reach the Temető-domb (Cemetery Hill) via a small walkway. The Árpádházi Szent Erzsébet Park is located here, on the top of the hill. The area here used to function as a cemetery, and then in 2012 the Park was created. You can see the Saint Elizabeth relief in the park, reminiscent of the holy princess who gave its name to the park.
In addition, the honorary citizens of Balatonboglár were given symbolic burial places in the former cemetery around the Red and Blue Chapels. These memorial sites, illuminated at night, were made of champagne bottles. This commemorates the past of local champagne production in the town.
In the park you can also see statues of famous people. As well as, a 13th century church ruin from the Árpád era, excavated in 1996. The ruin is surrounded by red sandstone wall. This was the first church in the town of Balatonboglár. From Csigadomb you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Balaton. The park has become one of the most popular hiking spots in Balatonboglár and it is truly mesmerising.
Address: 8630 Balatonboglár, Kápolna út
4.) Red Chapel
The beautiful neo-Gothic, octagonal Red Chapel was built in 1857 and was intended as a family burial place. Later, from Pál Bárány, who was also the caretaker of the Lutheran community of the southern coast, the Bárány estate passed through the maternal line to Gaal Gaszton, a member of parliament, and his family in 1902. At that time, the chapel was rededicated according to the Catholic faith.
In the 1970s, during turbulent political circumstances, painter György Galántai began using the building as a studio. Ever since, it has been operating as an exhibition space for Hungarian neo-avant-garde and fine arts from spring to autumn.
It was renovated at the end of the 20th century and was named after the facade’s coloration. In addition to modern fine arts, on summer evenings theater performances are occasionally held in the small amphitheater in front of the Red Chapel.
Address: 8630 Balatonboglár, Kápolna utca 8.
5.) Blue Chapel
Not far from the Red Chapel stands the Blue Chapel, also in neo-Gothic style. It was built on a plot in the old cemetery by pharmacist and landowner Lajos Körmendy over what originally was a family crypt. According to some records, it was built in 1856, according to other documents, in 1891. In the 20th century, like the Red Chapel, its condition only deteriorated.
After renovation it was also named after the facade coloring. Artist György Galántai held his first exhibition in the Blue Chapel. Within three years, the place became the center of the Hungarian neo-avant-garde. It was fiercely attacked and then liquidated by the regime. However, the impact of the creative space extended far beyond the era.
Address: 8630 Balatonboglár, Kápolna utca 8.
6.) The Platán Square
The first plane trees in Balatonboglár were planted in 1906 at the initiative of Gaal Gaston, Balatonboglár’s greatest benefactor. Later, more plane trees were planted in the city. Trees were planted also from the railway barrier in front of the station to the Balatonlelle border, along the entire length of the promenade on the Balaton side of the railway. In addition, four rows of plane trees were planted on the promenade leading to the waterfront, formed as a promenade on both sides and with a wider path for cars in the middle.
The center of summer life in Balatonboglár is Platán Square, from where the promenade leads down to Platán Beach and Borudvar (Wine Yard). In the middle of the square stands the statue of the “Girl Entering the Water”, the origin of which is unclear. What is certain, is that it was bought by the village in the 60s, in Lengyeltóti.
Over the years, it was moved to several places in the town. Due to the fragility of the first version, the statue was damaged many times. Finally, it was cast in bronze and placed in Platán Square. And, like the Sphere Lookout Tower, it has become a symbol of the town. In the summer whirlwind, its spray of water attracts many visitors around it. Around the square you can find several restaurants, artisan stalls and souvenir shops.
7.) Boglár Harvest Festival
In Hungary, grape planting began in the 1950s in the southern side of Lake Balaton. In the early 1970s, a modern winery capable of processing large quantities of grapes was established in Balatonboglár. Then, in 1974 the first Boglár Harvest Festival was organized, and its success has remained unbroken ever since.
According to the original custom, the events of the past year were made public in a festive setting. E.g. harvest, growth, events, village gossip in humorous rhymes. Then, in the evening the celebration was topped off with a harvest ball that lasted until dawn. In 1981, the date of the Boglár Harvest Festival was moved to the date of the state foundation holiday of August 20, and it became several days long.
The BBB (Boglár, Bor, Balaton) Festival is not only for gastronomy and wine lovers, but is also a true family festival that offers experiences for all ages with concerts, a craft fair, and dance performances.
Address: 8630 Balatonboglár, Platán tér
8.) Adventure park
The forest adventure park and bobsleigh track are located on Várdomb, next to the Gömbkilátó. The adventure track consists of a 4-kilometer ropeway system with different difficulty levels. The bobsleigh track is more than half a kilometer long and can be raced in two-person bobsleighs.
In addition to the adventure and bobsleigh track, you can also try archery, trampoline, drop machine or wall climbing. There are towers of various levels available for climbers. Perfect place for a bit of real adrenaline rush. But even the little ones will find fun on the park’s playground.
Address: Balatonboglár, Kilátó u. 8, 8630
9.) Steamboat Monument (Balaton Csavargőzös és műemlékhajó) and the harbour
The interesting thing about the ship’s history is that its name was recorded as “Zala-Somogy”. Despite this, in the first news reports it was already mentioned as Balaton. The ship was the first screw steamer on Lake Balaton. And it is the oldest ship that is still intact on the lake. It was launched in 1873 and experienced several changes of ownership. During its life it was also called Alexandra, Mohács, and Irma.
During the ship’s turbulent fate, it served as a pizzeria’s setting for a long time, and then became a victim of arson. In 2011, it was renovated, and its interior became a community space. Since then, it houses a maritime history exhibition and several thematic exhibitions. There is also a children’s entertainment corner in the bow, where “Sailor’s Training” is regularly held for children.
Address: 8630 Balatonboglár, Móló sétány 1.
10.) Sightseeing train
You can see the center of Balatonboglár on a sightseeing “train”. The route starts every hour from the Gömbkilátó. From there, the vehicle goes alongside the shore of Lake Balaton to the harbour. And then back to the Gömbkilátó.
The time of the journey is approximately 40 minutes. You can get on and off at the Gömbkilátó, it doesn’t stop along the way. You can buy tickets at the Adventure Park ticket office. It is a fun and entertaining tour for the whole family.
Address: Balatonboglár, Kilátó u. 8, 8630
Balatonboglár is a hidden gem on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, offering a perfect mix of outdoor activities, cultural sights, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re looking to hike or explore history, this small lake town has something for every type of traveler. From the breathtaking views at Gömbkilátó to the peaceful walks along the Platán tree-lined promenade, Balatonboglár is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday. There are still plenty of things you can visit in the small town of Balatonboglár, so, get ready for a part two.
If you’ve visited Balatonboglár, let me know in the comments which attraction was your favourite! Or if you want to read more posts like this, check out my previous articles here.
