Keszthely Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Keszthely showing a square or plaza, a monument and heritage architecture
Tour impressive homes from centuries past, hike through the countryside and browse museums to learn about a town with hundreds of years of history.

Unpack the deep and layered history of Keszthely, an old town on the western shore of Lake Balaton. Its story dates back as far as the Roman Empire, although the origin of the town we see today lies in the 13th century. Learn about this fascinating past in museums and grand old houses then enjoy the beautiful scenic surrounds.

Start your journey in the town’s Main Square where there is a Franciscan Monastery and church. It was used as a fortress during the Turkish Occupation of Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries. Nearby is Goldmark House, a Baroque building where composer Karl Goldmark was born.

While away a few pleasant hours at Festetics Palace, the architectural jewel of Keszthely. This stunning 18th-century building features rooms fitted out with period furniture. Explore the main building and its grounds and visit on-site museums dedicated to hunting and horse-drawn vehicles. There is also a Palm House filled with tropical plants.

Receive a thorough grounding in the history of the region at Balaton Museum. The permanent collections include a Roman and medieval stone exhibition and an exhibition about prehistoric, Roman and medieval fortifications in the area. At Georgikon Manor Museum browse exhibitions covering farming and servants' lives.

In addition to Keszthely’s historical charms, there is a lot of natural beauty to admire and enjoy. Stroll beneath century-old maples at Helikon Park. Here you will come across the Helikon Monument, a domed structure with eight columns. Go hiking in the Balaton Highlands and cool off on hot days at Libás Beach or Helikon Beach.

Choose from a couple of ways to reach Keszthely. Fly into Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest and from the capital city travel to Keszthely by bus, train or rental car. Additionally, some European cities connect to Hévíz-Balaton Airport, about 11 miles (18 kilometers) away from Keszthely.

Let the lakeside town captivate you with its history, nature and architecture.

Abbázia Club Hotel Kék
Abbázia Club Hotel Kék
3 out of 5
Erzsébet királyné útja 23, Keszthely
The price is AU$92 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$92
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Keszthely. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Lake Heviz and Former Franciscan church are located ...
6.8/10 (64 reviews)
Luxury in a quiet but central location
"Great location, no more than 15 mins walk from the station, just 5 into the historic centre. I was advised I'd be staying in an annexe over the road, often being put in a separate building means a run down place for budget visitors but I was amazed!! This was like a suite with giant comfortable bedroom ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2023

Abbázia Club Hotel Kék
Hotel Helikon
Hotel Helikon
4.5 out of 5
Mikus Gyula sétány 5., Keszthely
The price is AU$232 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$232
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Keszthely. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Popular attractions Varosi Strand and Former Franciscan church ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
"Great hotel with wonderful facilities. Check out is 0am, 11 am would be better. Although the rooms are non-smoking, during my stay, people in surrounding rooms were smoking on their balconies, which meant I could not open the door or window."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Hotel Helikon
Sirius Hotel
Sirius Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Mikus Gyula sétány, Keszthely
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Keszthely. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 7 indoor pools. Popular attractions Lake Heviz and Varosi Strand are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Ezen a szálláson minden megvan ahhoz, hogy jól érezzük magunkat. Első osztályú a kényelem, a tisztaság és a kiszolgálás. A wellness részleg fantasztikus."

Reviewed on 27 Dec. 2023

Sirius Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Abbázia Club Hotel Kék
Abbázia Club Hotel Kék
3 out of 5
Erzsébet királyné útja 23, Keszthely
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Keszthely. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Lake Heviz and Former Franciscan church are located ...
6.8/10 (64 reviews)
Luxury in a quiet but central location
"Great location, no more than 15 mins walk from the station, just 5 into the historic centre. I was advised I'd be staying in an annexe over the road, often being put in a separate building means a run down place for budget visitors but I was amazed!! This was like a suite with giant comfortable bedroom ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2023

Abbázia Club Hotel Kék
The Cottage with thatched reed rooftop
The Cottage with thatched reed rooftop
Keszthely
Stay at this vacation home in Keszthely. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Jewish Cemetery and Lake Heviz are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Ruhiger Urlaub in Ungarn
"Wer einen ruhigen Urlaub sucht macht mit diesem Ferienhaus nichts falsch. Das Haus bietet für 2-4 Personen Platz. Es ist eigentlich alles vorhanden was man zum Leben braucht von der Kaffeemaschine, Geschirr, Bettwäsche, Hygieneartikel und sogar Gewürze, alles da. Auch die Kommunikation mit der Vermieterin ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2022

The Cottage with thatched reed rooftop
Modern apartment of 75 m2 at Lake Balaton in Keszthely
Modern apartment of 75 m2 at Lake Balaton in Keszthely
Keszthely
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Keszthely. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Helikon Castle Museum and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Brilliant place for families
"We had a great and relaxing holiday. The apartment and the location was perfect for a small family with a toddler. We got everything we needed; highchair, cot, bathtub, air-conditioning and great weather. The beach is just a few minutes walk away and very well looked after. The owners were lovely ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2019

Modern apartment of 75 m2 at Lake Balaton in Keszthely
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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