Balaton facts for kids
Lake Balaton is a famous lake in Hungary. It is the largest lake in Central Europe. People often call it the "Hungarian Sea" because it's so big!
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Lake Balaton: Hungary's Big Lake
Lake Balaton is a very important natural landmark in Hungary. It stretches for about 77 kilometers (48 miles) in length. At its widest point, it is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) across. The lake is quite shallow, with an average depth of around 3.2 meters (10 feet). Its deepest point is about 12.5 meters (41 feet).
Where is Lake Balaton?
Lake Balaton is located in the western part of Hungary. It's about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Budapest, the capital city. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and vineyards. Many towns and villages are built along its shores.
Fun Facts About Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake. It gets its water mainly from the Zala River. The lake's water temperature can reach up to 25°C (77°F) in summer. This makes it perfect for swimming and water sports. The lake is also home to many types of fish. These include carp, pike, and zander.
What Can You Do at Lake Balaton?
Lake Balaton is a very popular place for holidays. Many tourists visit it every year.
- Swimming: The warm, shallow water is great for a dip.
- Boating: You can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards.
- Sailing: The lake is a favorite spot for sailors.
- Fishing: Anglers enjoy trying to catch the local fish.
- Cycling: There are bike paths all around the lake.
- Exploring: You can visit charming towns like Siófok and Balatonfüred. These towns have lovely beaches and fun activities.
- Hiking: The hills around the lake offer great trails. You can see amazing views.
Other Things Named Balaton
The name "Balaton" is also used for a few other things:
- 2242 Balaton: This is a small space rock, also known as an asteroid. It orbits the Sun.
- Balaton (car): This was a small car made in Hungary a long time ago.
- Balaton (village): There is a small village in Hungary with this name. It is located in Heves county.
- Balaton, Minnesota: This is a small city in the United States.
- Balaton cheese: This is a type of tasty semi-hard cheese from Hungary. It is made from cow's milk.
- Balaton cherry: This is a special type of tart cherry. It is known for its deep red color and flavor.
- Balaton Principality: This was a Slavic state that existed a very long time ago, between about 839 and 901 AD.
