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Badacsony

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Badacsony is the most iconic volcanic table mountain and a premier wine region on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, dominating the landscape with its unique silhouette. The 438-meter-high mountain is an extinct volcano, famous for its 'basalt organs', massive vertical columns formed by cooling lava that constitute a unique geological monument. Viticulture has flourished on its slopes since Roman times, with the volcanic soil producing world-class mineral-rich wines such as Kéknyelű and Szürkebarát. The area is deeply intertwined with Hungarian literary history, hosting the historic estates of Kisfaludy and Szegedy Róza, which exemplify the 18th-century noble lifestyle. The summit features the Kisfaludy Observation Tower, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire lake and the surrounding volcanic hills of the Balaton Uplands. Badacsony's harbour is a major nautical hub, serving as a gateway for tourists arriving by boat to explore the town's renowned cellar rows and gourmet restaurants. As a protected natural area, Badacsony remains a quintessential symbol of Hungarian natural beauty and refined oenological traditions.

Location: Veszprém, Hungary
Top sights: Páholykő-kilátóhely · Ruins of labour camp barracks · Kisfaludy-kilátó (lezárva)
Nearby: Szigliget (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	5	11	16	21	23	22	17	11	5	0
Rain mm	36	40	41	35	67	69	62	66	66	54	46	43

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Badacsony is a volcanic mountain near Lake Balaton and can be climbed at any time. The summit with its observation tower is reachable on foot; vineyards and basalt formations are freely accessible.

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Typical hours

The mountain is accessible 24/7, but the observation tower has seasonal opening hours. Wine tastings at the cellars are usually possible from spring to autumn.

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Photography

Photography of the basalt formations and the view is allowed at any time. Particularly beautiful shots are taken at sunset over Lake Balaton.

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Time needed

The hike to the summit takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on pace. If you taste wine and explore the surroundings, allow at least half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a wine tasting at the traditional cellars at the foot of the mountain. The nearby towns of Keszthely and Tihany are also worth a trip.

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Getting there

Badacsony is accessible by car via road 71; parking is at the foot of the mountain. From Budapest, trains run to Badacsonytomaj, from where the mountain is reachable on foot.

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Insider tip

Climb early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the tranquility. Don't forget to buy a bottle of wine from the local producers.

Geography

Coordinates

46.80000, 17.50000

Facts

The peak of Mount Badacsony reaches 438 meters above sea level.
The famous basalt organs consist of columns up to 70 meters high.
The Kéknyelű grape variety is almost unique to this region.
The Szegedy Róza House was built in 1795 in folk Baroque style.
The area is a designated part of the Balaton Uplands National Park.
The mountain has a base circumference of approximately 11 kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Badacsonytomaj<1 km · NEExplore →

Badacsony1 km · SExplore →

Szigliget5 km · WExplore →

📍Hegymagas5 km · NWExplore →

📍Salföld6 km · NEExplore →

Fonyód7 km · SEExplore →

Csobánc8 km · NExplore →

📍Balatonederics9 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Badacsony (9)

Páholykő-kilátóhely

Rocky viewpoint overlooking Lake Balaton and the vineyards.

Ruins of labour camp barracks

Remains of barracks from a former labour camp.

Kisfaludy-kilátó (lezárva)🗼 tower

Observation tower built in the 1960s, closed since 2025 due to safety.

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Rózsakő

Pinkish volcanic rock formation on the hillside.

Egry József kilátóhely

Stone shelter below, viewing platform above.

Szegedy Róza Ház

Museum closed indefinitely.

Stone river

Field of volcanic boulders resembling a river.

Tördemici kilátó

Viewpoint with panoramic scenery.

Udvardi Erzsébet Emlékház🏛 museum

Memorial house of painter Erzsébet Udvardi, displaying her works.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the hike to the summit?

The Bujdosók Stairs consist of 464 basalt steps; moderate fitness is recommended for the panoramic view.

Which wine is a local specialty?

Kéknyelű is a rare, indigenous grape variety that grows almost exclusively on the volcanic soil of Badacsony.

Is there a lookout tower on the mountain?

Yes, the Kisfaludy lookout tower at 437 meters gives the most complete panoramic view of Lake Balaton.

How can you get up from the shore without a car?

Off-road mountain taxi jeeps run regularly between the boat station and the upper wine cellars.

When is the best time for wine tasting?

From May to October almost all cellars are open; it's most atmospheric during the Badacsony Wine Weeks in August.

Badacsony: where is it located?

Badacsony is located in Veszprém, Hungary.

Badacsony: what is there to see?

Highlights include Páholykő-kilátóhely, Ruins of labour camp barracks, Kisfaludy-kilátó (lezárva).

Badacsony: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Badacsony: why is it worth visiting?

Badacsony is the most iconic volcanic table mountain and a premier wine region on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, dominating the landscape with its unique silhouette.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →