Keszthely Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Keszthely featuring a monument, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
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 Rp1.037.786 per night from 14 May to 15 May
Rp1.037.786
per night
14 May - 15 May
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 Rp2.141.680 per night from 16 May to 17 May
Rp2.141.680
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Keszthely. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Popular attractions Lake Heviz and Varosi Strand are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (64 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! (2 reviews)
"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
Feng Shui Wellness Apartmanház
Feng Shui Wellness Apartmanház
3.5 out of 5
Vörösmarty u. 22, Hévíz
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Hévíz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Lake Heviz and Blue Church are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
Cozy, friendly and peaceful.
"Cozy, friendly and peaceful. If you don't require a full hotel service as a royal court then it will be perfect."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2019

Feng Shui Wellness Apartmanház
Zala Springs Golf Resort
Zala Springs Golf Resort
3.5 out of 5
Csány László utca, Zalacsany, Zala megye
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Friendly staff , clean. Good place to stay best ice cream"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2019

Zala Springs Golf Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do