History
The thermal water here, rich in carbonic acid, have been used as a cure for stomach ailments for centuries, but its other curative properties were only discovered by scientific analysis in the late 18th century. Balatonfüred was immediately declared a spa with its own chief physician in residence.
Balatonfüred's golden age was in the 19th century, especially the first half, when political and cultural leaders of the Reform Era (roughly 1825-48) gathered here in the summer. The town became a writers' colony of sorts. Balatonfüred was also the site chosen by István Széchenyi to launch the lake's first steamship Kisfaludy in 1846.
By 1900 Balatonfüred was a popular place for increasingly wealthy middle-class families to escape Budapest's heat. Wives would base themselves here all summer along with their children while husbands would board the 'bull trains' in Budapest at the weekend. The splendid promenade and a large wooden bath were built on the lake to accommodate the increasing crowds.
Balatonfüred
Things to do
- Entertainment (3)
- Restaurants (7)
- Sights (9)
