Page 184 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

HUNGAR Y REGION B Y REGION  183

SOUTHERN

TRANSDANUBIA

Shallow and warm, the waters of Lake Balaton have
attracted visitors for centuries, and today the long,
narrow lake is surrounded by holiday resorts. South of
Balaton, the region is sparsely populated, with Pécs the only city of any
size. Great wines are made in this, the sunniest region of the country; the
Villány-Siklós wine route offers a chance to sample some of them in
superb surroundings.

Lake Balaton has something for every- There is more fauna, and flora, at the
one, from brash beach resorts such as Duna–Dráva National Park, especially in
Siófok on the south bank to the serene the ancient Gemenc Forest, perhaps
tranquillity of the Tihany Peninsula that Hungary’s lushest and most accessible
juts into the lake from the north. It is not nature reserve. To the south, human history
difficult to see why so many Hungarians takes centre-stage at the towns of Mohács
choose to spend their holidays here. and Szigetvár, both of which are known for
Motorized water sports are forbidden, so the heroic battles that were fought and
swimmers, anglers and sailors have the lost against the Turks here. In Pécs, the
lake pretty much to themselves. Though largest city in the region, the enormous
the main Balaton season is limited to high former mosque is a permanent reminder
summer (the only time hot, sunny weather that Sultans once held sway here.
can be guaranteed), the nearby cities of Many of Hungary’s best wines are made
Keszthely, Tapolca and Veszprém are year- in Southern Transdanubia, both in the
round destinations for visitors. volcanic hills on the western shores of
To the west of the lake is Kis-Balaton, Balaton, and in the sun-kissed vineyards
a nature reserve of world renown; in of the far south, in the Villány hills.
autumn, birdwatchers flock here like the Visitors will have ample opportunity
migrating birds they come to watch. to taste them all.

Vineyards near Badacsonytomaj with Mount Badacsony in the background, Lake Balaton
The magnificent interior of St Peter’s Cathedral, Pécs

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