Tihany on the Balaton, East Europe

Amid the heady and hedonistic atmosphere of Lake Balaton in summer, the peninsula of Tihany juts out into the water, an oasis of calm. Roman ruins, a 10th Century Abbey church, museums, and a collection of quaint thatched roofed peasant cottages all vie for your attention, along with water sports, clean beaches and the almost mystic beauty of the protected nature area.

Abbey Church

The twin towers of the Abbey church with its onion domes that dominate the skyline are an enduring symbol of the Balaton. The church was built in 1754 on the site where King Andrew, in 1055, founded a Benedictine monastery. His remains are interned in the crypt. Two centuries later, the complex was fortified and is one of the few places that was not destroyed by the Turks when they invaded Hungary.

Fantastic Carvings

It’s filled with fantastically carved pulpits, screens and alters, and should be the first on every visitor's "must see" list. Carved figures perch on rails, their legs dangling, faces full of expression. The detail is incredible. The frescoes on the ceiling of the church, painted in 1889, almost pale into insignificance in comparison to the richness of the alters, but do take the time to look up.

Crypt

The Crypt has simple arches and sturdy stone columns. The King's grave is set into the floor, and the spiral sword/cross on the sarcophagus - typical of the ones used by 11th century Hungarian kings, is almost obscured by fading bunches of flowers and wreaths.

Abbey Museum

There's also an Abbey Museum. The most interesting exhibits is a copy of the "Deed of Foundation" of the Abbey, which is the first written document containing Hungarian words - the original is in the archives of the Pannonhalma Abbey. Modern sculpture is not only found in the museum - you can't help but notice the large stone edifice outside the church, wearing a gold crown and a "jacket" of sheet metal!

Walks

From the church, there are several walks you can take.

Green Walk

The Green Walk goes to the "old town": a fishing village with faithfully restored thatched roofed peasant houses. It also takes you through dense forest with basalt cliffs, and open ridges with panoramic views of the marshy Outer Lake – home to innumerable birds – on the one side, and the Balaton on the other.

Hermit Caves

You also pass the cells of Greek Orthodox monks, who, in the 11th to the 13th centuries hollowed out, from the cliffs, living areas and a chapel. It's said to be the best-preserved hermits' retreat dating from those times in Central Europe.

Blue Walk

The Blue Walk leads to Aranyház – Golden House – a geyser cone so named because of the yellow mosses and lichens growing on it, while the Yellow Trail passes fragrant lavender fields, and climbs to the 232 metre high Csúcs Hill, with its magnificent views.

Habsburg Palace

You can also visit Echo Hill, and a former Habsburg summer mansion surrounded by landscaped gardens that is now a hotel.

Other Recreation Acitivities

Apart from the scenic walks, for which the area is renowned, your choice of recreation includes boating, wind surfing, swimming, fishing, paddle boats, canoes, sailing, tennis, bicycling, horse riding and wine tasting!

Ferry to Siofok

From Tihany, you can also cross the lake by ferryboat to the sister city of Siófok on the opposite shore, a town that’s renowned for its nightlife and liveliness, especially during the summer months.

Tihany

Church detail

Tihany cottage

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