Sustainability challenges of Hungarian lakeside destinations – Lake Balaton and Lake Velence

Abstract

Lakeside settlements are among the tourist destinations most exposed to climate change and anthropogenic pressure. In landlocked Hungary, Lake Balaton and Lake Velence are key destinations, and in the summer of 2026 both saw a marked decline in visitor traffic. This paper examines how climate change, anthropogenic pressure and economic factors jointly affect the sustainability of the two destinations, and outlines regulatory directions for adapting their tourism. The study draws on recent scientific literature, statistics, the results of an earlier visitor survey and expert statements reported in the press. The findings show that rising water temperatures, more frequent heatwaves and droughts, falling water levels and deteriorating ecological status directly threaten the natural basis of bathing-based tourism, with Lake Velence being the most vulnerable. These effects are compounded by the overdevelopment of the shoreline and the degrading quality of reed beds. Demand is further weakened by economic factors such as the strong forint (HUF) and the growing attractiveness of foreign destinations. A fall of around 20% in hospitality turnover on the southern shore of Lake Balaton and in attendance at the main beach in Siófok, together with a 5.2% decrease in foreign guests at Lake Balaton, illustrates the problem. The paper concludes that preserving the tourist appeal of Hungarian lakes requires sustainable lake management, with special emphasis on the protection of shoreline habitats and restrictions on construction. Furthermore, the tourism offer should be diversified and regulations should facilitate the sustainable development of lakeside tourist destinations.