Although Hungary is a landlocked country, there are many opportunities to enjoy water sports. The country has an abundance of lakes, rivers and thermal baths that are ideal for a variety of water activities. Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, and the Danube in particular offer great conditions for certain water sports.

Here is our list of top 10 water sports in Hungary (for tourists):

Sailing
Popular places: Lake Balaton, Lake Belencse
Description: Lake Balaton, also called “Lake Balaton”, is particularly popular with sailors: there are numerous sailing clubs and the opportunity to rent boats or take sailing lessons. The wind is moderate, creating ideal conditions for beginners and advanced sailors.
Special features: Annual sailing regattas, such as the “Blue Ribbon” (Kek Szalag), one of the oldest sailing regattas in Europe.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Popular locations: Lake Balaton, Lake Belencse, Lake Tisza
Description: The Hungarian lakes offer excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially in strong winds. Lake Balaton and Lake Velence are popular spots for these sports. There are surf stations that rent equipment and offer courses.
Special features: Lake Balaton offers a wide, flat coastline that is very suitable for beginners.

Kayaking and canoeing
Popular locations: Danube, Tisza, Rava, Szigetköz
Description: Hungary is a paradise for kayakers and canoeists, especially on the Danube and Tisza. There are a variety of routes, from calm waters to exciting rapids. The river islands and tributaries of the Danube are also ideal for leisurely paddling tours.
Special features: Paddling tours on the Danube offer breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to visit historic cities such as Esztergom or Visegrad.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP)
Popular destinations: Balaton, Danube, Lake Tisza
Description: SUP has become very popular in Hungary in recent years. Thanks to the calm waters of Lake Balaton and its rivers, stand up paddling is ideal for beginners and advanced paddlers. Guided tours are also offered to explore the hidden bays and river landscapes.
Special feature: A SUP tour on Lake Balaton at sunset is an unforgettable experience.

Stand-up paddling course on Lake Balaton: Link info and booking

Swimming
Popular places: Lake Balaton, Lake Belenche, Lake Tisza, Danube
Explanation: Lake Balaton is the best place for swimming in Hungary because it is very shallow and the water is pleasantly warm in summer. Lake Velence and Lake Tisza are also popular bathing spots. There are also several bathing spots along the Danube that are very popular in summer.
Special feature: The water temperature of Lake Balaton reaches up to 25-27 °C in summer, making it ideal for a refreshing swim.

Fishing
Popular places: Balaton, Lake Belenche, Danube, Tisza, Rava
Description: Hungary is a great country for fishing, and Lake Balaton in particular is known for its fish, including pikeperch, carp and catfish. The Danube and Tisza rivers also attract many anglers, as river fishing is very popular.
Special feature: International fishing competitions are held regularly in Hungary. Fishing is a water sport if you define the term very broadly.

Jet skiing and water skiing
Popular locations: Lake Balaton, Lake Tisza
Description: Water skiing and jet skiing are particularly popular on Lake Balaton and Lake Tisza. There are several water sports centers that rent equipment and offer courses. Water skiing is particularly popular with younger water sports enthusiasts.
Special feature: The calm waters of the large lakes provide ideal conditions for water skiing and jet skiing.

Diving
Top spots: Lake Tisza, Hévíz Thermal Lake
Explanation: Hungary may not have a sea, but there are still opportunities for diving. Lake Tisza offers an underwater world with submerged trees and a diverse range of wildlife. Diving is also possible in the thermal lake of Heviz thanks to its warm water.
Special features: Lake Heviz is the largest natural thermal lake in the world, and diving in the warm springs is a unique experience. Lake Balaton and Lake Tisza are not very deep, however.

Rowing
Popular places: Danube, Tisza, Lake Belencse
Explanation: Rowing has a long tradition in Hungary as a classic water sport, and the Danube is particularly popular with rowing clubs. There are numerous clubs along the Danube that cater to both recreational and competitive rowers.
Special feature: Rowers can explore beautiful routes up or down the Danube from Budapest.

Thermal baths and water cures
Popular travel destinations: Budapest (Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Gellért Thermal Baths), Heviz
Description: Hungary is world-famous for its thermal springs. In addition to relaxation, many thermal baths also offer the opportunity to swim in sports. Lake Hévíz, the largest natural thermal lake in the world, is a particular highlight for wellness and swimming enthusiasts.
What: The warm water is open for swimming all year round and has a healing effect.

>>> See our article: Top 10 thermal baths in Hungary

Hungary may not have a sea, but it does have a wide range of water sports, from sailing and windsurfing to diving and fishing, especially on the lakes and large rivers. This list of the top 10 water sports in Hungary is ours. Of course, other sports could also be included.