Top Rural Destination: Lake Balaton Town
Siófok Tops List of Most Popular Rural Destinations in Hungary
According to the 2024 aggregate local overnight stay figures, the town of Siófok has once again claimed the title of the most popular rural destination in Hungary. With a total of 1.3 million overnight stays, Siófok ranks second only to Budapest in terms of tourist visits.
Statistics from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) reveal that the Lake Balaton region welcomed a total of three million guests who spent 8.6 million nights in commercial and private accommodations. This represents a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with 71% of the guest nights coming from domestic visitors and 29% from foreigners.
Among the municipalities in the Lake Balaton Region, Siófok recorded the highest number of total guest nights in 2024, reaching 8.6 million, followed by Hévíz, Balatonfüred, Zalakaros, and Keszthely.
Furthermore, Siófok also ranked high in the national comparison for 2024, generating the second-highest number of nights after Budapest (16 million), surpassing popular destinations like Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz, and Balatonfüred.
The tax office of Siófok municipality reported 1,346,000 guest nights in 2024, marking an increase from the previous year and a 23.2% rise from 2019. Most of these guest nights were spent in commercial accommodations, with 67% coming from domestic visitors and the remaining 33% from international guests, showing a 4% increase in foreign guest nights compared to the regional average.
The majority of foreign visitors to Siófok came from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria. Additionally, the Siófok Tourinform office in the Water Tower received over 46,000 guests in 2024, representing a 9% increase from the previous year. Office visitations were higher in most months compared to 2023, indicating a growing popularity of the destination beyond the summer season.
Despite summer being the peak tourist season, Siófok also attracted visitors during spring, autumn, and winter for city tours and leisure activities. The area’s cultural attractions and family-friendly entertainment options were among the main draws for tourists throughout the year.
The iconic Water Tower in Siófok, which has been transformed into an exhibition space and viewing platform, welcomed more than 40,000 visitors in 2024, further enhancing the town’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Overall, Siófok’s continuous popularity and growth in visitor numbers highlight its status as a leading rural destination in Hungary, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for tourists throughout the year.
