This year marked the 23rd edition of the competition, with 42 beach operators taking part. According to Krisztina Kovács Fabacsovicsné, secretary of the BSZ, participants committed to having their facilities evaluated against a detailed and demanding set of criteria.

Most of the applicants were municipalities, representing a mix of both free-access and paid-entry beaches around the lake.

The assessment process was carried out jointly by several professional and civic organisations. These included the Association of Women for Lake Balaton, the Balaton Tourism Association, the Balaton Circle, the Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate, and VisitHungary.

Their combined input ensured that each location was reviewed from multiple perspectives, covering tourism, environmental standards, and visitor experience.

As in previous years, beaches were graded on a scale from one to five stars. The Blue Wave Flag itself is considered a mark of quality among Lake Balaton’s bathing spots, while the star ratings reflect the overall standard and range of services available.

Evaluators examined a wide range of practical factors, including parking availability, the condition and cleanliness of sanitary facilities, accessibility, and the general state of the bathing areas, from grassy sections to the shoreline.

Additional elements such as playgrounds, sports facilities, child-friendly services, and the quality of food and drink options were also taken into account.

In the 2026 results, 25 beaches achieved five-star ratings, while 13 received four stars and three were awarded three stars.

Several special prizes were also presented. The Hungarian Tourism Agency awarded the title of “Family-Friendly Beach of Lake Balaton 2026” to Diási Játék Beach in Gyenesdiás.

The Balaton Circle recognised Alsóörs Municipal Beach with its “Gastro Beach of Lake Balaton 2026” award.

Föveny Beach in Balatonfűzfő was highlighted by the Balaton Tourism Association as the lake’s most innovative beach, becoming the first to introduce a SUP rental vending machine.

The Association of Women for Lake Balaton selected the Central Beach in Balatonszárszó for its children’s animation programmes, while Csopak Municipal Beach received the “Smart Destination” award for digital innovation.

Environmental initiatives were also acknowledged. The Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate presented its “Green Leaf” award to Balatongyörök Municipal Beach. Föveny Beach in Balatonfűzfő received the “Green Frog” prize for its work in environmental education, and Kisfaludy Beach in Balatonfüred was recognised with the “Green Nest” distinction for its efforts in habitat protection.

As part of the ceremony, bat boxes were distributed alongside the environmental awards.

Separate county-level recognitions were also announced. Panoráma Beach in Fonyód was named the best in Somogy County, Alsóörs Municipal Beach took the top spot in Veszprém County, and Balatongyörök Municipal Beach was awarded the leading position in Zala County.

More: 
balatonfuredistrandok.hu/kisfaludy-strand

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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