A great weekend getaway (or a day-trip option at a push) for expats based in Budapest, this charming town combines natural beauty with deep-rooted local history, as the video below shows. 

Key Points of Interest

1. Tapolca Lake Cave (Tapolcai-tavasbarlang)



Discovered in 1903 during well-digging operations, this spectacular karst cave system sits directly beneath the town's streets. Visitors can explore a visitor center explaining the region's geological evolution before descending underground.

The highlight of the experience is rowing a small metal boat through the narrow, beautifully illuminated, crystal-clear subterranean waterways.

2. The Mill Pond (Malom-tó)



Located in the historical heart of the town, this idyllic pond is fed by the same warm karst springs that feed the cave network, ensuring the water never freezes. It is flanked by beautifully restored, colorful Mediterranean-style houses, fine restaurants, terraces, and an old, still-functional watermill.

3. Church Hill (Templom-domb)



Rising just above the Mill Pond, this historic area features the remains of a medieval castle built by King Béla III. Today, visitors can see fragments of the old defensive walls alongside the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady, which blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.

4. Local Statues and Art



The shores of the pond are decorated with notable public art pieces, including a statue of the locally born Enlightenment poet János Batsányi, and a copy of László Marton's famous "Little Princess" (Kiskirálylány) statue — the original of which sits on Budapest's Danube Promenade.

5. Tapolca Market and Hall



For those visiting on a Tuesday or Friday morning, the local town market offers an authentic slice of regional life, brimming with fresh Balaton produce, local cheeses, flowers, artisan smoked meats, and traditional lángos stands.

Location

Tapolca is nestled in Veszprém County, situated in a volcanic basin roughly 15 kilometers north of Badacsony and the northern shore of Lake Balaton.

Getting There

By Car: From Budapest, the quickest route is via the M7 motorway toward Lake Balaton, taking the exit onto Route 71 along the northern shore, and then turning inland toward Tapolca via Route 84. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

By Train: Regular direct trains operate from Budapest's Déli Station to Tapolca, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes. It is also easily accessible by train from neighboring Balaton hubs like Keszthely and Balatonfüred.

By Coach: Volánbusz operates regional bus services connecting Tapolca with Budapest (Népliget), Veszprém, and various lakeside towns.

Traveler Tip: Because of the immense popularity of the subterranean boat ride, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online well in advance via the Balaton Uplands National Park official portal, as same-day tickets at the counter sell out early.

More about Tapolca

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