I included Tapolca in our itinerary during our stay around Lake Balaton, driven primarily by the desire to have a coffee in the historic center, right by the warm waters of Lake Malom. The reality turned out to be even better than expected – an incredibly serene atmosphere amidst the colorful reflections of old buildings and the gentle sound of the water. Here, rushing is an unknown concept, and the only “dynamics” come from the children by the shore, who wholeheartedly delight in every movement of the numerous vibrant fish.
Where is located and how to get there
Tapolca is located in the western part of Hungary, just about 15 km north of the shores of Lake Balaton and 40 km from the picturesque Tihany. Access is exceptionally easy, with the most convenient option being by car via the well-maintained road network in the area. The drive itself passes through beautiful vineyards and the rolling landscapes characteristic of the region.
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Parking in the city is also very well organized – there is a large and convenient parking lot right next to the main road and in close proximity to the park (HERE).
If you are staying in one of the surrounding villages, Tapolca is an ideal destination for a day trip. Even without your own transport, the place is easily accessible thanks to regular bus and train connections from larger centers like Veszprém or Keszthely, and even from Budapest.
See places to stay in Tapolca
The green park and the Koi fish
To reach our desired destination, we had to pass through the extremely pleasant and green park, which naturally set the peaceful tone of our walk. Although we initially viewed it merely as a transit zone, we instinctively slowed our pace under the dense shade of the trees. In some areas, the path turns into a wooden walkway winding directly above the water, while the picturesque bridges offer perfect spots for a short break to observe the colorful aquatic inhabitants.
The numerous Koi fish are undoubtedly the main attraction here, especially for Tapolca’s youngest visitors. They thrive so well thanks to the constant water temperature – the lake is fed by karstic springs, which remain around 18°C year-round. This mild and stable environment allows the decorative carp to reach impressive sizes and delight visitors with their bright, multicolored patterns even during the cooler months.
The atmosphere around Lake Malom
Despite our persistent efforts to linger as long as possible, it didn’t take us long to find ourselves in the heart of Tapolca – Lake Malom. The picturesque square captivates you at first sight, with the vibrant facades of the surrounding buildings in warm Mediterranean colors reflected in the barely stirring turquoise water, creating the feeling of a living painting. At the center of the lake is a constantly running fountain, adding a gentle accompaniment of water sprays to the otherwise quiet setting.
The city’s name itself comes from the Slavic word “Toplica,” meaning hot springs. For a long time, the warm waters of the lake powered the old water mill, which today has been converted into an elegant hotel, while its massive wooden wheel remains the city’s most iconic symbol.
The entire landscape is mesmerizing and makes you literally switch off from any plans… The best thing to do is to take a seat at one of the tables with a view of the water at Tópart Bisztró! With an aromatic cappuccino in hand and a gaze fixed on the lazy rotation of the wheel and the gently swaying willows, it quickly becomes clear that Tapolca is a place for stealing quiet moments.
A little more of Tapolca
Before leaving the lake area, we couldn’t miss one of Tapolca’s newest and most colorful spots – the painted staircase (Tapolcai Halas Lépcső), which connects the square with the upper part of the town. Local artist Varjas Judit used just over 30 kg of paint to transform the dull steps into a true work of art! Today, the vibrant composition featuring swimming Koi fish is among the most sought-after “instagrammable” photo locations around Lake Balaton.
A mention must also be made of the city’s most popular attraction – the lake cave (Tapolcai-tavasbarlang). This is a unique three-story cave system created by karstic waters and discovered by chance while digging a well in 1903. One part of the tour involves rowing a boat through a 300-meter section, which remains the main draw for tourists.
Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to get in, as due to the many organized groups, the next available slots were several hours away. We decided that having already visited the massive underground lake Seegrotte near Vienna, we would skip the long wait and move on to our next planned spots around Balaton.
