THE CASTLE
OF LAKE BALATON
Szigliget
For the Municipality of Szigliget, it is of utmost importance to preserve the heritage we inherited from our ancestors for future generations. An essential part of this mission is to make everyone aware that the Castle of Szigliget is part of the nation’s history. This castle may serve as a symbol of the country’s continuous renewal.
For four centuries, the castle was continuously expanded and renewed, eventually becoming one of the important strongholds of the Hungarian border fortress system. It served as a support and protector of the country. After its military significance declined and eventually disappeared, it was neglected and cast aside like an unwanted piece of furniture. This neglect lasted for nearly three hundred years. The stones of the castle were carried away and reused as building material, while others gradually disappeared among the trees surrounding the fortress due to continuous erosion.
This process continued until people began to realize that without a past, there can be no vision for the future. The reconstruction of the castle then began. It is important that people understand the message of this 750-year-old fortress. We consider it one of our most important tasks to attract visitors of all generations and mindsets to “The Castle of Lake Balaton.” To achieve this, we strive to offer a wide variety of cultural events and programs.
Managing the only castle situated directly on the shores of Lake Balaton is both an uplifting and an extremely demanding responsibility. Our country — and indeed the whole world — is facing a period of crisis. Unfortunately, not only economic difficulties but also a moral crisis can increasingly be felt in society. We hope that the renewal taking place at the Castle of Szigliget may serve as an inspiring example.
Indeed, we can only build our future upon our past. These historic sites should become places of pilgrimage for people. Sadly, many of our castles remain neglected even today. In Szigliget, as in many other settlements, historic monuments have become accessible to visitors only through local cooperation and dedication.
We continuously develop and restore “our castle.” Visitors have supported this work to an extraordinary extent — the entrance tickets they purchase provide the financial foundation for these efforts. The Municipality of Szigliget works every day of the year to ensure the continued renewal of the castle. We do not work for profit. Through continuous maintenance, preservation, and reconstruction, we have proven ourselves to be worthy caretakers of “The Castle of Lake Balaton.”
Balázs Balassa
Castle Admission Fees: Adult ticket: 2000 HUF, Children (ages 6–18): 1000 HUF
Both cash and card payments are accepted at the ticket office, including SZÉP Cards. Unfortunately, discounts for teachers and pensioners are not available.
Dogs are allowed inside the castle if kept on a leash and wearing a muzzle.
The castle is open to visitors throughout the entire year.
November, December, January, February: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
March: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
April: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
May: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
June, July, August: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
October: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
On concert days, the castle may only be visited until 6:00 PM.
Visitors with regular castle tickets must leave the castle grounds by 6:45 PM.
Visitors holding concert tickets are admitted from 7:00 PM.
The castle gates close at 8:45 PM.
At the ticket office, visitors may purchase souvenirs, postcards, and publications about both the castle and the settlement. Free informational leaflets about the castle are available in 18 languages, allowing visitors from many countries to discover the history of the castle in their own language.