Tapolca: Hungary’s hidden gem of water, stone and wonder
At the beginning of August, we were guests of the Balaton Uplands National Park (Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park) and we had the pleasure to visit both the famous Cave Lake and the charming Mill Pond. If you’re looking for an unforgettable excursion, I highly recommend visiting Tapolca.
Hidden in the heart of Hungary’s charming Balaton Uplands, the town of Tapolca offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and subterranean mystery. Often overshadowed by the nearby Lake Balaton, Tapolca is a place that offers unforgettable memories for those who venture off the beaten path. With its enchanting Mill Pond, the historic Mill, and the captivating Lake Cave, Tapolca is a haven for travellers who see tranquillity, culture and adventure.
How to get there?
Tapolca is situated in Veszprém County, about 15 kilometres from Lake Balaton, Hungary’s largest lake and a popular tourist destination. The town has a population of around 15,000 people, making it a quiet and manageable place to explore. Despite its small size, Tapolca has a rich history and a strong sense of community.

Tapolca is easy to reach by train, bus or car, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. Tapolca is also a good base for exploring other parts of western Hungary, including Lake Balaton, Keszthely, and Hévíz.
The name Tapolca comes from the Slavic word for “hot spring,” which reflects the town’s connection to water and nature. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, and archaeological findings show that people lived here even during the Roman era.
A cikk folytatását, ahol a Tapolcai Tavasbarlangról is olvashatsz a 2025 szeptemberi számban találod!

Vocabulary
charming | bájos |
unforgettable | felejthetetlen |
blend of | keveréke valaminek |
subterranean mystery | földalatti rejtély |
overshadowed by | háttérbe szorítva valami által |
to venture off the beaten path | letérni a “járt útról” |
enchanting | elbűvölő |
haven | menedék / nyugalom szigete |
population | lakosság |
manageable | kezelhető / átlátható |
despite something | valami ellenére |
inhabited | lakott |
ancient | ősi |
archaeological findings | régészeti leletek |