Luxury properties and controversial projects taking over Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, has long been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque landscapes, and charming towns, it has been a haven for relaxation and recreation. However, in recent years, the shores of Lake Balaton have undergone significant changes due to large-scale investments, luxury buildings, and private properties cropping up along its banks. While these developments have brought economic benefits to the region, they have also sparked controversy and pushback from local residents concerned about the loss of green space and open beach areas.

One of the major controversial projects that have been completed around Lake Balaton is the conference centre of the Hungarian National Bank Foundation in Balatonakarattya. Built on the site of a former holiday resort, the conference centre covers over 12,000 square metres and features a „welfare water area“ created by channeling the lake onto the property. However, locals have criticized the project for significantly disturbing the environment and not adapting the surrounding infrastructure to the development.

In Balatonakali, the fate of former waterfront campsites has been a subject of controversy. While one campsite has closed for good, the planned terraced houses on its site have not been built. Another campsite was liquidated in 2016, with one half coming under the ownership of Lőrinc Mészáros and the other half seeing the construction of new apartment buildings. This project, known as The Village Holiday, made headlines in 2019 when protected reeds were demolished, leading to legal consequences for the contractors involved.

Similarly, in Badacsonyörs, a camping site owner faced backlash in 2021 for cutting down trees under the pretext of disease. The site was earmarked for a four-star hotel, apartments, and a campsite, but the project has yet to be completed. Balatonfüred, on the other hand, has seen a high number of development projects, including the Balaport real estate complex, without significant opposition from local residents.

In Tihany, a planned investment project faced resistance from civil groups and was postponed following expropriation concerns. The project, which aimed to build apartments in an afforested area, was met with opposition, and its future remains uncertain under new leadership.

Moving to the southern shore of Lake Balaton, Balatonmáriafürdő saw protests against a 71-apartment building complex, which eventually received permits through a loophole. Balatonföldvár’s new electric e-port and Balatonszemes‘ luxury residential complex have also faced resistance from locals concerned about the impact on the environment and public access to the lake.

In Szántód, the Balaland hotel and residential complex received a substantial investment from the state, raising questions about its ties to the System of National Cooperation. Balatonvilágos witnessed disputes over a promenade parcelled into plots, leading to legal battles over beachfront access.

As Lake Balaton continues to attract investments and development projects, the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation remains a key challenge for the region. Local communities, activists, and authorities must work together to ensure sustainable development that respects the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this iconic lake.