Lake Balaton: Journey To The Hungarian Sea With Photographer Zsfia Plyi

The largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton evokes memories of carefree childhood vacations for many Hungarians. Photographer Zsófia Pályi captures its enduring appeal for the holidaymakers who spend their summers at the ‘Hungarian Sea’.

Pályi captures Lake Balaton’s enduring appeal for holidaymakers

“I can only associate Lake Balaton with good feelings, my childhood memories and endless summer holidays… Lake Balaton has a special place in almost every Hungarian’s heart,” says Budapest-based photographer Zsófia Pályi, who has worked to capture the essence of the lake in her photo series Balaton (2014).

Since 2013, Pályi has travelled to the lake equipped with an analogue Hasselblad camera, photographing holidaymakers in the silky turquoise waters. Seeking to “freeze the moment” and record vacationers “in a timeless milieu”, she evokes Balaton’s faded charm, enduring appeal and rebirth.

Balaton was a popular destination for working-class Hungarians in the ’60s and ’70s

Taken at various locations along Lake Balaton’s southern shore, between the towns of Siófok and Balatonfenyves, Pályi’s images take as their subject the relationship between the lake and a diverse population of contemporary vacationers; the interaction between nature and holidaymaker forms a poignant and at times playful thread through the photo series, as well as a relative constant throughout Balaton’s changing fortunes as a holiday destination.

The photos were taken at various locations along the lake’s southern shore

“I wanted to capture average bathers on the beach… I was interested in their swimsuit styles and those features that would mark the images as being of a particular era,” explains Pályi, also highlighting her desire to give her subjects a sense of agency with regard to the images.

“All my models are standing in the water, as am I. It was important for me that my characters could decide how much to show of themselves – for instance, they could decide whether to go deeper into the water or not,” the photographer reflects.

Pályi’s images take as their subject the relationship between the lake and diverse holidaymakers

When asked about what the future holds for Lake Balaton – a popular day-trip option from Budapest – Pályi is optimistic that the ‘Hungarian Sea’ will once again be a popular destination for a broader international audience. “It’s a visit you should make at least once in a lifetime. Lake Balaton not only has awesome beaches, but also great sailing, hiking opportunities in the Balaton Uplands National Park and an abundance of good local wines.”

Lake Balaton evokes memories of carefree childhood holidays

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.