Researchers from the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research and the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute* explored what different people value at Lake Balaton and its shores.
Based on a survey of 1,500 people — including local residents, vacation homeowners, and tourists — the findings show a clear preference for a more natural Lake Balaton, with accessible shores, reed beds, and limited built infrastructure.
While Lake Balaton is Hungary’s most popular tourist destination, it is also a highly sensitive ecosystem. Respondents value not only recreation and scenic beauty, but also key ecosystem services – benefits from nature, such as clean water filtered by reed beds, shoreline protection, and habitats for plants and animals.
Most people preferred close-to-natural shorelines and strongly rejected highly built-up beaches and private resorts closed to the public. Environmental awareness proved to be the strongest factor shaping these preferences — more influential than income, education, or tourism-related work.
A clear majority opposed further intensive development: 58% rejected more hotels, 61% opposed new marinas, and 58% did not want more yachts on the lake.
Overall, the message is clear: people want a future in which nature, public access and long-term ecological health of Lake Balaton are put first.

*This research was performed together with the PAD Foundation for Environmental Justice, the National Laboratory for Water Science and Water Security, the Institute of Applied Water Science, the HUN-REN–BME Water Research Group, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics.