Balatonfelvidéki

Balatonfelvidéki, or Balaton-felvidéki, is a geographic and cultural region in western Hungary that forms the upland terrain along the northern shore of Lake Balaton in Transdanubia. The name translates to Balaton uplands and is used for the hilly landscape that rises from the lake toward inland plains, spanning parts of Veszprém and Zala counties. The area includes notable landforms such as volcanic hills and basins, with the Badacsony and Szent György-hegy ranges and the western Káli Basin being particularly well known.

The Balaton-felvidéki landscape is part of the Balaton Uplands, a protected natural area designated as the Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park (Balaton Uplands National Park). The park protects diverse habitats, including oak and hornbeam forests, grasslands, and wetlands, as well as geological features and cultural landscapes shaped by centuries of viticulture.

Economically and culturally, the region is closely associated with wine production. The Balaton-felvidéki borvidék is known for light, aromatic white wines and for vineyards perched on the hillsides above the lake, especially around Badacsony. Tourism is another major activity, with visitors drawn to scenic viewpoints, historic abbeys, castles, hiking trails, and spa towns along the shore.

Key towns and sights in the Balatonfelvidéki area include Balatonfüred and Tihany on the northern shore, Badacsony with its wine terraces, Tapolca with its cave system, Szigliget with a castle ruin, and Keszthely at the western tip of the lake.