Keszthely

Keszthely is a town in western Hungary, located on the north shore of Lake Balaton at the western end of the lake. It is the administrative center of the Keszthely district in Zala County. The town has about 21,000 inhabitants and serves as a regional cultural and economic hub. Its setting along the lake and on the Balaton’s largest inlet has shaped its development as a gateway for tourism and recreation.

The area around Keszthely has medieval roots, with earliest mentions dating to the medieval period. In the 18th and 19th centuries the town gained prominence under the Festetics family, who built the Festetics Palace and developed gardens, a library, and a cultural milieu that attracted scholars and visitors. The palace ensemble and the associated library contributed to Keszthely becoming a center of culture, art, and education in the region.

The Festetics Palace is the town’s principal landmark, an expansive Baroque-Neoclassical complex with a notable library and a grand park. The Helikon Library forms part of the palace complex and hosts historical collections and events. The Balaton Museum presents regional natural history, archaeology, and the lake’s development. The historic town center contains period buildings and serves as a focal point for local festivals and markets.

Tourism is the main economic activity, supported by lakefront promenades, boating, and cultural institutions. The town is connected by road and rail to other parts of Hungary, with services linking to the Balaton region. A harbor on Lake Balaton accommodates boats and ferry connections to nearby shorelines.