The park contains the Tihany Peninsula, which was the first landscape protection area established in Hungary.
The Tapolca Lake Cave is a unique underground system that can be navigated by rowboat.
The park preserves 'basalt organs'—columnar basalt formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The Kis-Balaton area, managed by the park, is a strictly protected wetland and crucial nesting ground for migratory birds.
The park's territory includes significant remnants of the Pannonian Sea's ancient volcanic activity.
Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság serves as the administrative headquarters for the protected Balaton Uplands region, located in the village of Csopak. The park encompasses diverse geological formations including basalt organs at Hegyestű and the Tapolca Lake Cave. It protects a vast landscape surrounding Lake Balaton, featuring volcanic hills, thermal springs, and unique karst topography. The headquarters in Csopak functions as an informational hub for the management of the park's various visitor centers and protected nature reserves. The region is notable for its 'sea of stones' at Kővágóörs and rich biodiversity within the Tihany Peninsula. Educational programs and guided nature tours are coordinated through this office. The park's mission focuses on the preservation of the Pannonian landscape's distinct volcanic history and wetland habitats. It acts as the primary contact point for scientific research and conservation efforts throughout the northern Balaton shoreline.
The interior courtyard of the Csopak headquarters features a well-maintained garden area showcasing regional flora.
Visit the park's individual satellite visitor centers, such as Hegyestű or the Lavender House in Tihany, rather than only the administrative office in Csopak.
Check the official website before traveling to confirm which specific trails or caves are currently accessible due to seasonal conservation closures.
Bring binoculars if visiting the Kis-Balaton bird sanctuary section.
Do not mistake the administrative headquarters in Csopak for the main visitor center; verify which specific park site you intend to visit before departing.
Administrative offices follow standard weekday business operations and are typically closed on public holidays.
Maintain silence in protected nature reserves, stay strictly on marked paths, and do not collect rocks or plants.
