Siófoki Víztorony

Lake Balaton is definitely a top destination in Hungary. And around the lake - in fact the biggest one in central Europe - you can see more and more rapidly developing towns. One of them is Siófok. It is a perfect destination if you want to enjoy "lake life" in both summer and winter. The latter is just perfect if you are lucky enough to find the lake frozen so you can take your ice skates and play a bit on the ice. And during summer it is obviously one of the best places to be in Hungary ;)

In the middle of Siófok there is a very nice, recently fully reconstructed square. On one corner of it there is a church and on one side of it there is the "Sió Plaza" mall. You can also find some interesting fountain, coffeehouses and bakeries and also the library is just a stone's throw away. In the middle of this popular square there is the Watertower (Víztorony) that is reconstructed lately. The tower is more or less one century old and its first function was as a water reservoir to supply water for the surroundings but now it is one on the main touristic attractions of Siófok.

There is an entrance fee (around 3 EUR) for visiting it. You can go at the top of the tower by using a panoramic elevator. In the top floor you can find a nice panorama view, where you can sit and you don't have to move to see around in 360° as the entire floor rotates. Quiet impressive! :) And in my opinion this is one of the best views of the lake that you can find from an altitude.

In the same "room" you also find tables which are actually pure touch screens. Well, they are supposed to be, but honestly I have been there couple of times and they have never worked... But maybe it is just something wrong with me! :)

On the walls are written the names of many international cities in their original language and their distance in kilometers from Siófok Watertower. The names are written exactly in the direction you have to follow if you want to go to these cities and maybe you could see some of them if our planet wouldn't have round shape :)

One floor below there is a cafe-bar. The prices are higher here of course but it has to be an experience to taste a cup of coffee over the town, over the lake Balaton... I have never tried it though. :) 

Once you are in Siófok or close to it, give the "Víztorony" a try. If you are lucky, at the end of your visit in the tower they give you a small bottle of oxygen rich water for free!! (I guess this promotion is mostly during summer...)

Visiting also the surrounding area can make it even a half-day program. So I just wish you sun! ;)