Hungarian beaches gear up for summer as Balaton resort readies season while Budapest's Külkerpark stays closed

Balatonmáriafürdő on Lake Balaton has completed pre‑season maintenance, installing wooden steps, clearing hazardous trees and mud, and preparing seven free‑access beaches for opening between mid‑May and mid‑September. Mayor Balog Mátyás highlighted a recent 250 million‑forint tourism‑development grant that funded upgrades such as new benches, table bases and the refurbishment of boat‑storage facilities. The municipality also reported a successful reduction in wild‑boar damage and ongoing management of fishing spots.

In Budapest, the popular Külkerpark beach remained shut for the first time this year because the state‑owned Magyar Nemzeti Vagyonkezelő (MNV) has not yet decided on a utilisation concept for the site. The lack of a short‑term operating plan follows the agency’s acquisition of the property in March and its ongoing work on a longer‑term development proposal. The closure comes as several city baths remain closed and the nearby Lake Velence faces low water levels, limiting summer recreation options for residents.