Situated 116 metres above sea level, Tihany’s Lake Külső is in fact the crater of the ancient volcano that played a part in creating the peninsula, but has been lying dormant for millions of years. At the beginning of the 19th century, the locals tried to channel the water that filled the crater into Lake Balaton, with the area eventually being declared protected in the 70s.
The lake is now part of the Balaton Uplands National Park, and its original inhabitants have gradually re-appeared over the years: aquatic plants, wetland birds, the songbirds of the reed beds and the greylag goose, the star of the region.
Tip: You can reach the area on an excellent bike trail, but the lake itself is only accessible on unmarked paths and through thick vegetation.
