In Szantod, a range of travel interests come together: a ferry crossing over Lake Balaton, the historic Szántódpusztai Majorság, two beaches with distinct features, and cultural heritage. If you are looking for accommodation in Szantod, you can choose what to focus on during your stay: the ferry crossing, the beach or agricultural history. The ferry, beaches and manor farm reveal different sides of the town: a transport link, time by the water and insights into farming in the past.

Ferry and getting around

The only ferry connection across Lake Balaton runs between Szántódrév and Tihanyrév. It carries vehicles and passengers year-round; extreme weather or ice may interrupt service. Check the current schedule before crossing. This allows you to include the ferry in your plans while taking possible weather-related interruptions into account.

There is also a dedicated local route for pedestrians and cyclists: in Szantod, a separate pedestrian and cycle path was built on a new route parallel to Móricz-Zsigmond Street and Szent-István Street. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out on a specific trip.

Two distinct beach profiles

The free beach on Juhász-Gyula Street is also known as Beach Party. It has fine sand and slopes gently toward deeper water. Seasonal offerings may vary; check the current dates before visiting. The free beach on Rigó Street has a grassy sunbathing area for visitors. If you are choosing between fine sand with water that gradually gets deeper and a grassy sunbathing area, these distinct features can help guide your choice.

Agricultural history and exhibitions

The Szántódpusztai Majorság is a historic agricultural estate and one of Hungary’s oldest agricultural estates. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages. Visitors encounter agricultural themes in various forms here: the barefoot path, or Kneipp walking path, has sensory stations with embedded materials, including materials and tools used in the past. The sensory stations are also accessible to people with disabilities. For visitors with visual impairments, the station names are shown not only in Hungarian lettering but also on Braille boards.

At the Kukoricagóré, information boards explain corn and its processing. In the barn, the interactive exhibition “Búza útja” explores the former cultivation of grain for self-sufficiency, knowledge of the traditional peasant loaf, and the importance of wheat as an essential grain. The exhibition themes therefore cover not only individual raw materials but also processing and nutrition.

Building 21 houses a rotating exhibition space that can serve as a venue for local and regional artists and creative practitioners. As the exhibition program changes, check what is currently on display before visiting. Visitors to the Szántódpusztai Majorság can also learn about the history of the Tihany–Szántód ferry: it was established at a natural narrowing of Lake Balaton and once belonged to the Tihany Abbey estate.

Chapel and monument

A statue of Kossuth Lajos stands in Kossuth Park in Szantod. Above Szántódpuszta, St. Christopher’s Chapel stands on the site of an earlier chapel. The original was built in 1735 with a wooden-shingle roof and wooden tower, renovated and remodeled in 1820, and consecrated again in 1821. This sequence of construction, remodeling and reconsecration gives the chapel’s history a clear timeline.

Discover more destinations: Nagycsepely, Balatonföldvar, Koröshegy, Kötcse, Balatonszárszó, Balatonőszöd, Szólád, Balatonszemes

For the broader travel overview: Balatonföldvári.