Balatonföldvár

Balatonföldvár is a popular resort town in Somogy, Hungary on the southern side of Lake Balaton, approximately 120 km southwest from Budapest and about 23 km southwest from Siófok, the "capital of Balaton". Balatonföldvár is a frequently visited tourist destination among Hungarians and foreign guests because of its natural beauties, historical heritages or its countless leisure opportunities. The town offer several water sport and mainland sport activities.

Etymology

The origin of the name Balatonföldvár is from Lake Balaton, the lake bordering the town, and the földvár (in English earth castle). The földvár was built in the late Iron Age, during the occupation of the Celts. The well-preserved trenches and mounds of this structure are clearly visible on the magaspart (in English high shore, the area above the cliff).

The town is commonly referred to by locals simply as Földvár.

History

In around the 4th century AD, the area was settled by Celts, who constructed the large Iron Age hill fort that gives Balatonföldvár its name, the remains of which are still visible today.

The region around Lake Balaton was occupied in around 180 AD by the Romans and was situated on a military road from Aquincum (part of present-day Budapest) to the Italian peninsula. This road was considered an important road of the Roman province of Pannonia. Pannonia incorporates the area occupied by modern-day Hungary west of the Danube.