Keszthely is the centre of the West Balaton region and the capital of Lake Balaton.

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times; in the time of the Romans, it was once regarded as one of Pannonia’s most significant centres. The historical town centre received its current architectural design in the 18th-19th century.

Keszthely is located in a rich and diverse natural environment. It is flanked by two hilly areas: the Zala and the Keszthely Hills, and it lies on the shore of Lake Balaton. It is also home to a large number of bird and plant species; its large parks with ancient trees are favourite destinations for locals and visitors alike.

Keszthely offers over a dozen elementary and secondary schools as well as a university faculty.
Keszthely is also hailed as the centre of the Festetics family’s legacy. Strolling down the streets of the historical town centre visitors may encounter several memorabilia related to the history of the noble family. The Festetics Palace with the parks and gardens surrounding it is an ideal tourist destination. The family is also linked to a few institutions such as the GEORGIKON – Europe’s first educational institution with an agrarian focus, as well as the continent’s first music school, the Balaton Museum, and they also staged the series of festivities referred to today as the HELIKON FESTIVAL.

Keszthely is also described as a lake resort, and the capital of Lake Balaton.
One key remnant of the town’s rising middle class is the lakefront building for bathers still standing on the shore. Those wishing to have a dip in the lake can do so at four lidos: three in the city and at an animal friendly facility a bit further away. The town – quiet and sleepy in other seasons – becomes vibrant and full of life during the summer.