Welcome to the ultimate challenge of the Lake Balaton Crossing, the full-distance swim! The 5.2 km distance is the crown jewel of the Lake Balaton Crossing. This is the distance that tests every swimmer but offers unforgettable experiences in return. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, it's time to challenge yourself amidst the waves of Lake Balaton! The 5.2 km distance isn't just a sports achievement; it's a lifetime adventure. It's for those who want to push their limits and enjoy the magical beauty of Lake Balaton while crossing Hungary's largest lake.
Just click on the selected box and we'll automatically navigate you to relevant information and details about the topic
Browse our venue maps and familiarize yourself with the site to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day!
The planned date of the event is July 26, 2025.
Reserve days: July 27, August 2, 3, 9, 10.
We will provide information about the event on Thursday at noon, two days before the event, following consultations with the Siófok Observatory of the National Meteorological Service and the Balaton Water Police.
*Participant limit: We can accept registrations for a total of 11,500 participants for the two swimming distances.
The registration fee includes:
The feasibility of the event greatly depends on the current weather conditions. When registering, please consider that postponement may occur. Entries are valid for a weekend (either Saturday or Sunday), not a specific event day. Therefore, if the event is postponed within the same weekend, your registration remains valid, and you do not need to register again for Sunday.
Please read through the following description carefully.
If you have any questions, you can find answers in the frequently asked questions section.
We ask that you always keep an eye on our news updates and our Facebook page, where we will provide precise information after each decision point on the options and current actions required.
Registration information, how to register:
You can register for the Lidl Balaton Swim at the web address balatonnevezes.futanet.hu after completing registration. (The site can be used with an existing Futanet registration.)
When registering for the event, you must also pay the registration fee. Payment can be made by credit card.
Entries submitted this way are valid not only for the first scheduled date but also for any postponed dates, provided the participant does not withdraw in the meantime. If the swim is postponed due to weather conditions compared to the initially scheduled date, there is no need to register again.
Registration in advance:
For the Lidl Balaton Cross Swimming, preliminary registration is open until July 17, 2024, 23:59.
Payment of the registration fee is done online via credit card or SZÉP card.
The registration fee includes a unique finisher's medal for the event.
The organizing committee will decide on July 18, 2024, whether the event scheduled for the initial date will proceed (with input from relevant authorities such as the Meteorological Service and Balaton Water Management).
All existing registrations will automatically transfer to the rescheduled date.
On-site registration:
On-site registration will be available if the participant limit is not reached earlier.
The number of available slots, if any, will be announced at 17:00 the day before the event.
Double Balaton Swim:
There is an option to swim the 5.2 km distance twice. Please note that the announced start time window may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
To register for the double swim:
Withdrawal from registrations is only possible within the specified deadlines as previously indicated.
If the start time is shortened for any reason preventing you from participating in the second swim, the registration fee for the second swim will be refunded. Otherwise, the fee for the second swim is non-refundable once paid.
Withdrawals can be made within the advance registration period until July 17 at 23:59.
Procedure for withdrawal:
Participation in the Lidl Balaton Cross-Swimming does not require a prior medical certificate or on-site medical examination.
Participants enter the event at their own risk.
Medical assistance will be available at the starting point, so anyone with health issues before the start can seek assistance.
Medical care for those in distress will continue at the finish line and throughout the swim.
By registering, you accept that if the medical staff determines at any point that you cannot continue due to your health, their decision is binding on you.
By registering, you acknowledge that Aranyhíd Balaton Cross-Swimming Sport Ltd. is not liable for injuries, health issues arising from poor health, inadequate preparation, or hidden medical conditions.
By registering, you also consent to undergo a sports medical examination if necessary and agree to follow the instructions of the medical staff during your participation in the event.
Underage participants under the age of 18 will be specifically checked for the presence of parental or guardian consent.
Participants under the age of 14 may only participate in the event and complete the challenge accompanied by a parent/guardian. This rule does not apply to confirmed competitors in swimming, water polo, triathlon, and modern pentathlon sports.
Be a charitable athlete right from the registration!
Our online registration system offers a new, simple donation format. During registration, the system automatically presents one or more "charity items" assigned by us to the specific event category. By clicking on them, you can choose to support them with a donation of 3000 HUF each, adding them to your cart and paying for them along with your registration. The base amount can be multiplied, just like in an online store, if you purchase multiple units of a single item. The "charity items" can also be purchased independently of registration. At the end of the campaign, as facilitators of support, we transfer the entire amount collected through these donations to the designated beneficiary organization.
You can support the following charitable causes with your donation when registering for the Lidl Balaton Cross Swimming events - or independently of registration:
Supporting the Hungarian Lifeguard Service in Hungary
For 23 years, the Hungarian Lifeguard Service has been watching over swimmers and athletes on Lake Balaton and other waters. Their goal is to make Lake Balaton the safest lake in Europe. They focus not only on rescue and healthcare but also on accident prevention. At the Lidl Balaton Crossing, they ensure your safety and are ready to assist if needed, from the moment you enter the water until you leave the swim course.
The Lidl Balaton Cross-Swimming is part of our series aimed at companies and workplace communities, offering running, cycling, and swimming events for their employees in corporate colors. Corporate swimmers and SUP participants completing the full and half distances can earn participation points to increase their company's score. At the end of the season, we evaluate companies that have participated in at least 5 events for the final ranking. We also encourage smaller companies to participate in at least 5 of our events, taking into account their number of employees, and award winners in 5 categories based on this.
Registration for the 'Run the Company' series
Expressing interest in participating in the 'Run the Company' series is part of the normal registration process and does not incur additional costs. When registering for the relevant race events, participants should indicate 'yes' in the 'Run the Company' field and enter the company name in the 'company name' section on the registration form. After recording registration details, participation points earned by participants in corporate colors through completing the distance will increase the company's score.
The full regulations and current standings of the 'Run the Company' series are available here >>> itt >>>
There are experiences you always want to remember. The Balaton Swim is one of them, a true bucket list challenge for everyone. Pre-order the official event merch T-shirt and make your achievement unforgettable! The LIDL Balaton Swim technical T-shirt is made of 100% polyester, perfect for sports, highly breathable, and quick-drying. If ordered for on-site pickup, you can collect it on the event day at the finish area in Balatonboglár!
June 23, Sunday is the deadline for pre-orders!
You can purchase the T-shirt in the following ways:
Buy yourself or as a gift the Lidl Balaton Swim swimming cap!
The swimming cap is available in 4 colors, logoed on both sides. One of the graphics shown is on one side of the cap, and the other graphic is on the opposite side.
You can purchase the swimming cap in the following ways:
Start: Révfülöp, next to the football field at the harbor. Exact address of the starting location: Halász u. 7, Révfülöp (football field). Révfülöp is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, accessible via Road 71.
Finish: Balatonboglár, Platán Beach
If possible, please avoid arriving by car to Révfülöp due to limited parking options. If you do arrive by car, you will be able to park at the designated locations indicated below in Révfülöp. Please make sure to seek out and use only these designated parking areas. Arrive in good time for the event and allow yourself enough time to find a proper parking spot.
And please always obey traffic rules when parking your car. Be considerate and mindful of the local environment!
There is no designated participant parking available in Balatonboglár.
Balaton-átúszás napján reggel 6:00 – 16:00 között a biztonságos és balesetmentes megközelítés és a közrend fenntartása érdekében, Balatonbogláron kikötőhöz vezető Széchényi István utcára a 7. számú főútról, egyik irányból sem szabad majd behajtani gépjárművel. Onnan csak a 7. számú főútra való kihajtás lesz engedélyezett. 
We will establish bike depots on both shores, but participants are responsible for securing their bikes. There is no option available for transporting bikes across the lake.
The wristband required to start swimming can be obtained on-site on the day of the crossing between 6:00 and 11:45 AM, upon presentation of the printed registration confirmation. Each participant will receive the registration confirmation via email upon registration, and it can also be downloaded from the registration profile.
The expected start time is 7 AM, which may vary (either earlier or later) depending on when the safety lane formed by sailboats is finally established.
The closing time for the start is expected to be 12 PM, but this may be moved earlier due to potential weather changes
DRESSING ROOM:
We provide dressing facilities in tents near the registration center in Révfülöp and Balatonboglár.
CLOAKROOM, BAG STORAGE:
You can leave bags:
Cloakroom opening hours:
Balatonboglár:
Bag drop-off: from 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Bag pick-up: until 3:30 PM
Révfülöp:
Bag drop-off: from 6:00 AM to 11:50 AM
Bag pick-up: until 5:00 PM (subject to change based on the schedule of the last boat carrying swimmers from Balatonboglár)
Procedure for dropping off bags:
Révfülöp:
Bags can be dropped off only after presenting the wristband received at the registration tent.
Balatonboglár:
Participants with valid registration and those intending to register can drop off bags. This is recommended for those arriving in Balatonboglár and then crossing to Révfülöp for the start.
When dropping off bags for on-site storage, participants receive a wristband numbered to match the bag's label. Bags can be retrieved after the swim by presenting the wristband.
SHOWER:
A public shower is available for participants at the Platán Strand in Balatonboglár.
| date of birth | age | men | women |
| People born after July 20, 2018 | Children aged 5 and younger | M5 | W5 |
| 2015. 07. 21. – 2018. 07. 20. | Children aged 6-8 years | M6 | W6 |
| 2012. 07. 21. – 2015. 07. 20. | Children aged 9-11 years | M9 | W9 |
| 2008. 07. 21. – 2012. 07. 20. | Children aged 12-15 years | M12 | W12 |
| 2006. 07. 21. – 2008. 07. 20. | Children aged 16-17 years | M16 | W16 |
| 2004. 07. 21. – 2006. 07. 20. | Children aged 18-19 years | M18 | W18 |
| 1999. 07. 21. – 2004. 07. 20. | Aged 20-24 years | M20 | W20 |
| 1994. 07. 21. – 1999. 07. 20. | Aged 25-29 years | M25 | W25 |
| 1989. 07. 21. – 1994. 07. 20. | Aged 6-8 years | M30 | W30 |
| 1984. 07. 21. – 1989. 07. 20. | Aged 35-39 years | M35 | W35 |
| 1979. 07. 21. – 1984. 07. 20. | Aged 40-44 years | M40 | W40 |
| 1974. 07. 21. – 1979. 07. 20. | Aged 45-49 years | M45 | W45 |
| 1969. 07. 21. – 1974. 07. 20. | Aged 50-54 years | M50 | W50 |
| 1964. 07. 21. – 1969. 07. 20. | Aged 55-59 years | M55 | W55 |
| 1959. 07. 21. – 1964. 07. 20. | Aged 60-64 years | M60 | W60 |
| 1954. 07. 21. – 1959. 07. 20. | Aged 65-69 years | M65 | W65 |
| 1949. 07. 21. – 1954. 07. 20. | Aged 70-74 years | M70 | W70 |
| 1944. 07. 21. – 1949. 07. 20. | Aged 75-79 years | M75 | W75 |
| Born before July 21, 1944 | 80 years and older | M80 | W80 |
Distance: 5200 meters - Marked on the map with a red line.
Route: The course merges with the Half Distance participants of the Balaton Swim 1300 meters before the finish line for the 5.2 km distance.
FROM BALATONBOGLÁR TO RÉVFÜLÖP:
During the Lidl Balaton Cross-Swimming event, the largest capacity ships of Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. operate between Balatonboglár and Révfülöp, with continuous service. The ships depart as soon as they are filled.
The FIRST SHIP departs from Balatonboglár to Révfülöp at 6:00 AM on the morning of the swimming event. Upon arrival in Révfülöp, it immediately departs back to Balatonboglár. The ships transporting swimmers intending to start have no fixed schedule; they depart to Révfülöp as soon as they are filled.
Participants who have already completed their swim, as well as escorts (except for one adult supervisor accompanying minors), can only use the Révfülöp-bound ferry before 11:00 AM if it does not hinder the safe transport of swimmers starting the race.
The LAST SHIP to ensure participants arrive on time for the 12-hour start departs Balatonboglár at 11:00 AM.
For those who wish to cross from Balatonboglár to Révfülöp for the purposes of picking up their timing bracelet and registration, the service can be accessed free of charge until 11:00 AM:
FROM RÉVFÜLÖP TO BALATONBOGLÁR:
From the northern shore, escorts are transported to Balatonboglár by every second ship, approximately every 1.5 hours.
The LAST SHIP returning participants to Révfülöp departs from Balatonboglár at approximately 4:00 PM.
Participants of the 5.2 km route are entitled to a one-way trip free of charge, which can be used by presenting the wristband received for swimming. Additional trips require purchasing a ticket. We recommend that escorts who know in advance that they will travel both ways obtain a round-trip ticket before their first trip to avoid long queues. During the boat trip, Balatoni Hajózási Zrt.'s ticket prices apply. Tickets can be purchased at BAHART's on-site ticket offices and online (www.jegy.bahart.hu). To avoid standing in line at the ticket office, please prioritize online ticket purchases! Online-purchased tickets do not entitle priority boarding on the ships!
Before the start, you can hydrate with water. Along the route, hydration is available on support boats. If needed, glucose tablets are also provided. Upon reaching the finish, all participants can refresh with tea. Additionally, within the finish area, a finisher's package containing sponsor gifts will be distributed. Some items in the package (such as coffee, pastries) can be claimed by exchanging the coupons found inside.
Participants must reach the finish line no later than 3 hours after the last start. We kindly ask swimmers planning to complete the 5.2 km distance in more than 3 hours to adjust their start accordingly. The timings may change (possibly moved earlier) due to weather conditions, which will be decided upon following consultations with the authorities. During the swim, closure times will be set for each kilometer. Swimmers must reach each kilometer point by the specified times listed below. In case of exceeding the time limits, participants are required to board the closing boat, which they can only leave at the finish line in Balatonboglár. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
Closing times for swimming lanes calculated with a 12-hour start time:
At 2 kilometers: 13:10
At 3 kilometers: 13:45
At 4 kilometers: 14:20
The timing services provider is Sárkány Informatikai Zrt.
We expect a large turnout for this year's Balaton Swim, which was awarded the 'Recreational Sports Event of the Year' at the 2022 Sports Gala. To ensure a smooth preparation, we advise you to arrive at the starting point in good time. Finding adequate parking might take some time, so arriving early will prevent unnecessary stress before the swim. Even if you have to park further away, you'll have enough time to comfortably walk back to the venue.
Please be prepared for queues during registration and wristband pickup. We kindly ask for your patience with our staff and fellow swimmers.
You won't need much besides your swimwear and goggles for the swim. Before the swim, you'll have the opportunity to deposit a small bag with dry clothes and a towel, which you'll need upon finishing. Please pack minimally, keeping your essentials in mind. Avoid bringing rolling suitcases! You won't need a raincoat either, as the event won't proceed in case of rain. We do not take responsibility for the preservation or transport of valuables. If you choose to leave valuables in your bag, we cannot be held accountable.
Ensure your swimwear is comfortable and tested. While that new swimsuit might look great, it shouldn't cause discomfort after a long swim. Opt for swimwear you've used before and are comfortable with, ensuring it stays in place and doesn't irritate your skin during physical activity.
Use sunscreen suitable for your skin's needs, preferably with a high SPF. A swim cap or hat can be practical if your swimming style allows it.
Since you'll be engaging in the same motion for hours, parts of your body may rub against each other. To prevent chafing, it's advisable to apply vaseline to these areas.
Due to prolonged exposure to water, you may lose body heat during the swim. If the water temperature is below 22 degrees Celsius, consider using fat, which helps retain body heat and reduces the risk of feeling cold.
You'll need extra energy to complete the 5.2 km swim, so eat consciously and carbohydrate-rich in the days leading up to the event. However, avoid overeating right before the start! If possible, refrain from eating two hours before the swim! On the day of the swim, avoid fatty, spicy foods and opt for easily digestible meals for breakfast. Reserve heavy foods like bean goulash for later! For energy storage, it's practical to start the day with slowly absorbing carbohydrates (such as oatmeal). Despite these suggestions, maintaining your usual eating habits is the least risky to avoid stomach issues caused by newly tried foods.
For the safety of swimmers, sailboats will be positioned every 25-30 meters along the swim lane between the start and finish. If you get tired, take a break, but stay calm. Swim at a steady pace towards one of the boats, rest, and then continue swimming. If you encounter problems and can't solve them, always seek assistance first from the boat crew and then from your fellow swimmers if necessary.
Wishing you a successful completion!
You can find the results here.
The results list is continuously updated after participants cross the finish line. You can also download your personal certificate from here, which you can proudly share with your friends on Facebook.
You can find our post-event photo selection on the Balaton-átúszás Facebook page and in the media library section.
You can find summary films of the event here
We've compiled a bouquet of your most frequently asked questions
The Lake Balaton Crossing is more than just a sports event; it's a lifelong experience! If you love water, thrills, and challenges, this is the place for you. Dive into Hungary's largest lake and experience the magic of Lake Balaton firsthand!
