Welcome to the half-distance of the Balaton Swim! The 2.6 km route is a perfect choice for those who want to experience the charm of Lake Balaton but may not yet feel ready for the full 5.2 km distance. This distance is achievable and a reachable goal for every enthusiastic swimmer.
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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: Balatonboglár, Platán Beach
A rajthelyszín pontos címe: 8630 Balatonboglár, Szentmihályi u. 1.
Balatonboglár a Balaton déli partján, a 7-es úton és az M7-es autópályán közelíthető meg. Kattints ide az útvonaltervezéshez.
Finish: Balatonboglár, Platán Beach
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.
Near the baggage storage area, we will set up a bicycle depot. Participants are responsible for securing their bicycles.
The wristband required to start swimming can be obtained on-site, on the day of the crossing, between 7:00 and 11:45, by presenting the printed registration confirmation. Every participant will receive the registration confirmation via email upon registration, and it can also be downloaded from the registration profile.
The start time is between 8:00 and 12:00. The exact time of the first wave may vary (it could be earlier or later) depending on when the safety lane formed by the safety boats is finally set up. Due to possible changes in weather, the closing time for starting the race may be moved up.
The course starts from Platán Strand in Balatonboglár. The water is shallow for the first 100 meters, then it deepens suddenly. About 200 meters from the shore, the water depth reaches 3 meters.
The first half of the route can be completed in a lane alongside the swim lane designated for the Lake Balaton Cross-Swimming, then after 1300 meters, turn left and continue towards the finish line together with the field of the Lidl Lake Balaton Cross Swimming (5.2 km)."
DRESSING ROOM:
We provide changing facilities in tents set up near the registration center in Balatonboglár.
CLOAKROOM, BAG STORAGE:
You will have the opportunity to leave luggage on-site:
Opening hours of the cloakroom:
Item drop-off: 6:00 AM to 11:50 AM
Item pick-up: until 3:30 PM
Procedure for dropping off bags:
It is possible to drop off items for both participants with valid registration and those intending to register.
When dropping off your bags, we will provide participants with a cloakroom wristband, the number of which corresponds to the label attached to the bag. Bags can be retrieved after the swim by presenting this 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: 2600 m - marked with a green line on the map
Route:
The distance starts from Platán Beach in Balatonboglár, where the water is shallow up to 100 meters, then suddenly deepens. At 200 meters from the shore, the water depth is already 3 meters. After reaching the buoy at 1300 meters, participants must turn around and swim back to the starting point in Balatonboglár, alongside the participants of the Lidl Balaton Cross Swimming (5.2 km).
A 2,6 kilométeres féltáv résztvevőinek minden útra jegyet kell váltani.
A hajóutazás alatt a Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. jegyárai érvényesek.
A jegyeket a BAHART helyszíni pénztáraiban és online (www.jegy.bahart.hu) lehet megváltani. Kérjük a pénztár előtti sorban állások elkerülése érdekében részesítsék előnyben az online jegyvásárlást! Az online megváltott jegyek nem jogosítanak fel a hajókra történő soron kívül feljutásra!
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.
The swim must be started no later than 12:00. Participants must arrive at the finish by 15:00 at the latest.
Please adjust the start of your swim accordingly if you plan to complete the 2.6 km distance in more than 3 hours. The above times may change (to earlier) due to weather conditions, which will be decided by the organizers following consultation with the authorities. During the swim, closing times per kilometer will be established based on the Balaton Crossing's average time. In case of exceeding these times, swimmers must board the closing boat and can only leave it at the Balatonboglár finish.
Closure time for the swim lane calculated with the 12-hour start closure time:
At 1.4 km, which is also the 4th km of the Balaton Crossing: 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!
