The End of Illegal Balaton Piers 🚫

Serious changes are about to begin along the shores of Lake Balaton: the removal of illegal piers may finally gain momentum thanks to the new regulation adopted last year. 🌊 This directly affects the lakeside settlements, locals and vacationers alike, as after the removal of unauthorized access points, communal piers will be designated in their place.

More than a thousand illegal piers were previously identified through aerial photographic surveys at Lake Balaton, yet little meaningful change has occurred since. Many of these structures have stood untouched for decades, so their demolition may sensitively affect the owners. The water authority’s Balaton branch has also tried to act against them in the past, but efforts often stalled. In recent years, however, under the leadership of Gabriella Kravinszkaja, with the help of a few municipalities and the water civil guard, cleanup has begun on several shoreline sections.

Of the 44 lakeside municipalities, only a few have taken on this difficult task, although removing the irregular piers will in the long term improve the natural condition of Lake Balaton and its tourist appeal. In their place, communal piers will be established based on municipal proposals, which may result in more orderly shore sections during the beach season as well. In some cases, lakeside properties may also be ordered demolished if they do not comply with the new regulations.

The process evokes mixed feelings among residents and vacationers in the Balaton region: many welcome the more natural shoreline, while others fear losing their accustomed access. The goal remains shared – a more sustainable and orderly Balaton shore that benefits everyone.

Source: hirbalaton.hu