Balatonföldvár: Harbour Lawsuit Restarts Because It Was Illegal?

Balatonföldvár's Western Beach was once the locals' favourite free beach, where unusually for the southern shore the water deepened quickly and families liked to visit. However, the area changed dramatically in spring 2025 when the disputed e-harbour opened its gates – despite the Curia previously clearly ruling that a shoreline section cannot be both a beach and a harbour at the same time.

There is great dissatisfaction among local residents. “We used to spend a lot of time at the Western Beach. Since they started building the harbour, we no longer go down there” – say the people of Balatonföldvár watching the beach from the high shore. Many now go to Szántód or Zamárdi instead, as the investment has completely transformed the previously beloved shoreline section.

The owner, however, did not accept the Curia's decision and initiated new proceedings in court. Meanwhile, the leader of the civilians who previously protested against the harbour has become deputy mayor and, according to reports, now supports the investment. This turn of events further complicates the situation in the Balaton-side settlement.

The development is also worrying from the perspective of tourism around Balaton: locals say the loss of the Western Beach is another blow to the southern shore's appeal. ⚓ The litigation may therefore start all over again, and the lakeside community now awaits a clear decision on the future of the area.

Source: telex.hu