Balatonboglár is a city in Somogy county on the south shore of Lake Balaton between Balatonlelle and Fonyód. It's famous for its wine region, especially the BB wine and the Balaton Screw Steamer - the first of its kind on the Balaton. However, there is a much more exciting thing to see here: the Sphere Lookout or the Gömbkilátó in Hungarian.
The Lookout is located next to Road 7 in the city, on the top of a volcanic remain called 'Várdomb'. The officially called 'Xantus János Gömbkilátó' stands 165 meters tall above the city. The Sphere's diameter is 15 meters wide and made of 240 pieces of triangle-shaped panel. It offers a spectacular panoramic view to Lake Balaton and the monadnocks on the northern shore.
Until the 1960s there was a wooden lookout on the hill. Today's structure was built in the 1950s and said to be the design of István Kádár but according to newspapers at the time, it was a work of a young designer team. Originally it was covered with blue plastic sheet but it could not endure the weather so only the iron structure remained.
The construction was the symbol of the communist Hungarian aluminium industry and was displayed at the 'Budapesti Nemzetközi Vásár' (today it is the Hungexpo) for a while. It was nicknamed the 'Hungarian Atomium' after the main attraction of the Expo 58.
Read more about the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and the Atomium.
The Sphere got to Balatonboglár in the late 60s and got the Xantus name in the 70s. after two bigger renovation the current lookout is open since 2012. The construction is decorated with LED lights and illuminated in every night - making the lookout a wonderful sight that can be seen from the northern shore as well.
FUN FACT: In the strong wind the structure could have swing several meters but you don't have to worry as it was designed to absorb the kinetic energy so you won't even notice it.
The lookout is surrounded by a nature protection area but it wasn't always like that. In the early 20th century the area was nicknamed 'Kopaszhegy' because there were no vegetation here. Today the hills are covered with Australian pine trees, planted by Gaal Gaston, an aldermen of the city. Now you can walk around and have a picnic but there is a lounge as well where you can have a drink or a snack.
TOP TIP: Take a picture in the 'insta frame' - there are several frames all around the Balaton, if you have time, try to find them all!
The Lookout is located in the middle of the city, and part of the local adventure park that has several fun activities such as a bobsleigh and a ropeway. It is easy to access and there is a parking lot under the hill. Unfortunately it is not free, there is a 300 HUF entry ticket. If you want to visit the lookout, check the official site for the actual opening hours.
TOP TIP: If you can't visit the Sphere, take a virtual tour here.
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