Keszthely with its 23 000 inhabitants located at the north-western bank of Lake Balaton. The oldest and largest settlement around the lake is the cultural and educational centre of the region. Keszthely is one of the most frequented cities of the area thanks to its charming atmosphere, nice monuments, museums and cultural events. In the 4th century, under the rule of Emperor Constantius II, the Romans built a huge fortification on this area. The remains of the castrum can be seen in Fenékpuszta. At the beginning of the 18th century Keszthely became the property of the noble Festetics family.

They built a richly decorated mansion and made the city the centre of their lordship. In 1797 Count György Festetics founded in the city the first school of agriculture in Europe, the Georgikon, providing university level education. The pedestrian street of the city leads us to the main entrance of the mansion. The beautiful Baroque building is the 3rd largest chateau in Hungary. Having many rare plants the garden around is a protected area. The most famous warn water lake, the Héviz lake is accesible by a nice walk.

Hotel Via**

Address: H-8360 Keszthely, Balaton part 15.
Location: The hotel is on the coast of the lake Balaton, 1 km from the city centre.
Rooms: double and triple equipped with bathroom, sat TV, telephone, and balcony.
Services: restaurant with Hungarian specialities and international cuisine, safe and closed parking place for cars and buses.
Sport: tennis, fishing and water sports.
Dining: buffet breakfast, daily menu
Recommended for: student groups and adult groups