Tihany is a peninsula on the northern side of Lake Balaton, the largest shallow lake in the Central European region. Tihany is also the name of the village located on the top of the hill. Both Tihany peninsula and the village has many historical interests including an early Iron Age fortress and the Tihany Abbey founded in the 11th century.

Millions of years ago, there was sea water in place of the present lake which is 77 km-s long, 14 km-s wide and its total area is 600 square kilometres.

Volcanic activity also contributed to the transformation of the region - big basalt columns make testimony from that age.

Freshwater is arriving from the west, from river Zala and crystal clear creeks feed the lake from the north too. The excess water is given away by the Sio kanal. Every 2 years the water of the lake is totally replaced. According to an old legend, deep in the muddle of Lake Balaton, there is a church with a girl inside, who is feeding  the silky waters of the lake with her tears. Allegedly there will be water in the lake as long as the girl is weeping. But it is hard to give credit to this sad story if we consider the millions of holidaymakers who enjoy their vacations here.

This area has been inhabited for over 50,000 years. Before the arrival of Hungarians in the 11th century, Romans, Germanic and Slav tribes lived here. Lake Balaton became partly a royal and partly a church estate: the founder of Hungary Saint Stephen I. founded a monastery in Zalavar in 1019, then king Andrew I. founded the abbey at the Tihany peninsula in 1055. In the 16th century a number of castles were built here which were a part of the defence lines against Turkish invaders. In the 19th century as a result of railways and steamboats life became more exciting and more and more people discovered the pleasure and relaxation of the lake.

Tihany is one of the oldest settlements in the region. The church and the monastery was founded in 1055 by King Andrew I., who is buried here.