Lake Balaton in Somogy and Veszprém Counties, Hungary
Lake Balaton in Somogy and Veszprém Counties, Hungary
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Lake Balaton in Somogy and Veszprém Counties, Hungary
This map has 8 layers
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, a vast 148,263-acre shallow inland sea stretching 48 miles across western Hungary in Somogy and Veszprém Counties, with 146 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 40 feet near the iconic Tihany Peninsula. Known as the "Hungarian Sea," the lake was formed by tectonic forces between 12,000 and 20,000 years ago from what were originally five separate smaller lakes, and its warm, nutrient-rich waters support rich populations of Pike-Perch, Perch, Bream, Carp, and Catfish that have drawn anglers to its shores since Roman times, when it was known as Pelso. The Zala River provides the lake's primary inflow from the west, while the Sió canal drains its eastern basin into the Danube River.
Situated about 80 kilometers southwest of Budapest, Lake Balaton is surrounded by some of Hungary's most celebrated landscapes — from the volcanic Badacsony wine region and Bakony mountain foothills along the northern shore to the flat, sandy southern beaches at Siófok and Fonyód that draw millions of European tourists each summer. The Tihany Peninsula, home to an 11th-century Benedictine Abbey and a designated national park, juts dramatically into the lake's narrowest point. The region is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, recognized since 1989 for its exceptional biodiversity, rare waterbirds, and extensive lakeshore reedbeds.
A laser-cut wooden map of Lake Balaton makes a breathtaking and deeply personal piece of wall art for any Hungarian home, European lake cottage, or travel enthusiast's space. The natural wood top layer traces the dramatic elongated form and every curve of this iconic Central European lake's 146 miles of shoreline in stunning detail, while the light-to-dark blue gradient layers capture its vast, sunlit, shallow character and the unmistakable silhouette of the Tihany Peninsula reaching into its heart. A handcrafted statement piece and a meaningful tribute to one of Europe's most beloved and storied bodies of water.
Dimensions:
Small: 8"x12"
Medium: 12"x18"
Large: 16"x24"
Extra Large: 20"x30"
XX Large: 24"x36"
Gigantic 30"x45"
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About our Maps
Every map is designed and built in Minnesota. Nothing is outsourced and nothing is imported.
- Designed in-house. All art files are created by me, not purchased or reused
- True layered 3D construction. Not engraved or printed
- More layers, more detail. Most competitors use 3 to 7 layers. These use 8 or 15 layers
- Original blue depth gradient. Light to dark blue shows water depth clearly
- Handmade hardwood frames. Built from locally sourced rough sawn lumber, not pre-made frames
These are built to be the most accurate and most detailed 3D lake maps available.
Horn Dog Maps vs Others
True layered 3D construction
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: Sometimes
Designed in-house (no purchased files)
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: Sometimes
Etsy Sellers: No
Made in Minnesota
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Number of layers
Horn Dog Maps: 8 or 15
Other Companies: 3 to 7
Etsy Sellers: 3 to 7
Blue depth gradient water
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Handmade hardwood frame included
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Uses multiple depth data sources
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: Sometimes
Etsy Sellers: No
Custom lakes without delays
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Connection to the lakes
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these actually 3D or just engraved?
These are true 3D layered maps.
- Made from 1/8 inch Baltic birch
- Standard maps have 8 layers. 1 land layer and 7 water layers
- HD maps have 15 layers. 1 land layer and 14 water layers
Each water layer uses a light to dark blue gradient so depth changes are easy to see.
Where are these made?
Everything is made in my shop in Minnesota.
- Design
- Cutting
- Painting
- Assembly
- Frame building
The frames start as locally sourced rough sawn hardwood and are built from scratch.
Do you use real depth data?
Yes, as an angler and map nerd, accuracy matters to me. I use multiple data sources, up to six, to find the most accurate lake contours available.
I would not hang an inaccurate map in my house and I will not send one to yours.
Why buy from Horn Dog Maps instead of Etsy or marketplace sellers?
Most marketplace sellers:
- Buy pre-made cut files, often from overseas
- Have no connection to the lakes
- Cannot verify accuracy
- Have long delays if a file is not available
This leads to lower accuracy and longer lead times, often 6 to 8 weeks.
Because I design everything myself:
- I can create a new lake mockup in about 30 minutes
- You get a more accurate map, faster
What is your lead time?
Most orders ship in 1.5 to 2 weeks depending on the time of year.
Tell me about the Cribbage Boards
These are different from the layered maps and are not something you will find elsewhere.
- Made from a solid piece of Maple or Cherry
- The lake is engraved as if drained
- Then filled with blue tinted epoxy that is still transparent
You can see:
- Channels
- Humps
- Points
- Structure
Additional features:
- 2 or 3 track options
- Choice of peg colors
- Hidden peg storage with a magnetic dovetail slider
- Rubber feet so it does not slide on the table
It is a functional game board and a detailed lake model in one.