Bicycle destinations and routes in Hungarian countryside

LAKE BALATON BICYCLE PATH:

Biking around Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is a popular activity that combines beautiful scenery, charming towns, and a well-maintained cycling path. Here’s what you need to know about biking around Lake Balaton:

Why Bike Around Lake Balaton?

Scenic Views: The route offers breathtaking views of the lake, vineyards, hills, and picturesque villages.
Mild Terrain: The cycling path around the lake is mostly flat, making it suitable for all levels of cyclists.
Attractions: Along the way, you’ll find beaches, historic towns, wineries, and plenty of spots to relax.
Well-Maintained Route: The Balaton Bike Ring (Balatoni Bringakörút) is a dedicated bike path that circles the entire lake.

Route Details

Distance: The full loop around the lake is approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; the route is mostly flat with some gentle hills, especially on the north shore.
Time Required: Depending on your pace and how many stops you make, it usually takes 2-4 days to complete the full loop.

Popular Stops Along the Route

Balatonfüred: A charming town known for its spa culture and beautiful promenade.
Tihany Peninsula: Famous for its Benedictine Abbey and stunning panoramic views.
Siófok: The lake’s most popular tourist destination, known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches.
Keszthely: Home to the impressive Festetics Palace and other historical sites.
Badacsony: A volcanic hill region known for its wineries and unique landscapes.

Tips for Biking Around Lake Balaton

Best Time to Go: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal due to mild weather and fewer tourists.
Accommodation: You can find hotels, guesthouses, and campsites along the route. Booking in advance during peak season is recommended.
Safety: The bike path is well-marked, but be mindful of road crossings and occasional shared sections with cars.

Biking around Lake Balaton is a wonderful way to explore Hungary’s natural beauty and cultural heritage at your own pace.

Private bike tours available to Balaton by train or van.

Request a private bike tour to Balaton

Rent a bicycle from us for your countryside bike tour

VELENCE LAKE BICYCLE PATH:

Biking around Lake Velence is a delightful experience that combines stunning natural scenery, well-maintained bike paths, and a variety of attractions along the way. This picturesque lake, the third-largest in Hungary, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and culture.

Why Bike Around Lake Velence?

Biking around Lake Velence is one of the best ways to explore the region, thanks to its relatively flat terrain and the dedicated cycling infrastructure that encircles the lake. The 33-kilometer (20.5 miles) bike path that loops around the lake is well-paved and clearly marked, making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels, including families with children.

Scenic Views and Natural Beauty

The route offers stunning views of the lake, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the water reflects the changing colors of the sky. The northern shore is characterized by rolling hills and vineyards, while the southern side features reed beds, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. Cyclists can enjoy the serene beauty of the landscape, which includes forests, wetlands, and small creeks teeming with wildlife.

Lake Velence is known for its warm, shallow waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and other water activities. Biking along the lake provides many opportunities to stop, relax, and enjoy these activities.

Attractions Along the Route

Agárd: One of the largest towns along the lake, Agárd offers beaches, restaurants, and the Agárdi Pálinka Distillery, where you can take a break from cycling and sample traditional Hungarian fruit brandy.
Velence: This charming town features public beaches, playgrounds, and several cafés. The Velence Korzó, a modern promenade, is a great place to stop for a coffee and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.
Birdwatching at Dinnyés: The southern part of the lake is home to the Dinnyés Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers. This wetland area attracts many species of birds, including herons, egrets, and various migratory species.
Velence Hills: For those who want to add a bit of challenge to their ride, the Velence Hills on the northern side of the lake offer some moderate climbs and spectacular views of the lake from above.
Szúnyog Island: A small, peaceful island accessible by bike, offering a quiet place to relax and enjoy the lake away from the busier areas.

Best Time to Bike

The best time to bike around Lake Velence is from spring to autumn (April to October). Summer offers warm weather perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures ideal for a leisurely ride with fewer crowds.

Conclusion

Biking around Lake Velence is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and local culture of the region. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a relaxing day out with family, the well-maintained bike paths, beautiful scenery, and numerous attractions make it an ideal destination for all.

Private bike tours available to Velence lake.

Transportation is by train or van.

Request a private bike tour to Lake Velence

Rent a bicycle from us for your countryside bike tour

Biking in Tisza Lake

Biking around Lake Tisza, Hungary’s largest artificial lake, offers a unique and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all levels. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Lake Tisza provides a scenic and safe environment for biking, making it an ideal destination for families and solo riders alike.

Cycling Routes and Infrastructure

Main Cycling Path: The primary cycling route around Lake Tisza is approximately 65 to 70 kilometers long, depending on the source, and is designed to be completed at a leisurely pace. The path is mostly flat and car-free, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all types of cyclists.
New Developments: Recent infrastructure improvements include the completion of a 6.5-kilometer stretch between Tiszafüred and Poroszló, enhancing safety with a physically separated cycle path from the main road. This development is part of a broader initiative to expand cycling infrastructure in Hungary.
International Routes: Lake Tisza is a meeting point for two international cycling routes, which is expected to increase the number of cyclists visiting the area significantly

Popular Stops and Attractions

Poroszló: Known as the ecotourism center of Lake Tisza, Poroszló is home to the Lake Tisza Ecocenter, featuring Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium. It’s a great starting point for cycling and water tours
Abádszalók: Offers a well-equipped beach with water sports and giant slides, making it a favorite among families
Tiszafüred: Often referred to as the “capital” of Lake Tisza, Tiszafüred features attractions like the Thermal Beach and Spa, perfect for relaxation after a bike tour
Kisköre: Known for its beach and scenic views from the Lábasház View Tower, Kisköre is another popular stop along the cycling route.

Rent a bicycle from us for your countryside bike tour

Transporting a Bicycle on Hungarian Trains (MÁV-START)

Hungary offers a fairly bike-friendly train system, making it relatively simple to take your bicycle along on your journey. Whether you’re exploring the countryside, heading to Lake Balaton, or commuting between cities, here’s what you need to know:

Which Trains Allow Bikes?

Most MÁV-START regional and intercity trains (IC) have dedicated bike spaces.
Look for trains marked with a bike symbol on the timetable or online schedule.
Some international trains also allow bikes, but there are additional rules and potential reservations required.

Tickets & Fees

You need two tickets:
1. Your regular passenger ticket.
2. A bike ticket (kerékpárjegy)
For InterCity (IC) trains, you’ll often need an additional bike seat reservation, especially in peak times.
Tickets can be purchased:
- At the station.
- Online at jegy.mav.hu.
- Through the MÁV app.

Boarding with a Bike

Train cars with bike spaces are marked outside by a bicycle icon.
On regional trains, there’s usually a spacious area for bikes near the doors.
On InterCity trains, space is limited, so advance reservation is recommended.
Try to board early to secure your spot and avoid last-minute stress.

When to Go

Off-peak hours are less crowded, making bike transport easier.
During summer weekends, especially around Lake Balaton, trains can get crowded with cyclists.

Popular Bike + Train Destinations

Lake Balaton: Great cycling paths all around the lake, and the Balaton Bike Ring train is designed for cyclists.
Danube Bend (Dunakanyar): Ride the train to Vác or Nagymaros and cycle along the river.
Tisza-tó (Lake Tisza): Another bike-friendly area accessible by train.

Rules & Tips

Remove heavy bags from your bike to make it easier to load.
Secure your bike with straps or hold it steady during the ride.
Folding bikes often travel free of charge if folded and treated as hand luggage.
E-bikes are allowed, but make sure they fit the designated space.