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Hungary's Balaton Lake 8-day Self-guided Cycling Tour
Enjoy the largest lake in Central Europe, which is often affectionately referred to as the Hungarian Sea. Admire the pretty countryside along the shores of the lake while meeting friendly people and savouring genuine Hungarian hospitality in the villages. Whereas the northern shore is dominated by picturesque vineyards at the foot of the Badacsony mountain, the southern shore is flat with friendly beaches. Perhaps the best-known highlight of the area is the Tihany peninsula, which extends from the northern shore far out into the lake and which is home to several interesting buildings - including a Benedictine Abbey. Constant investments in the cycling infrastructure are making the lake increasingly attractive to cyclists. What more could you need for a delightful cycling holiday
Well-developed asphalted cycle path around the lake, on several stages country roads with very little traffic. Also very suitable for families. This cycling tour however is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Individual requests are in special cases possible (e.g. handicapped accessible room) All distances are an approximate distance for the recommended cycling tours.
If you would like to rent a bike (119 EUR) or e-bike (189 EUR) please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers a number of other Cycling Tours in Europe
Siófok
Arrival in Siófok and check in at the Premium Hotel Panorama. Siófok is a well-known and lively resort which in summer attracts throngs of foreign and Hungarian tourists who come to enjoy the lake. The town has two large beaches, the Silver Beach, which is popular with families and the Golden Beach, which is a magnet for the younger generation. Siófok has all the amenities you need for a comfortable holiday: Shops, cafés, restaurants etc.
Tihany Peninsula and the Spa Resort of Balatonfüred, approx. 55km
Fahr Ride along the southern shore to Szántód, where the only ferry service across Lake Balaton operates. Cross the lake to the northern shore and disembark in Tihany, where the monastery and the church on the northern peninsula offer an unforgettable panoramic view over the entire lake. Enjoy the sweeping view over Europe’s largest freshwater lake from this vantage point on high. Continue to Balatonfüred. Treat yourself to a coffee on the Tagore Promenade which is almost one kilometre long, before taking the same route home via Tihany and the ferry to Siófok.
The flat southern shore of Lake Balaton, approx. 45km
The day begins with a train ride to Fonyód from where you cycle back along the flat southern shore to Siófok. The southern side of the lake, which has a well-developed network of cycle paths and routes through villages close to the lake, is very popular with cyclists. It also provides an ideal opportunity to sample one of the delicious locally-produced wines in Balatonboglár or take a refreshing dip at one of the public beaches. A pleasant day’s cycling through the villages dotting the southern shore.
The northern shore of Lake Balaton and the wine-growing area of Badacsony, approx. 60km
Begin the day again with another train ride heading west, transfer to the boat in Fonyód to cross the lake to Badacsony. The small village of Badacsonytomaj is located in the heart of the one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Hungary. There are plenty of wine cellars to visit and perhaps the most idyllic place to while away some time is the terrace of the Villa Kisfaludy on the upper slope of the basalt cone of the Badacsony mountain. In good weather, you can see far beyond the almost 80-km-long Lake Balaton. Cycle back along the northern shore through hamlets and villages to Tihany, where you take the ferry and return to the southern shore of the lake after an action-packed day.
Round Trip to the Third-Largest Lake in Hungary (Lake Velence), approx. 50km
Today, you’ll be going northwards to the lovely old coronation city of Székesfehérvár. Take the train from Siófok to Székesfehérvár, and explore the charming baroque city centre, strolling past monuments such as the cathedral and the Garden of Ruins. Then it’s time to begin your cycle tour to Lake Velence, Hungary’s second-most popular lake after Lake Balaton. Ride around the lake before taking the train back to your hotel.
The Delightful Western Shore of Lake Balaton, approx. 57km
Today it’s time to become acquainted with the western area of Lake Balaton. Take the train from Siófok to Fonyód and a boat to Badacsony. Continue on toward Keszthely by bike. In Szigliget you might want to make a detour to the ruins of a medieval castle perched at the top of a 239-metre-high hill. In fact, Szigliget is one of the most charming villages on Lake Balaton and is very popular with both holidaymakers and second-home owners who appreciate its tranquillity and location on a peninsula. From there, it’s not far to Keszthely, the lake’s western capital. The magnificent baroque palace built by the Festetics family is the third-largest palace in Hungary. Set amidst a beautiful park in the centre of town it is definitely worth visiting. From Keszthely, your tour takes you south through idyllic villages with many weekend houses to Fonyód, where you can take the train back to Siófok if you wish.
Siófok
Round trip from Siófok through the countryside surrounding Lake Balaton, approx. 30-40km
Today, it’s time to leave the shores of the lake and explore the hinterland to the south of Siófok. The first destination is Szántód, where you can admire a unique ensemble of listed buildings at a dairy dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries (admission not included). The perfect place to gain an insight into the visual arts, cultural history and folk art of Hungary and the region. On the way home, stop off at the Kohegy observation tower, where there is a wonderful view of the northern shore with its volcanic hills and the Somogy hills to the south. Relish the rural idyll with simple, secluded villages in a region that is popular with hunters who seek the tranquillity to be found here. If you still have the energy you might want to continue on to Balatonendréd. After a short loop, you return to Siófok
Individual homeward travel or extension of your stay
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