Cycling in nature is an experience like no other. Whether you want to take it easy on flat terrain or whether you want to conquer some hills, Hungary's beautiful landscapes offer thrills aplenty. Let's explore the most popular routes.
Right near Kaposvár, this is a popular rest area with an arboretum, a beach and a fishing spot. It was awarded the title of Bike Route of the Year in 2022. The route around the lake is also popular with families with children. There are lots of rest areas around the route. One of these is the Deseda lookout, from where you can enjoy the rolling hills, while the adventure forest and the canopy walk welcome more active visitors on the northern part of the lake.
Every cycling enthusiast should ride round the Balaton cycle path at least once. But once you have discovered this, it's worth taking smaller tours in the vicinity of the lake as well. The 25.6-kilometer Zánka-Köveskál-Mindszentkálla-Káptalantóti-Badacsonytomaj route starts from the lake shore, passes through the Sea of Stones, which is a geological attraction, and also rolls through the romantic market in Káptalantóti, which is popular with locals and visitors alike. And if you want to go a little further from Lake Balaton to see the untouched natural environment, you should cycle around the Little Balaton. Children will also enjoy the sight of the waterfowl of Kányavári Island and the Kápolnapuszta Buffalo Reserve.
You can also explore the special landscapes of Őrség on two wheels. The 13th-century St. Peter's Church in Őriszentpéter, Velemér Church, which is from the same period and is known for its special frescoes, and the traditional buildings of the Szalafő-Pityerszer open-air museum are some of the unmissable sights in the area, but the bicycle paths also touch lakes that are great for relaxation and refreshment: Őrség Tour 4 leads to Vadása lake, Őrség Tour 5 to Himfai lake and Őrség Tour 6 to Hársas lake.
The 47-kilometer Szilvásvárad-Bükkmogyorósd-Csernely-Lénárddaróc-Sáta-Borsodbóta-Uppony-Dédestapolcsány-Nagyvisnyó-Szilvásvárad route leads through the wonders of Bükk. It is recommended mainly for experienced cyclists because there are lots of difficult climbs. In Csernely, you can visit the 18th-century Sturman Mansion and in Dédestapolcsány the ruins of Dédes Castle, but the real wonder here is nature itself. Amazing spots include the Szalajka Valley and the Fátyol Waterfall in Szilvásvárad, the Lázbérc Reservoir in Dédestapolcsány and the Kalica peak in Uppony with its gorgeous panorama.
Budapest cyclists’ favourite routes lead to the Danube Bend. One such road lies between Budapest and Szob. On the way, you can stop at Vác, also known as the gate to Danube Bend, where you can admire the buildings of the Main Square and the Church of the Whites. You can also see the only triumphal arch in the country, which was erected in honour of Maria Theresa, and you can boost your energy with tasty snacks and delicious sweets. Zebegény is another place you should definitely stop off. You can relax on the banks of the Danube, see the Roman Catholic church and the Rock Chapel, or simply immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the village. The bike path runs almost all the way along the river bank and crosses the territory of the Danube-Ipoly National Park several times.
But cycling on the other side of the Danube is also a good idea. You’ll need more than just a few days to see the sights of the route between Budapest and Esztergom. Szentendre and the Visegrád citadel are worth a visit, but the Esztergom Basilica is also a must-see. Between the two landmarks, the breathtaking landscapes of the Pilis and Visegrád Mountains and the panorama of the Danube Bend ensure some unforgettable moments.