August, 26 2024 ( Updated August, 30 2024)
Discover the largest central European lake on bike, Balaton
One of Hungary’s best-kept secrets, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in central Europe surrounded by beautiful countryside, tempting vineyards and picturesque towns. With a 210km (about 130.49 mi) long cycle path and many activities on and off the water, Lake Balaton offers an exciting destination that’s best explored by bicycle or car.
The lake stretches a vast fifty kilometers from north to south, earning the local name of the ‘Hungarian sea’, and offers very different experiences along its shores. The north side of Balaton is hilly, while the southern shore is flat and easier to navigate. The complete route along the lake can take between 3 to 7 days. There are also cycle rental shops all along the route, such as Bikesystem and Balaton Bike 365 for bike hire, adjustment and repairs.
However, if the 210km circumnavigation of the lake is a little overwhelming, there are several equally amazing, but shorter options that can be covered in a day. You set the pace, it is not a race, just the most rewarding way to experience everything that Balaton has to offer.
Lake Balaton with its surrounding towns and villages
Each side of Lake Balaton offers equally fascinating historical sites, landscapes, festivals and delicious local food. The north end combines architectural gems of Keszthely with the world-famous Balaton Sound festival, discovering Badacsony’s relaxed vineyard restaurants and the thermal spas of Hévíz. While the south offers cultural exploration with festivals like the Paloznaki Jazzpiknik in Paloznak, swimming at Siófok’s Golden Beach and sampling Europe’s finest food and sailing Balatonfüred. Whichever side you choose, Lake Balaton is an all-round destination for all ages and groups!
Take a pit-stop at Zamardi’s Beach
As the Southern Shore is relatively flat it is a better option for families and less experienced cyclists. The route is as long or as short as you want and is particularly good for riders who want to stop off for a quick swim at one of the many beaches. Popular routes run between two of the best party places, Siófok and Zamárdi (10 km), or further west to Balatonboglár (40km from Siófok).
Editor’s tip: Try Zamárdi Nagystrand, ideal for lunch at the award-winning Tiki Beach Bistro which caters for children and adults alike, or Napfény Strand which has many children’s activities.
Stunning views of Badacsony Vineyards and Balaton
The Northern Shore Route is more challenging, but the hills reward cyclists with panoramic views of the lake! As with the southern shores, you can tailor your route to suit your needs.
For wine lovers, a cycling tour can be seamlessly combined with a tour of the Badascony Vineyards. The area around Badascony has been a wine-growing centre since Roman times and is home to several wineries which offer tours and excellent food and beautiful country stays.
Starting in the town of Ábrahámhegy and ending at Badascony railway station, this 14km route takes about 4 hours and is moderately difficult. There are stunning views and there’s plenty of opportunity to try some of the excellent local wines. The Laposa Birtok vineyard is a popular stop. It is home to three different dining options, frissTerasz which is more casual and child-friendly; Laposa Wine Terrace which offers wine-tasting dinners and the bistro Hableány which is a little more relaxed. There is also the Folly Arboretum and Winery a little further east. Here you can try their Pinot Gris or Budai Zöld which are classic Hungarian wines.
The Balaton Uplands and Somlo Hill on a glorious autumn day
More adventurous riders should head from the Balaton Uplands National Park with numerous trails covering forests, vineyards and fascinating rock formations, which suit mountain bikers.
The routes are varied, so visitors have plenty to choose from. The Tihany Peninsula Loop (25-30km) is a shorter, but beautiful option, which takes in the historic Benedictine abbey dating back to 1055, the lavender fields and beaches for a refreshing swim en route. The Tihany Peninsula cuts deep into the lake. It is a protected area rich in history and a peaceful spot with stunning views over the lake.
If you are staying a bit further in the countryside and visiting Balaton for only a day, then start at Balatonfüred, cycle westwards to the Tihany Peninsula and then on to the vineyards of Badacsony. It is a 3-hour cycle ride which combines the best of Balaton – beaches, history, panoramic views and wine.
Soak in the healing thermal waters of Lake Hévíz all-year-long
Away from the lake, the route between the towns of Keszthely and Hévíz (10 km) is only 30 minutes. It combines the history of Keszthely with the thermal springs of Hévíz. Keszthely, founded in Roman times, is now better known for the impressive Festetics Palace, built in 1745 in the baroque style. The interiors are pristinely preserved and offer a glimpse into the lives of Hungary’s aristocracy for over 200 years.
After your tour and ride you can relax in the restorative spa waters of Hévíz Lake, the largest medicinal thermal lake in the world, rich in calcium and magnesium. You can swim in the lake all year round as it is naturally heated by underground springs. Or swim in luxury at The Lotus Therme Spa or the Ensana Thermal Heviz which has bubbling baths and swimming pools.
Editor’s tip: If you want to explore a longer route and end up at the thermal spas, then start at Szilgliget, home to the famous wine festival, which takes around 1.5 hours minutes to reach Heviz.
Although Lake Balaton is mostly relatively shallow, it is a centre for sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding and swimming, making it ideal for a weekend or, if you can, a longer trip that will ensure you can pack everything in.
The tranquil lake shore in Siófok, on Lake Balaton
On the south side of the lake, there are popular beaches around Siófok, including Golden Beach, especially a hit among young people, with cafés, WC’s and pedaloes or canoes for hire. The largest town on Lake Balaton is also the party capital of Hungary. Its dazzling nightlife and summer parties normally start towards the end of June and go on until early September. Music lovers should not miss the Balaton Sound Festival in Zamárdi, just 13 minutes west of Siófok, on the lake shore. This takes place early in July and is a vibrant celebration of electronic music.
The northern shores of Lake Balaton form part of the Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park (Balaton Uplands National Park). This covers six areas - Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton), Keszthely Hills, Tapolca Basin, Kali Basin, Pécsely Basin and the Tihany Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy hikes, kayak tours and bird spotting in these unique, protected landscapes.
Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) is a birdwatcher’s paradise: Explore it on foot or by bicycle
The Lake Cave in Tapolca is an absolute must-see. Here you can travel by boat through a fascinating network of caves under the town. The basalt cliffs at Hegyestű are also an impressive sight. A combination of mining and natural erosion has created a unique landscape of soaring cliffs and haunting rock formations. To the west of Balaton, Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Home to 250 species of birds, this wetland reserve is of international importance. If relaxing and visiting these places is something you’d love to do, then this holiday getaway with a whirlpool is perfect for you.
A steamboat passing through the aquamarine waters around Balatonfüred
The charming town of Balatonfüred on the north side of the lake is a centre for yachting and coarse fishing. There are also regular ferry services across the lake between Balatonfüred and many other towns. Although it is slower than travelling by land it gives visitors unforgettable views of the lake and its surroundings. Don’t miss the experience of fine dining in Balatonfüred at Sparhelt.
The pretty town of Révfülöp is an ideal starting point for exploring the lake and the Balaton Uplands and offers a fabulous lake-view stay for families. For self-catering there are several local markets where you can find the freshest local produce, including Révfuloppi Termeloi Piac, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
Lake Balaton is known for its mild climate. Between May and September, the weather is at its best, with warm days and plenty of sunshine. It is perfect for exploring the lake and enjoying its beaches and sparkling water.
For something a little different, try a winter holiday by the lake. Balaton freezes during the colder months and is a popular destination for ice skating, with ice-sailing and ice-fishing. The area is less crowded but transforms into a fairytale landscape.
Just 80km southwest of Budapest, Lake Balaton is easily accessible. There are direct trains (1-2 hours) from Budapest’s Déli Railway Station to the town of Balatonfüred on the north side and to Siófok on the south.
Lake Balaton is the perfect holiday destination for all ages! Hike through nature; relax by the lake; cycle through unspoiled landscapes; get active on the water and enjoy Hungary’s best food in one of our holiday homes after your tour!
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