EuroVelo Routes in Hungary
Four major European cycling corridors traverse the country
Hungary's Place in the European Cycling Network
Hungary occupies a strategic position in Central Europe, serving as a crossroads for four major EuroVelo routes. These long-distance cycling corridors connect Hungary to neighboring countries and distant destinations, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, and from the Baltic to the Adriatic.
The EuroVelo network, managed by the European Cyclists' Federation, comprises 17 routes totaling over 90,000 kilometers. Hungary has invested significantly in cycling infrastructure, with nearly 700 certified cyclist-friendly service providers and continuously improving route surfaces and signage.
EuroVelo 6: Atlantic - Black Sea
The most popular and well-developed route in Hungary, EuroVelo 6 follows the Danube River for approximately 500 kilometers from Rajka to Mohacs.
Route Characteristics
- Total length in Hungary: ~500 km
- Terrain: Flat, following the Danube flood plain
- Surface: Mix of asphalt and packed gravel, mostly good quality
- Highlights: Budapest, Danube Bend, Esztergom, Gyor, Gemenc Forest
This route is divided into 9 well-developed daily sections with good signage throughout. It connects to the famous Austrian Danube path upstream and continues through Serbia to the Black Sea.
EuroVelo 11: East Europe Route
Running from northern Norway to Athens, EuroVelo 11 enters Hungary from Poland via Slovakia and exits toward Serbia. This route offers a journey through Hungary's eastern regions, less visited by international tourists but rich in traditional culture.
Route Characteristics
- Total length in Hungary: ~600 km
- Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle hills
- Surface: Variable, with some unpaved sections
- Highlights: Tokaj wine region, Hortobagy National Park, Debrecen
The route passes through the Great Hungarian Plain (Puszta), a UNESCO World Heritage landscape famous for its traditional horse culture and unique wildlife.
Hortobagy National Park
EuroVelo 11 crosses Hortobagy, Hungary's first and largest national park. This vast grassland is home to the famous Puszta horses, long-horned grey cattle, and diverse birdlife. The Nine-Arched Bridge and traditional csarda (inn) are iconic stops for cyclists.
EuroVelo 13: Iron Curtain Trail
Following the former border between Eastern and Western Europe, EuroVelo 13 is a route steeped in Cold War history. In Hungary, it traces the former Iron Curtain along the Austrian and Slovenian borders.
Route Characteristics
- Total length in Hungary: ~240 km
- Terrain: Hilly in western sections, flatter near Austria
- Surface: Variable, some challenging sections
- Highlights: Pan-European Picnic Memorial, Sopron, Koszeg
The route passes the site of the Pan-European Picnic near Sopron, where in 1989 hundreds of East Germans crossed to the West, a pivotal moment in the fall of the Iron Curtain.
EuroVelo 14: Waters of Central Europe
The newest EuroVelo route, EV14 connects the Adriatic Sea to the Baltic, passing through Slovenia, Hungary, and Poland. In Hungary, it provides a crucial link between Budapest and Lake Balaton.
Route Characteristics
- Total length in Hungary: ~350 km
- Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle hills near Balaton
- Surface: Improving, with the BuBa route completed in 2022
- Highlights: Budapest, BuBa route, Lake Balaton, Orség region
The BuBa (Budapest-Balaton) section, completed in 2022, provides 120 kilometers of dedicated cycling path connecting the capital to Hungary's most popular lake.
Planning a EuroVelo Journey Through Hungary
Resources and Maps
The official EuroVelo website and the Hungarian portal (eurovelo.hu) provide detailed route information, GPX tracks, and updates on route conditions. The Hungarian cycling federation maintains current information on signed sections and recommended alternatives.
Cyclist-Friendly Services
Hungary has developed a national certification scheme for cyclist-friendly accommodations and services. Look for the "Kerekparosbarát" (cyclist-friendly) designation when booking accommodation or searching for bike repair services.
Combining Routes
Several routes intersect, allowing creative trip planning:
- EuroVelo 6 and 14 intersect near Budapest
- EuroVelo 6 and 13 meet near Gyor
- EuroVelo 11 crosses 6 and 14 in the eastern part of the country
Route Development Status
Route quality varies across Hungary:
- EuroVelo 6: Well-developed with good signage throughout
- EuroVelo 14: Rapidly improving, BuBa section is excellent
- EuroVelo 11: Some sections use minor roads; signage improving
- EuroVelo 13: Less developed; suitable for experienced tourers
Hungary continues to invest in cycling infrastructure, with ongoing improvements to surfaces, signage, and services across all routes.