Lake Balaton Cycling Route

Overview of the Lake Balaton Circuit

Lake Balaton, often called the "Hungarian Sea," is Central Europe's largest lake and one of Hungary's most popular cycling destinations. The approximately 200-kilometer circuit around the lake runs almost entirely on dedicated bike paths, making it accessible to cyclists of varying abilities.

The route passes through charming resort towns, historic villages, and vineyard-covered hillsides. Whether you choose to complete the full circuit in two to four days or focus on specific sections, the Balaton cycling experience offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural sites, and comfortable tourist infrastructure.

Northern Shore: Culture and Vineyards

The northern shore of Lake Balaton is characterized by volcanic hills, historic wine regions, and elegant spa towns. This section is slightly more challenging due to gentle hills but rewards cyclists with spectacular views across the lake.

Key Stops on the Northern Shore

• Balatonfured: The oldest and most prestigious resort town, known for thermal springs and 19th-century promenades. Don't miss the Tagore Promenade along the waterfront.
• Tihany: A stunning peninsula with a Benedictine abbey founded in 1055. The village is famous for lavender fields and traditional architecture.
• Badacsony: A volcanic wine region producing excellent white wines. The steep hillside vineyards offer panoramic lake views.
• Keszthely: Home to the magnificent Festetics Palace, one of Hungary's largest baroque mansions, and a lively pedestrian center.

Southern Shore: Family-Friendly Flat Paths

The southern shore offers completely flat terrain, making it ideal for families and leisure cyclists. The path runs through popular beach resorts and passes shallow swimming areas perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

Key Stops on the Southern Shore

• Siofok: The largest resort town on Balaton, with a vibrant summer atmosphere, sandy beaches, and varied dining options.
• Fonyod: A quieter town with excellent views of the northern hills and access to local hiking trails on nearby Fonyodi-hegy.
• Balatonboglar: Features a spherical lookout tower and regular ferry connections to the northern shore.
• Zamardi: A charming village with traditional thatched-roof houses and proximity to the famous Balaton Sound festival site.

Getting to Lake Balaton

From Budapest

The BuBa (Budapest-Balaton) route provides a 120-kilometer dedicated bike path connecting Budapest to the lake. Inaugurated in 2022, this route follows EuroVelo 14 and offers a safe, scenic approach to Balaton.

Alternatively, trains from Budapest Deli station reach Balatonfured in about two hours. Most trains accept bicycles for a small surcharge; look for carriages marked with a bicycle symbol. During summer weekends, bicycle reservations are recommended.

By Car

Several towns around the lake have free parking areas near the cycling paths. Balatonfured and Siofok offer the most convenient access points with ample parking and bike rental shops nearby.

Best Time to Cycle Around Balaton

The cycling season runs from April through October. Each period offers distinct advantages:

• April-May: Mild temperatures, blooming orchards, fewer crowds. Some facilities may have limited hours early in the season.
• June-August: Peak season with warm weather perfect for combining cycling with swimming. Expect busy paths and towns, especially on weekends.
• September-October: Grape harvest season in wine regions, comfortable cycling temperatures, golden autumn colors, and thinning crowds.

Practical Tips for the Balaton Circuit

• Carry water and snacks, though cafes and shops are plentiful in resort towns.
• Wind can be strong across the lake; the prevailing direction is from the northwest.
• Ferries cross between several points and accept bicycles, allowing shortcuts or loop variations.
• Many accommodations offer secure bicycle storage; ask when booking.
• Download offline maps, as mobile coverage can be patchy in some sections.