Balaton Cycling Tour

Itinerary:

Day 1. Siófok
Individual arrival in Siófok (there is a good train connection between Budapest and Siófok).
Welcome meeting and checking the bicycles. Overnight in Siófok right at the lake shore.

Day 2. Siófok – Balatonmáriafürdő / Balatonkeresztúr 
After breakfast the tour starts on the Balaton bicycle path “Balatoni Körút” to the west. On the southern shore we pass the villages, which are mostly resort towns, and arrive in Balatonmáriafürdő or Balatonkerestúr. Overnight in a nice hotel.
Cycling distance: Approx.65km (40,3 miles)

Day 3. Balatonmáriafürdő – Badacsony 
After the breakfast the tour continues from our hotel, crossing the Kis Balaton (Little Balaton) the huge wetland habitat. In 1979, the Kis Balaton was included in the list of "Wetlands of International Importance as Waterfowl Habitat". On the way it is really worth having a break in Keszthely. Though settled since at least Roman times (the Keszthely culture of Romance pannonian language), the first historical evidence of the town Keszthely dates from a 1247 document. Since 1421, Keszthely has been a market town. One of its main tourist attractions is Festetics Palace, which was built in 1745 in baroque style. The Balaton Museum displays geological and archaeological exhibitions and presents the history of Lake Balaton. Leaving the southern shore, we arrive to Badacsony, to “the most beautiful landscape of Hungary”. Overnight in Badacsonytomaj in our hotel among the winyards.
Cycling distance: Approx.44km (27,3 miles)

Day 4. Badacsony – Szigliget – Tapolca – Badacsony 
After the breakfast we start to explore the Tapolca Basin, with the basalt hills (the basalt quarries opened here in 1903 have finally been closed down) and the town of Tapolca with the famous lake cave. We have a chence to climb up to the Szigliget Castle. Overnight in Badacsonytomaj.
Cycling distance: Approx.35km(21,7 miles)

Day 5. Badacsony – Köveskál – Tihany 
Breakfast is in our hotel. Today we explore the Kali Basin.The most characteristic part of the Balaton Uplands was granted protection - perhaps at the last moment - when a protected landscape area in the Káli Basin was established in 1984 on an area of 9,111 hectares. From Zanka we continue our tour on the bicycle path, which leads all around the lake. Finally we arrive in Tihany, on the historical Tihany peninsula. The center of the district is the Benedictine Abbey, which was founded in 1055. From 1952 the first protected landscape area of Hungary was created in the most attractive, most varied and scientifically best researched area of the country. Overnight in Tihany with wonderful view over the lake.
Cycling distance: Approx.50km (31 miles)

Day 6. Tihany – Balatonfüred - Siófok 
Breakfast is in our hotel. Our final tour day leads us back to Siófok, and offers a nice and easy ride, along the popular holiday villages of the Northern shore, like Balatonfüred, Balatonalmádi. Balatonfüred is considered to be the capital of the Northern lake shore and it has significant yachting life. It is also a favorite location for coarse fishing. With the State Hospital for Cardiology in Balatonfüred boasts the largest cardiac-rehabilitation center in Hungary. People come here to enjoy the mild micro-climate, beautiful scenery, the local wine, and sailing and swimming facilities, as well as to revive the two-century-old tradition of socializing around spas, bathing and vacationing. The main events of the two-month-long summer holiday season include a ball for first-time visitors with a beauty contest and a wine-tasting festival, both in August.
OPTIONAL WAY: Passing the lake with ferry boat and bicycling from Szántód to Siófok. In this case we ride app 15 kms (9 miles). Arrival in Siófok in our hotel, overnight.
Cycling distance: Approx.60km (37,3 miles)

Day 7. End of the tour
Breakfast and time to say good bye to one of the most remarkable places in Hungary. Individual departure back to Budapest.

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Practical information:

• Arrive in Siofok by train from Budapest. Use google maps for options or check these links: Planning - buy/price check of train ticket. There are also ticket machines at the airport, where you easily can buy tickets for the public transport
• New paths in the area in 2026 and the the itinerary is updated with more sights. 
• The price is includin bike rental for 5 days; if you want an electric bike please order upon booking (height required).
• Note that price is included transport from/to the train station in Siófok and the hotel. For a smooth arrival we need your time of arrival 2 weeks in advance.
• It is possible to arrive any day of the week, but the luggage transport is only included with arrival on Sunday or Wednesday.