Discover the world of Pre-Alps Lake Fertő Cultural Landscape by bike

The classic Lake Fertő cycle route is 115 km long, which can be done in 1 day, but it is better to plan it for 2 days. If time allows, and you want to go to the beach or see the sights along the way, you should plan the trip for 3-4 days. The cycling route is mostly flat. On the Hungarian side only between Hegykő and Fertőd and between Balf and Fertőrákos you have to expect some small or bigger hills. The ideal starting point is Fertőd, and you should spend your first night in Purbach. The classic Lake Fertő cycle route is 115 km long, which can be done in 1 day, but it is better to plan it for 2 days. If time allows, and you want to go to the beach or see the sights along the way, you should plan the trip for 3-4 days. The cycling route is mostly flat. On the Hungarian side only between Hegykő and Fertőd and between Balf and Fertőrákos you have to expect some small or bigger hills. The ideal starting point is Fertőd, and you should spend your first night in Purbach.

You should start from Fertőd towards Fertőszéplak, after Hegykő, Fertőhomok, Hidegség and Fertőboz you arrive in Balf located 12 km away from the starting point. In these villages on the shores of Lake Fertő, there are cycling rest stops with drinking water. It is worth stopping at Fertőboz, where the Gloriette lookout offers a beautiful panorama, and from here a short detour takes you to Nagycenk, where you can also visit the Széchenyi Castle. From the left, continue along the slightly winding road to the Zsolnay Fountain, whose spring water has been used since Roman times and where you can refill your water bottles. From here you can cycle along the marked cycle route through the vineyards and uphill to Fertőrákos, where we arrive directly at the main road. If you can, visit the medieval bell tower, the Fertőrákos Quarry, the Bishop's Palace and the Mithras Sanctuary. 

The road forks at the quarry leading to Fertőmeggyes (Mörbisch). From here, you have an amazing view of the reed of Lake Fertő. Winding through the vineyards, you can reach the border crossing. Here again, the cycle route takes you straight to the main street of Mörbisch, with small alleys, the so-called Hofgasses, on either side, which are quite unique. Continue towards Rust, one of the most beautiful villages on Lake Fertő, with plenty of cosy restaurants and bars, worth stopping for refreshments. Then continue towards Oggau, the next town Donnerskirchen, and you reach Purbach. In Purbach you have completed half of your journey, so take the time to visit the town wall with its few medieval gates remaining several places, the parish church or the famous wine cellar quarter of the town. The next day, after Breitenbrunn, Winden am See and Jois, you arrive in Neusiedler am See.  

If you want to go to the beach, this is definitely the place to do so. Take a break, stop at one of the many cafés or restaurants. From Weiden am See you continue your journey to Podersdorf, where the road goes through a steppe-like landscape, the Zitzmannsdorf meadows, a highly protected area of the National Park. Drive past the beach baths directly overlooking the lake into Podersdorf, and if you have planned a 3-day tour, spend the second night here. Stroll to the end of the pier, see the North Sea lighthouse and have a swim. Ilmnitz is the next day's destination, reaching the National Park's central showplace on the northern edge of the village. From the lookout tower on the road to the harbour in Illmitzi, you have a great view of the lake, then you get to Apetlon, located just 4 km from the border.  

Cycling towards Sarród, you reach the National Park, a few hundred metres away from a wooden lookout tower where you can view the rich birdlife of the swampy wetlands. Here you cross the Main Channel of Hanság, from where the “Sziki Őszirózsa” Trail (Sea Aster Nature Trail) starts. The next stop is Lászlómajor, the former economic centre of the Esterházy family, and here you can also visit the Kócsag Castle built in the style of Imre Makovecz. From here Sarród is only a few metres, whose charming main street will take you to Fertőd, where you can end the tour with a rest in the park of the Esterházy Castle. And if you do not want to cycle that far, a boat trip can shorten your journey: In Mörbisch, take the ferry to the port of Illmitz and continue from there.