Rolling on two wheels in the region of Körös Rivers

Walking in the streets of Békéscsaba it is striking to see how many of the dwellers ride a bike. It is no accident, since according to the statistics thirty percent of the people living here (which is eight percent higher than the national average) use a bike regularly. That coupled with the fact that in Békés County we may find about ten percent of Hungary’s cycle paths, we can confidently state: this region is the Netherlands of Hungary. The analogy is also apt in the respect that the well developed cycle path network crosses the beautiful landscape virtually without hills. The road sections suitable for cycling are supplemented by almost traffic-free inferior roads and flood prevention embankments, therefore in Békés not only experienced bikers, but beginners or even families with small children can find good opportunities.

Once we arrive here as tourists it’s worth – besides hiking or canoeing – getting on a bike and discover this wonderful region. Let’s start the trip in Békéscsaba, the “cycling capital” of Hungary! It’s possible to rent a bike for instance in the ‘Körösök Völgye Látogatóközpont’ (Körös Valley Visitor Centre) located in Széchenyi Park. Visiting the Centre is a great programme in itself, especially if we arrive during the Park Fair organised on the second Saturday of each month, where local producers and artisans offer their products. But we have to move on after a short time, as fantastic things are waiting to be discovered in the area!

If we leave towards the “Békéscsaba quarries” (today they are “only” a system of 21 quarries), we soon arrive in Szabadkígyós where we can admire one of Hungary’s most beautiful neo-renaissance-eclectic style castle designed by Miklós Ybl for the Wenckheim family (before visiting the opening hours should be checked on the the castle’s website). Next, let’s set off towards the grasslands of the Kígyós-plains, where getting off the bike we may take a walk on Nagyerdő Trail. It’s worth planning the tour until the evening, in a way to be able to enjoy the sunset in the grasslands: it is an extraordinary experience when the blazing disc falls below the horizon.

Let’s continue the trip in Gyula, where primordial trees, beers and bathing facilities await travellers! In the Tourinform office of the spa town we can rent a bike, and hit the road! Leaving the city, on the dam of River Körös let’s cycle among the huge oaks of Mályvád Forest. This is the second largest wooded area of the Great Hungarian Plain, the eastern border of which is bounded by the unregulated Black Körös. We might encounter a wonderful natural world, an untouched landscape, masses of waterfowl and , with a little luck , fallow deer in the Oak Forest. Let’s continue our trip towards Gyulavári Castle, where besides the culture we may drink good quality locally brewed beer. And if we are still not refreshed enough, we can visit the Lido of Gyula-Városerdő, from where we can comfortably cycle back to Gyula. This trip is not short (39 km), but as it follows a flat route with several rests and experiences, we won’t even feel tired. 

These two routes are only a small foretaste – actually, if we go in any direction in the Körös Rivers’ Valley, we can find similarly exciting experiences. From Szarvas it’s worth trying the Körös floodplain trip (naturally, it’s also possible to rent a bike in Szarvas, for example here), but the organised e-bike tours of Körös-Maros National Park are also very interesting. 

The Arany János Guest-house is located in Geszt, in the neighbourhood of the picturesque Tisza Castle, and despite its clean, modern design, its style perfectly matches the atmosphere of the castle with its historical past. The two-storey guest-house offers 20 double and 8 triple rooms, as well as an apartment suitable for 5 people, if you want to rest during your multi-day cycling tour. The restaurant is located in the central space of the guest-house, where you can enjoy the delicious dishes while admiring the castle. Of course, it is worth exploring the castle itself, inside and out, during your stay, as this building is an exceptional memorial site in Hungarian history. The permanent exhibition presents the history of the Tisza rivers in an interactive way, and a few minutes' walk from the castle you can also visit the crypt of the Tisza family.

The approximately 16-hectare castle garden is also a great choice for longer walks: centuries-old trees, secret paths, romantic resting points and numerous sports fields diversify the park. Last but not least, the programme is also noteworthy: from wine dinners to quiz nights to musical spritzer terraces, a palette full of experiences awaits those interested!