Two or three days cycling around Lake Balaton

As you drive around the lake, you will find a wealth of scenic spots to enjoy at this time of year. Lake Balaton offers a variety of activities not only in the summer, but also in the quieter periods you can discover the hidden treasures of the lake – places that are more peaceful, less crowded and offer real relaxation in the off-season.

Cycling is a unique way to get close to nature while being active. The Lake Balaton region is an ideal place for cycling enthusiasts, with its combination of rolling hills, waterfront trails and quiet villages offering great opportunities for adventure 365 days a year. BalatonBike365 specifically offers routes that extend the experience beyond the classic lakeside routes. These routes are varied and can be tried out at different levels of difficulty, so everyone can find a ride to suit them, whether they are a beginner or an experienced cyclist. Here are two not very long, but all the more spectacular routes, which can be found on the BalatonBike365 website under the names “Story-telling stones in the Káli Basin” and "Dörgicse ring on countryroads”, together with a detailed route map.

Around the lake there are also several places to hire a classic bike and an e-Bike, so even if you don’t have your own two-wheeler, you can still get on the road. The services of the Balaton Bike Tour (BBT) can also help you with this, as there are several rental points. In addition to rentals, they also organise cycling tours, with individual route planning and full equipment. In addition to individual and group tours, guided tours and accommodation can be arranged.

The southern shore of Lake Balaton has many natural and cultural treasures to discover. These are particularly suitable places to explore by bike, as the gentle – rather flat – terrain and streets make it easy to cycle along, while the calm, sparkling lake scenery near the shore is a welcome sight.

Siófok, known as the summer capital of Lake Balaton, and its surroundings take on a different look in winter and early spring. The Törek Lakes Nature Reserve can be reached by bicycle to the Cinege rest area, and from there the Törek Nature Trail can be visited on foot. It is a special place to visit, where nature lives its quiet winter life in peace. The meandering paths around the lakes are spectacular, and you can also observe the winter and spring activity of the birdlife.

The tranquil, unspoilt landscape and crystal clear air guarantee recharging, while the freshness and beauty of nature appeals to all your senses. Continuing on two wheels towards Zamárdi, the Advent craft fair with its winter atmosphere is also worth a stop. Along with handicraft products, local food and drinks, the magical experience of the intimate lights and festive atmosphere is the perfect way to relax during a cycling tour. The special location of the fair, the lakefront panorama and the combination of flavours guarantee a real winter Balaton experience.

Arriving at Balatonlelle, the baroque chapel of St. Donat beckons you with its simple but peaceful sight. This small, quiet, white-washed building offers a resting place in the Lake Balaton landscape, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the lake. The chapel and its surroundings are particularly quiet at this time of year, and the encounter between nature and the built environment reaches the soul of all visitors. Besides the spiritual, the physical refreshment is also given here, as the chapel and the surrounding landscape provide an excellent opportunity to rest and continue our journey with renewed strength after the hike.

The row of cellars of Balatonberény, at the western end of the southern shore, offers a real journey through time. Walking or cycling through the wine cellars, you will be transported back to the past and the traditions of winemaking will come to life. It is also worth hiking the Béla Hamvas mountain trail, an easy hike with some minor differences in elevation. In 1945, the writer and philosopher wrote the spiritual foundation of Hungarian wine, The Philosophy of Wine, on this vineyard. Continuing along the coast, you should add the Keszthely Carnival to your list of attractions.

The Keszthely Municipal Carnival in winter is a colourful event where music, dance and costumes create a real festival atmosphere. The imposing Festetics Castle will be illuminated in a special way during the event, while the Baroque castle park invites you to take a quiet walk, a pleasant break after the kilometres you have covered.

The scenic landscapes of the northern coast, the meeting of historical sites and nature make the first quarter of the year a truly special experience. The Tihany peninsula, where the thousand-year-old buildings of the abbey stand, is particularly magical at this time of year. The special atmosphere of the peninsula is even more palpable, with cobbled streets and panoramic views of Lake Balaton in the winter stillness. A visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany is not only a historical experience, but also a spiritual enrichment, as the building, which has been standing here for centuries, faithfully preserves the secrets of the past. Tihany is well worth a visit on a Balatonfüred-Tihany-Balatonfüred cycling tour. At only 18 kilometres long, it offers a wide range of experiences for all ages. It is an easy distance to cover, full of campfires, rest stops and historic sights. Our family photo album can be enriched with beautiful pictures! Highly recommended for large families outside the tourist season, when there is less traffic and the hike may be more enjoyable.  In Balatonfüred, the Tagore promenade is the perfect start and finish. The tranquil view of the harbour and the trees lining the promenade are still a picturesque sight.

When cycling, it is important to choose accommodation where you can relax and where your equipment is as safe as possible. Istvándy Estate and Glamping is a truly unique opportunity in the Balaton Highlands, where luxury meets nature.  Glamping tents and really cosy cabins offer a comfortable yet close-to-nature accommodation experience, where the panoramic views and fresh air can provide total relaxation. The Jurta Hotel is a unique accommodation in Balatongyörök, where you can relax in traditional Mongolian yurts. With its special atmosphere and proximity to Lake Balaton, the yurt offers an experience that is hard to find anywhere else. On a cycling tour, a yurt or chalet accommodation is a true reflection of a close-to-nature lifestyle and mobility, while meeting many of the needs of modern convenience.

North of Balatonudvardi, PortusHome in Vászoly is a rustic yet modern accommodation, perfect for those who want to explore the magical landscapes of the Lake Balaton Highlands. The proximity of the forest and the quiet, secluded environment guarantee relaxation. Provided you take the 200-metre climb within 6 kilometres. The tour would not be complete without a gastronomic experience. The Lake Balaton area is famous for its excellent restaurants, where you can sample local flavours and you are always welcome on two wheels. Wherever you go around the lake, you will find restaurants that are open in winter, including:

A Konyhám Stúdió 365, Fonyód

Aszófői halsütő – Aszófő Fish Fryer

Bergmann Confectioneries, Balatonfüred

Bistro Sparhelt, Balatonfüred

Resti by Laurel in Csopak

Hatlépcsős Restaurant, Balatonfüred

Ikon Winery, Balatonlelle-Rádpuszta

Kistücsök Restaurant, Balatonszemes

Mala Garden, Siófok

Mónisüti Confectionery, Gyenesdiás

Neked Főztem, Zánka

Pörc – Bistro and Deli, Balatonkenese

Rozmaring Kiskert Restaurant and Pizzeria, Siófok

Villa Kabala, Szigliget

Zománc Bistro, Vászoly