Two-wheel Tours
Hungary is a relatively flat country, making it ideal for cyclists of all standards. Almost all regions of the country can be explored by bicycle – although combining wine tasting with cycling is definitely not recommended. Tourinform offices will provide you with a cycling map featuring twelve recommended routes, as well as information on hotels and guesthouses along the way. Cycling Around Hungary, published by Frigoria, provides much more comprehensive information, including hire and repair shops, as well as some 100 suggested routes.
Budapest
The hills of Buda may be steep, but they are a great way of burning off all those hearty meals enjoyed in downtown Budapest. The views from the various peaks are well worth the effort, and, don’t worry, there is ample opportunity for refuelling along the way. If you cycle north to the Danube Bend, via Margitsziget and the Hajógyári sziget (Shipyard Island) it won’t just be the effort of pedalling that will take your breath away.
Balaton
One of the best ways to take in the sights and sounds of Lake Balaton is along the recently completed cycle path. The breathtaking views come thick and fast, and there is always somewhere to unsaddle for a drink, a swim, a meal and a good night’s rest. Outside July and August, accommodation is also very easy to find, leaving you free to explore to your heart's content, and stop off wherever you please.
Recomended bike tours
Bicycles can be rented from Balatonfüred, Kossuth utca 32,
3,000 Ft/day or 2,000 Ft/half day.
Northern Uplands
The hills and forests of the Northern Uplands offer more challenging cycling and are better suited to mountain bikers. The region is strewn with small villages and ruined castles to reward the more adventurous, and there are plenty of exciting off-road trails in the Mátra and Zemplén hills.
Puszta (Great Plain)
The Great Plain, as its name suggests, is very forgiving for cyclists, and is filled with rustic charm and unspoilt nature, as well as its fair share of quirky sights and traditions. The sheer size of this quintessentially Hungarian region makes it rather daunting, but a copy of Cycling Around Hungary will help you find the route to suit your interests and ambitions.
