Cycling around Lake Balaton

Cycling in the Lake Balaton area

Balaton cycle route info

• The cycle route around Lake Balaton is over 200 kms long.
• The route consists of dedicated cycle paths and quiet side roads.
• The route on the Southern and Western parts of the lake is fairly flat.
• The route on the Northern and Eastern parts of the lake is fairly hilly.
• Wherever marked cycle routes exist, cyclists should use the cycle routes in preference to main roads.
• Everyone is expected to be self sufficient; everyone should carry a pump, a puncture outfit and in the event of a puncture, have the ability to mend a puncture, or to look helpless enough to get someone to fix it for you. Alternatively, take at least one spare inner tube.
• The Balaton cycle route may have lots of cycle traffic in the Summer and on sunny weekends; at most other times, the cycle route is quiet.
• The cycle path in some areas is in very poor condition, e.g. the asphalt surface is cracked, raised by tree roots into wave-like undulations and in extreme cases could throw a cyclist of his/her bike.
• You should always wear a helmet when cycling; you may never fall and hit your head but if you do, a helmet could save you from serious head trauma.

To plan your cycle routes around Lake Balaton: http://www.bikemap.net/route/543314

To look at details of printed maps of cycle routes: http://www.frigoriakiado.hu

The Balatonkör is a 200 km cycle ride around Lake Balaton. Unlike the Tour de Pelso where everyone cycles as fast as they can around Lake Balaton, the Balatonkör involves cycling as a group around the lake starting at 6 o'clock in the morning and finishing at about 9 o'clock at night. People of all ages and abilities take part.

Bicycle hire shops