Budapest Travel Forum

I'm planning to bicycle from Budapest to Zagreb. I'll probably leave Budapest around June 3. I'd like to spend about a week, riding about 50-100 km on riding days and layover days hiking and sightseeing. Does anyone have a suggested route? I was planning to stay in hostels or places that might be in Lonely Planet. Anyone have any information for me? Care to come along ;-) Michael

Since there is no good cycling network in Hungary, I'd recommend using roads with low traffic where possible. Here's an option for that, though I know it is hillier and longer than a direct route.

Start out from Batthany ter:
Bem rakpart-Kacsa utca-Varsanyi utca-Szena ter-Lovohaz utca-Retek utca-Szilagyi E. fasor (end of cycling paths)-Budakeszi ut, then leaving Budapest.
Budapest-Budakeszi-Paty-Zsambek (check for the 13th century monastery)-Many-Bicske-Vertesboglar-Csakvar (castle!)-Zamoly-Szekesfehervar (try using local cycling paths, though I don't know if there are any suitable for you)-Urhida-Sarszentmihaly-Nadasdladany-Osi-Berhida-Vilonya-Balatonalmadi - join the Balaton Circle cycling path along the norhtern bank, visit Tihany Abbey, the Orvenyes Watermill, the Balatonudvari cemetery, Badacsony, the Szigliget Castle Ruins and the Helikon Castle Museum in Keszthely, also there are hiking options in the region. Continue via Heviz (Thermal lake)-Felsopahok-Zalacsany-Bokahaza-Zalaapati-Esztergalyhorvati-Zalaszabar-Nagyrada-Garabonc (in this region, pay a visit to the Little Balaton Nature Reserve, part of Balaton Uplands National Park)-Zalakaros (thermal baths)-Galambok-Kisrecse-Nagyrecse-Nagykanizsa (use local roads) -Szepetnek-Semjenhaza-Molnari-Totszerdahely-Letenye-border crossing

Thanks, I'll try and find this on my map. I notice there is mention of a Hungarian Bicycle Touring Association in Lonely Planet but I can't find an e-mail address. Do you know if it exists? Can a buy you a beer in Budapest? Michael

Hi Michael,

- Article at Hungarian National Tourism Office:
Cycling -
http://www.hungarytourism.hu/main.php?folderID=1236&articleID=4391&ctag=articlelist&iid=1

- please search for "cycling map hungary" at google
there is a good website for cyclers:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Hungary/Cycling-in-Hungary/402

- You may find TourInform bureaus in every town - www.tourinform. hu - and may get useful information and brochures too.

I hope I could help.

Best,
Agnes
Travel Guide in Budapest