4 famous Hungarian adventures for bikers
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Hungary is every cyclist’s dream destination, and here’s why! Firstly, there’s nothing like biking through cities full of hidden gems. It’s the perfect blend of hilly mountain pathways and flat roads overlooking breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes.
If you have never taken a bike route to explore a city, you are probably wondering if this is a good way to tour Hungary. Well, let’s assure you that Hungary’s road infrastructures are built with dedicated cycle routes for tourists and locals to explore some of the bests places with your bikes!
Let’s first give you a heads up about its climate and road rules for bikers, then reveal the top cycle routes for your Hungarian biking expedition.
Cycle Weather in Hungary
Hungary’s weather combines mostly sunny days during the summer months, from April to October. However, more cyclists are spotted during the off-season because they prefer to bike around with fewer tourists in crowded areas.
Although it can get quite gloomy during winter in Hungary, the sun tends to shy away for most of it. With frequent snowfalls and a foggy atmosphere, it could get a bit tricky for first-timers. If you are planning a biking holiday, we recommend you check the weather and wear bike-friendly gear for safety reasons.
Road Rules For Bikers
You might want to check out these mountain bikes to make the most of your Hungarian tour. Now, road rules are pretty straightforward, including having white front lights and red rear lights. One should also have orange spoke reflectors and a bell that works. Wearing reflective vests is also legally required in case visibility is poor in hilly areas. And lastly, always wear a helmet for safety purposes.
The following section will reveal the top bike-friendly places in Hungary you must explore. Let’s begin.
1. Lake Balaton
Proudly known as the largest lake in all of Europe, Lake Balaton is a prime spot for bikers with unlimited scenic views, truly an experience of a lifetime. The route for cyclists has a distance of about 200km, with multiple sites to stop over for refreshments, bathroom breaks, and take pictures.
The good news is that there are two routes for cyclists that lead to Lake Balaton, one through the city (which is a shorter distance) and the popular one that will take you through the shores of Lake Balaton. You can pick your route according to your convenience and travel plans.
2. Lake Velence
Lake Velence is the younger sibling of Lake Balaton – that’s what they call them for being the second largest natural lake. This place is filled with a fun crowd for most summers, with a 30km biking trail surrounding the lake.
Spring and summer are ideal months for bikers to visit Lake Velence. This is an excellent route for beginner cyclists, as the route is flat and easy and does not require you to have mad biking skills. You can stroll around and enjoy the stunning views of this place with numerous stops on the way to relax and eat.
3. Budapest
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has progressively become a biker’s hub over the years by building a significant amount of bike lanes. They are also known for starting the practice of renting bikes from self-service spots – known as the MOL Bubi Scheme. Indeed a cool way to encourage locals and tourists to keep the city free of pollution and traffic.
There are cycling lanes all over the city that can connect you to scenic routes, and the best part is that you can rent, change, and drop bikes at these stations whenever you like.
Buda Hills is a popular destination for bikers, and Janos hills are recommended for advanced bikers due to the steep incline that takes you to hilly terrain.
Did you know that during Covid-19, Budapest transformed its empty roads into bike lanes for Coronavirus? This was an initiative by the Government to make streets safe for locals to commute, an alternative for discouraging public transport usage.
4. The Danube Bend
The Danube Bend is located near Budapest’s capital, which is a hub for historic preservations in Visegrad and Esztergom, the two historical towns.
Cycling lanes start from the Hungarian capital, roughly a 75km route to Visegrad, a point on the Danube Bend. While you make your way there, we recommend you take a break near Szentendre, a fantastic spot for art lovers.
Beyond Hungarian Borders
Cycle holidays don’t have to be limited to Hungary anymore; you can go beyond Hungarian borders too. Can you imagine crossing the borders on two wheels? You could take it further down to Austria, or the other way, Slovenia and Croatia, and surrounding neighboring borders – reaching your destination within a couple of days is no longer an impossible wish.
Please check with travel agents and authorities to fill up any legal documents before you embark on your international biking expedition. Before entering a country, you may need a visa, depending on your current citizenship.
Cycle holidays around the border of Hungary are a lifetime opportunity, so if you do want to explore surrounding countries such as Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia – do it without a care!
Conclusion
Hungary, being the center of Europe, encourages bike enthusiasts to explore its top destinations and beyond – thanks to the well-developed and safe cycling routes. Furthermore, Bicycle Tourism in Hungary is rising due to the European Cycle Route Network, popularly known as Eurovelo – with multiple cycling trails leading you to experience nature like never before.
Feel free to share your cycling stories across Europe to inspire the biking community, below in the comment section!
