Cycling Lake Balaton, Hungary
Sunset view to the north coast from Balatonszárszó
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. Mostly unknown in the west, it was an important Communist-era holiday destination for Eastern Bloc families who couldn't travel outside the region. Once thriving resorts are now decaying, waiting for the economic regeneration of the capital cities.
My wife grew up in a small village on its banks and has fond memories of swimming at the village beach in the summer. We go back there at least once a year to visit family and travel around the area. It was only a matter of time before the 200km round-Balaton cycle route would lure me onto it.
I decided on a 2-day trip, using the Tihany Ferry as a means to get me home on the middle night. This gave me an 87m/140km Day 1 covering the south-west and a 48m/77km Day 2 on the north-east.
The route is really well sign-posted and difficult to get lost. There's a lot of nice lake-side towns along the route for stops. With a lot more time, a 4 day trip with overnight stops along the way would have been ideal. Even this 2 Day trip with an early start made for a scenic summer ride.
Day 1: The South West
Start & Finish: Szántód Ferry Station, Szántód, Tihany u. 9, 8622 Hungary
Distance: 140 km (87 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 815m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): National Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra), Balatonszárszó Vers Utja (Poetry Trail), Balatonszárszó megújulás útján (Trail of Renewal), Tihany Legends Trail
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): 7A
Elevation Day 1: south west
Day 2: The North East
Start & Finish: Szántód Ferry Station, Szántód, Tihany u. 9, 8622 Hungary
Distance: 77 km (48 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 610m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Maria ut Vaszoly Balatonalmádi, Tihany Legends Trail
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): 7A, 24
Elevation Day 2: north east