Lake Balaton

Cycle along Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest lake, formed around 25,000 years ago. Today, it’s one of Hungary’s most beloved holiday destinations, with charming towns along its shores offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

This cycling trip takes you all the way around the lake, letting you experience a varied landscape of rolling hills, small villages with traditional houses and farms, and a rich flora and fauna that still thrive in their natural environment. The region is also famous for its wine production – perfect for those who want to combine cycling with local culinary experiences.

The route is suitable for all types of cyclists, mostly following flat terrain and quiet countryside roads.

Highlights

  • The Tihany Peninsula – one of Hungary’s most fascinating natural areas
  • Keszthely – a historic town with roots dating back to Roman times
  • Local farms and wine districts
  • Popular bathing resorts offering a vibrant beach life

Quick facts

Travel duration: 7 days/ 6 nights
Travel period: 8/4 - 31/10
Grade:
Easy. Average 25-50 km/ 150-400 m per day. Day by day trip grading, see "program" on each trip.
2
Accommodations:
Trip type: Self guided cycling holidays
Price example: From 600
Meals: Breakfast

Prices per person in EUR

The tour can be undertaken from April 8 to October 31, with arrivals on Sundays and Wednesdays. Arrivals on other days are possible at an additional cost.

7 days/ 6 nights From 600 Book your trip

Period Double Room - shared bed Twin Room - separate beds SGL - Single Room
2026-04-08 2026-04-26 600 600 770
2026-04-27 2026-05-31 740 740 900
2026-06-01 2026-09-20 870 870 1,050
2026-09-21 2026-10-31 780 780 940
Book your trip

Prices are per person and include:

  • 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
  • Transfers to and from Siófok train station
  • Luggage transport between accommodations
  • Cycling material (GPS, guidebook, and maps)
  • Welcome meeting with a local guide
  • Emergency phone service

Not included:

  • Flights to and from the destination
  • Meals not mentioned above
  • Entrance fees

Single room prices:

Single room rates apply when travelling with others. If you are travelling completely on your own, an additional fee may apply due to higher luggage transport costs. Please contact us for details.

Optional extras:

  • Extra nights – contact us for rates
  • Bicycle rental: 60 Euro (24–27 gears)
  • E-bike rental: 280 Euro. Bike rental includes repair kit, pump, and pannier bag
  • Upgrade to 4-star hotels: 150 Euro

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival day

Arrival in Siófok and overnight stay at a centrally located hotel. In the evening, you will meet a local representative who will go through the details of your tour with you.

Day 2 Siófok to Balatonmáriafürdo/ Balatonkeresztúr 55-65 km

After breakfast, your cycling adventure begins on the Balaton cycle path, Balatoni Körút, heading west. Along the southern shore, you’ll pass several charming villages — most of them lively holiday resorts — before reaching Balatonmáriafürdő or Balatonkeresztúr. The day ends with a relaxing evening and an overnight stay at a pleasant hotel.

55–65 km

Day 3 Balatonmáriafürdo to Badacsony - 44 km

After breakfast, you continue cycling from the hotel, crossing Kis-Balaton — the large wetland area often referred to as “Little Balaton.” Since 1979, it has been listed as a “Wetland of International Importance as a Habitat for Waterfowl,” making it a true paradise for nature lovers.

Along the way, it’s well worth stopping in Keszthely, a town with a long and fascinating history that dates back to Roman times. One of its main attractions is the impressive Festetics Palace, built in 1745 in Baroque style. You can also visit the nearby Balaton Museum.

Leaving the southern shore behind, your journey continues toward Badacsony — often called Hungary’s most beautiful landscape. The day ends with an overnight stay at a hotel surrounded by lush vineyards.

44 km

Day 4 Badacsony roundtrip - 35 km

After breakfast, you begin the day by exploring the Tapolca Basin, famous for its impressive basalt cliffs. You’ll also visit Tapolca, a charming town known for its Lake Cave, where you can row a small boat through the underground passages. For those who wish, there’s also the opportunity to climb up to Szigliget Castle, offering a breathtaking view over Lake Balaton.

Overnight stay in Badacsony.

35 km

Day 5 Badacsony to Tihany - 50 km

Start the day by exploring the Káli Basin, one of the most distinctive areas of the Balaton region. You continue along the cycle path that circles the entire lake. Today’s destination is Tihany, the historic peninsula that juts into the lake, offering both cultural highlights and spectacular views. Here, you can visit the Benedictine Abbey, which forms the heart of the peninsula.

Overnight stay in Tihany at accommodation with stunning views over the lake.

50 km

Day 6 Tihany to Siófok - 60 km

On the final day of your cycling tour, you head back toward Siófok, enjoying an easy and pleasant ride along the northern shore. Along the way, you’ll pass resort towns such as Balatonfüred.

Balatonfüred is considered the capital of the lake’s northern shore and is a hub for vibrant sailing activities. The town is also popular for sport fishing.

Day 7 Departure

We at EverTrek hope you’ve had a fantastic journey!

See you again.

Accommodations

7 days/ 6 nights

Night PlaceAccommodation
Night 1SiófokHotel ***
Night 2BalatonkeresztúrHotel ***
Night 3BadacsonyHotel ***
Night 4BadacsonyHotel ***
Night 5TihanyHotel ***
Night 6SiófokHotel ***

Route map

Getting here

Plane

The nearest airport is Budapest.

Train

The train from Budapest to Siófok takes about 1.5 hours. See the link for the easiest way to travel.

From Siófok train station, transfer to your first accommodation is included.

Transfer

Transfer from Budapest to Siófok for 1–6 people can be arranged at a cost of 330 Euro.

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