Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, stretching 78 kilometers across western Hungary. The cycling route that circles the entire lake covers approximately 200 kilometers and runs almost entirely on dedicated bike paths, making it one of the most enjoyable and accessible cycling experiences in the country.
Often called the "Hungarian Sea," Balaton draws millions of visitors each summer for its warm shallow waters, vine-covered hills, and charming lakeside towns. Cycling around the lake lets you experience all of this at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim, taste local wines, or simply enjoy the views.
The Full Circuit: Stage by Stage
Most cyclists start and finish in Balatonfured or Siofok, both easily accessible by train from Budapest. You can ride in either direction, though clockwise (starting along the northern shore) is slightly more popular due to the prevailing winds. Here are the main stages:
Balatonfured to Keszthely (Northern Shore, ~80 km)
The northern shore is the more scenic half of the circuit. Starting in Balatonfured, a historic spa town, you ride west through the Tihany Peninsula (worth a short detour for its abbey and lavender fields), past Badacsony (a volcanic hill surrounded by vineyards), and on to Keszthely at the western tip of the lake.
This section features gentle hills with occasional climbs near the volcanic formations. The path surface is mostly smooth asphalt. Key stops include the Badacsony wine region, where you can taste excellent white wines like Olaszrizling and Szurkebarat at hillside cellars with lake views.
Badacsony Wine Stop
The volcanic hill of Badacsony produces some of Hungary's finest white wines. The cycling path passes directly through the wine village, where family-run cellars offer tastings from around 1,500 HUF. The views from the hillside terraces across Lake Balaton are spectacular, especially in late afternoon light.
Keszthely to Balatonbereny (Western Tip, ~15 km)
Keszthely deserves a stop for its Festetics Palace, one of the grandest baroque mansions in Hungary. The short ride from Keszthely to Balatonbereny rounds the western end of the lake through a quieter, less touristic area with marshy wetlands that attract birdwatchers.
Balatonbereny to Siofok (Southern Shore, ~75 km)
The southern shore is flatter and more developed than the north. The cycling path here runs close to the water for much of the way, often on a separated track alongside the railway line. Towns like Fonyod, Balatonboglar, and Balatonlelle offer frequent swimming beaches and restaurant options. The path surface is excellent throughout this section.
Siofok to Balatonfured (Eastern Shore, ~30 km)
The eastern section closes the loop. Siofok is the busiest party town on the lake (especially lively in summer), while the ride back north to Balatonfured passes through quieter residential areas. This stretch is flat and fast, a good final section to complete the circuit.
Practical Tips for the Balaton Circuit
When to Go
Late May through September is the prime season. July and August offer the warmest water for swimming but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. Early June and September are ideal for cycling: warm enough for comfortable riding, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation costs. The BalatonBike365 app provides route information and services for year-round cycling.
Accommodation
The Balaton region has abundant accommodation at all price levels. Budget travelers can find private rooms (szoba kiado) and hostels from 5,000-10,000 HUF per night. Mid-range guesthouses and small hotels typically cost 12,000-25,000 HUF. Booking ahead is essential in July and August. Several campsites operate along both shores.
Food and Water
Towns and villages are closely spaced around the lake (every 5-10 km), so finding food and water is never a problem. Local specialties to try include langos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese), hekk (fried fish sold at lakeside stands), and kurtoskalacs (chimney cake). Many wineries along the northern shore serve light meals alongside their tastings.
Bike Rental
Bike rental is available in Balatonfured, Siofok, Keszthely, and most larger lakeside towns. Expect to pay 3,000-6,000 HUF per day for a standard touring bike or 8,000-12,000 HUF for an e-bike. Some rental companies offer one-way rentals between towns for an additional fee.
Getting There
Regular trains run from Budapest Deli station to Balatonfured (2 hours) and Siofok (1.5 hours). Bicycles are accepted on most services with a small surcharge. During summer, additional express services run on weekends. By car, the M7 motorway connects Budapest to the southern shore in about 90 minutes.
The Balaton region now has over 1,000 km of cycling routes beyond just the lakeside circuit. The EuroVelo 14 route passes through the area, connecting it to wider European cycling networks. For detailed maps, check the BalatonBike365 app or the official regional tourism website.