From the Gate of Balaton to the Fairy-Tale Castle

Road surface: Mostly good-quality asphalt and paved backroads. The only unpaved stretch—approximately 5 km of easily rideable gravel—adds a touch of adventure and close-to-nature feeling without being overly demanding.

Navigation: Fully signposted throughout, easy to follow.

Recommended bike type: Gravel, trekking, cross, or mountain bike (road bikes are less comfortable due to the gravel section).

Leave the hustle and bustle of the Lake Balaton shoreline behind and explore the tranquil, rolling hills tucked behind the eastern basin on this scenic circular tour!

The route sets off from Balatonkenese towards Berhida, leading you along quiet, low-traffic country lanes where the foothills of the Bakony meet the Mezőföld plain. The true highlight of the ride is Nádasdladány, home to one of Hungary’s most extraordinary romantic estates: the Tudor-style Nádasdy Castle (nadasdladanyikastely.hu). It is well worth planning a longer stop here—the shaded paths of the magnificent English park and the beautifully restored fairy-tale castle towers offer the perfect setting to recharge.

After your break in the castle grounds, the route winds back towards the lake through the charming, flower-filled villages of Jenő, Füle, and Balatonfőkajár. Navigation is effortless, as the entire route is fully signposted, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in the landscape.

The loop concludes in Balatonakarattya, where, as a fitting finale to the ride, you can soak in the iconic panoramic views over Lake Balaton's eastern basin from the clifftop high shore.