Round tour Balatonfüred-Veszprém, red O

1. Route description, explanation of signs
The trail numbers on this tour are: 10, 240, 241, 249, the tour is marked as red O. Bike paths: 31 km, public roads 15 km, low-traffic public roads: 10.3 km, agricultural roads: 7 km.

2. Difficulty factors in the tour
The tour starts flat along the Balaton Cycling Circuit. From Aszófő, a gradual but long uphill section begins on a low-traffic paved road, ascending especially from Pécsely on. The second, more difficult section of the trail runs on a well-maintained paved road between Hidegkút and Nemesvámos, where you should be prepared for several smaller climbs. On account of these two more challenging sections, the tour is categorised as moderately difficult.

3. Ambience
Take a look down, rest, taste, try. Watch, relax, get to know, discover - besides cycling, you can practice all these activities along the 65 km long cycle route from Balatonfüred. The route offers flat and hilly terrain as well as climbs and long downhills. With an e-mountain bike you can ride this varied route showing the enormous variety of landscapes of the Balaton Highlands in one day or in two days with an overnight stay. You can cycle along the lake shore, deep in the deciduous forests, on abandoned railway embankments and through farmland. The numerous viewpoints offer many opportunities to admire the landscape (carrying binoculars recommended!), and you can taste freshwater fish, fine wines and the sour water of the region. You may discover the everyday life of the antique Roman province, rest in the shadow of a fortified church, in a secluded rest area in the forest or at a bird watching site. One thing is certain: getting bored on this tour is pretty much impossible.

4. Detailed tour description
The starting point of the tour is the Balatonfüred Bike Central opposite to the Kisfaludy beach. From there ride along the Balaton Cycling Circuit through the beautiful downtown of Balatonfüred towards Aszófő. At the pedestrian crossing in Aszófő you have to walk the bike, and then get back in the saddle to cycle on the low-traffic paved road with a moderate ascent to Pécsely.
In Pécsely you can take a short break at the Zádor Bistro, open all year round, where you can sample and buy quality produce from the local wineries (Balogh Cellar, Kálmán Cellar, Mészáros Cellar). A grocery shop is also located next to the bistro. Leaving Pécsely, take trail 240 on a paved road pedalling uphill for about 3 km to the Barnag intersection. This short section is the most demanding part of the route. After the intersection, follow the trail 249 to Tótvázsony.
Past Tótvázsony a 7 km long cycle highway follows, which was converted from an old agricultural road at the edge of the forest and is fully isolated from car traffic. On this beautiful bike path you will arrive in Nemesvámos, where you may take a rest on the outskirts of the village at Kerekes Völgykapu, a brand new and multifunctional rest area for cyclists.
Arriving in Veszprém, continue on the marked bike path through the university district following trail 249. It is worth taking a short detour to visit the wonderful old town. Since the summer of 2021, there is a bicycle overpass over main road 8 which you should take to reach Szentkirályszabadja after a 6 km ride. Leaving the village, you can stop at the cosy Öntöde pub where cyclists are always welcome.
From there the route leads in a beautiful environment to Balatonalmádi on a bike path built on the trail of the former historical railway line Veszprém-Káptalanfüred. In Balatonalmádi you will be captivated by a breathtaking view of Lake Balaton. A 100-year-old steam engine that once operated on this railway line is on open air display right next to the bike path. In Káptalanfüred join the Balaton Cycling Circuit and after 15 km along the shore you arrive back in Balatonfüred.

Municipalities on the route: Balatonfüred, Aszófő, Pécsely, Tótvázsony, Nemesvámos, Veszprém, Szentkirályszabadja, Balatonalmádi, Alsóörs, Paloznak, Csopak.