Adventures in the Nivegy Valley on the Wine Trail, olive green E

1. Route description, explanation of signs
The trail numbers on this tour are: 236, 238, the tour is marked as olive green E. Low-traffic public roads: 3.91 km, agricultural roads 2.85 km, public roads: 9.43 km, bike paths 4 km. The dashed line indicates an unpaved road (forestry road).

2. Difficulty factors in the tour
The route is moderately difficult. The main reason for this is that the road from Balatonakali to Dörgicse is a steady climb. In addition, there is a 2 km dirt road between Dörgicse and Szentantalfa, which is also slightly uphill. 90% of the tour is on paved public roads as well as on the Balaton Cycling Circuit, with the exception of a short 2 km stretch being unpaved but rideable on trekking bikes. Recommended bicycle for the tour is a trekking bike.

3. Ambience
The Nivegy Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of the Balaton Highlands, also the home of beautiful wines. A number of its charming villages have been known for winemaking over the centuries. The winemakers and wine producers of Zánka, Balatonakali, Dörgicse and Szentantalfa work together in building a real community so that Nivegy Valley wines maintain an excellent quality. People living in this area have preserved the atmosphere of the old times, the architectural features of the landscape and, above all, the warm hospitality.

4. Detailed tour description
The starting point of the tour is the beach in Zánka on the Balaton Cycling Route. The ride begins on the Balaton Cycling Route in the direction of Balatonakali. After arriving in Balatonakali, keep left on the public road to Dörgicse. This stretch is the most difficult part of the route, climbing steadily all the way to Dörgicse. After arriving in the village, it is worth cycling through the charming alleys to admire the centuries-old thatched houses.
The oldest monument in the village, the Granarius House, is open in the summer season, with a restaurant and wine bar in the building. A visit to the Car and Motorbike museum, unique in Europe, is a must; due to the large number of visitors advance booking is required.
Levendárium Dörgicsei Levendula Major, a lavender field behind the church ruins in Felsődörgicse, is also worth a visit.
The Szent Péter church ruins from the early Middle Ages are located in Felsődörgicse, formerly known as Szentpéterdörgicse.
After leaving Felsődörgicse, continue on trail 233, a well-maintained dirt forest road, to Balázs Hill in Szentantalfa. At the Gergely Wine Terrace you can enjoy a refreshing break in the shade of the walnut trees. While tasting the delicious home-made roast knuckle of pork from the oven with a Balaton Highland Riesling spritzer, you can admire the entire Nivegy valley with the view of Lake Balaton in the background.
From Szentantalfa the path leads via Tagyon back to the beach in Zánka. Weather permitting you might want to go for a swim in the Lake Balaton. Bicycles can be safely stored in the bicycle storage facility inside the beach area.
The Fészek Vendégház Inn and the first-class Zen Garden Resort offer quality accommodation and dining options.
E-bikes can also be rented at Zen Garden Resort.

Municipalities on the route: Zánka, Balatonakali, Dörgicse, Szentantalfa and Tagyon.