Folly Loop – A Scenic Circuit Tour through the Hills of Badacsony

The Folly loop mainly follows low-traffic asphalt roads and double-track gravel paths. Although it's only 22 kilometers long, the 438 meters of elevation gain make it challenging, with some very steep climbs. The difficulty is rewarded by the sights and the nearby wine cellars and restaurants along the route, which are well worth a visit.

The tour is best started at the BalatonBike365 Port behind the Hableány restaurant in Badacsony, as you can even rent an e-bike here if the steep vineyard hills seem daunting. But it's worth the climb up the side of Badacsony, as a breathtaking panorama opens up — you can see the whole of Lake Balaton! Of course, you should watch the road too, especially on the gravel sections where sudden braking can easily cause the wheel to slip on the descent.

Upon reaching Badacsonytomaj, we only ride on the main road for a very short distance before turning back up among the vineyards, where we soon get to admire Badacsony and Gulács from a less well-known perspective. From here, we descend to the Folly Arboretum, where we can not only explore the botanical garden but also enjoy a restaurant and wine tasting.

After a glass or two of wine or spritzer, be extra cautious on the following steep downhill sections. These, combined with a few short climbs, take us down to the base of Ábrahámhegy. If riding with a full belly isn’t your thing, you’ll be glad to know that from here, the tour continues on the completely flat lakeside bike path, leading us back to the Hableány — where you can refill those burned calories.