5+1 best cycling tours around Budapest for the autumn

The best thing about cycling is that it is completely personal. You decide how far you want to cycle in a day and how many days you want to split. You can choose where to stop and what to see. One thing almost all rides have in common is that you get to cycle through beautiful scenery. Let’s take a look at the best cycling routes around Budapest.

Budapest-Szentendre

One of the most popular cycle routes around Budapest is the one to Szentendre, which follows the banks of the Danube almost all the way, including the banks of the ‘Római-part’ and Lake Lupa, where you can stop for a break. The final stop is a lively promenade. There’s little climbing on the 22-km route. At the end of a comfortable ride, you’ll find the charming streets, restaurants and ice-cream parlours of Szentendre town centre or you can take a break on the banks of the Danube.

Nagymaros-Zebegény

There is a reason why the Danube Bend is so popular with hikers: cycling paths of varying degrees of difficulty alternate with historical monuments and natural treasures. The area is full of peaks with breathtaking panoramic views. These are for cyclists who are not afraid of climbs and have the stamina as well. From Nagymaros to Zebegény, for example, it’s just over 18 kms, but you’re guaranteed to wake up the next day with aching muscles. It’s also worth taking a break at the Trianon Memorial on Kopasz Hill in Zebegény, and then at the Kós Károly lookout for views over the area, before tackling the more strenuous climb from Törökmező to Julianus Lookout. From the 482-metre peak, you can once again see the whole area from Pilismaróti Bay to the Visegrád Citadel.

Budapest-Dobogókő

Dobogókő is almost a legend among Hungarian cyclists, its wide serpentines are only for the truly trained legs! Dobogókő is situated 700 metres above sea level and is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

The 30-km ride starts at the Budapest border. First, you head towards Szentendre, then turn towards Pomáz to climb the serpentine road through Pilisszentkereszt, which is often 15% steep. At the top, however, you will be rewarded with a well-deserved panoramic view of the Danube Bend – and, of course, the restaurants and inns of the area to keep you going. For those who prefer longer trips, this route can be prolonged towards Esztergom.