In 2022, the long-awaited Budapest-Balaton bicycle path (known as BuBa) was inaugurated, connecting the capital with the Hungarian ‘Sea’ (Lake Balaton) over a 120-kilometre stretch. Depending on your fitness level, the route can be completed in 1-2 days and offers excitement at various points. The section from Budapest to Martonvásár, for example, can be a great one-day destination for cycling enthusiasts.

The tour starts from Szent Gellért Square, one of Budapest’s central locations, where you can comfortably cycle along a bike path next to Feneketlen Lake, all the way to Bikás Park. Once you reach Kamaraerdő in Budaörs, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. If you’d like to add a bit of interactive treasure hunting to your ride, the Digital Wanderer app guides you with Piszke and Csatang, offering more insights about the sights along the way. After cycling over two highways, you’ll reach the first attraction, the Biatorbágy Viaduct. After admiring the valley bridge from above you will continue your way towards Etyek, embraced by vineyards and wine cellars. If you’re not in a hurry, make sure you include a visit to the vineyards of Budapest! Before reaching Gyúró, you can take a break at a cyclist rest area, and then head to Tordas, where you can experience a real Wild West adventure by visiting the Élményfalu (Adventure Village) with just a short detour of a few hundred metres. After Tordas, only the beautiful Brunszvik Castle, the pride of Martonvásár awaits you, before you hop on a train back to the capital, filled with memorable experiences.

You can also start the tour from Martonvásár if you prefer to take the train from Budapest early in the day

Biatorbágy Viaduct

The country’s only double railway viaduct passes through Biatorbágy. The viaduct, completed by 1898, is most well-known for an assassination attempt. In 1931, Szilveszter Matuska detonated one of the rail tracks, on which the Budapest-Vienna train was passing. The train plummeted into the abyss, resulting in the deaths of 22 people. The event was also made into a film, titled Merénylet és Viadukt (Assassination and Viaduct).

Brunszvik Castle, Martonvásár

This baroque and neo-Gothic building would be envied even by French monarchs; it’s that impressive. The castle, built by the Brunszvik family, has been expanded and reconstructed multiple times. Its condition deteriorated during World War II, but in the 1970s, it was restored to its former glory, which we can still enjoy today. Beethoven was a frequent guest  at the castle, and his memory is preserved in the museum.

Magyar-kút, Etyek

Did you know that the bountiful spring of Magyar-kút (Hungarian Well) is featured in Etyek’s coat of arms?  Furthermore, thanks to the water that emerged here, the predecessor of the settlement was formed. It’s no surprise that the classical-style wellhouse, built in the 18th century, stands halfway along Etyek’s main street, between the church and the calvary. Next to the spring, you’ll find a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk and a monument commemorating post-war deportations.

Nyakas Rock

At the southern border of Biatorbágy, you’ll find the most exciting rock formation in the area. You’ll need to make a short detour to visit it, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll rarely see anything like the water-washed and wind-sculpted forms of the sandstone. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can climb to the top of the tower as well.

Korda Film Park

Etyek is home to the Korda Film Park, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes secrets of international film productions. During a guided tour lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, you can explore life-sized film sets and gain insights into the mysteries of film making. Additionally, you’ll learn about the work of the crew and discover how Hollywood blockbusters are created.

Tordas Adventure Village

If cowboy movies are your favourites, here, your dreams will come true: you can shoot your own Western film. But the experiences don’t end there: you can test your skills on a high-altitude adventure course, and if you dare, you can zipline above the lake. Escape rooms, adult and children’s playgrounds are also waiting for you here.

Digital Wanderer

You can playfully and adventurously discover the sights along the bike path between Kamaraerdő and Etyek by downloading the Digital Wanderer app. Your two little playmates, Piszke and Csatang, are curious about everything and will tell you a lot about the area. Download the app!