3-day trip on two and four wheels in the Balaton Uplands
Join an exciting three-day adventure during which you can explore the picturesque landscapes of the Balaton Uplands by bike or car. The first day is filled with light rides and panoramic rests, while the second day is filled with culinary delights and the natural wonders of St. George Hill. The third day can be crowned with a car-walking tour, during which historical castles and spiritual attractions provide unforgettable experiences. Get ready for the perfect harmony of nature, gastronomy and culture!
1. day
This tour can be done by bike and be a half-day or comfortable all-day program, if you start from Matild Country Hotel towards Balatongyörök. A dirt road leads from Nemesvita to Balatonederics, where you can ride along the main street of the village to the terrace of the Effenpergel Family Winery with beautiful panorama. It is worth resting and having a cooling spritzer for the adults and a cup of honey-sweet grape juice for the little ones. Sitting on the terrace, you can admire the panorama of Lake Balaton, Szigliget and Szent-György Hill. If you have a backpack with you, we recommend buying a bottle of one of owner’s late-harvest wines, but their „pálinka” (snapsh) can also be a good choice as a gift..
When you are refreshed, you can continue cycling through Becehegy to the Szép Viewpoint. A beautiful view accompanies you all the way. First it is recommended to take photos, then you can sit in the Promenád Café for a coffee and cake or at the Ficánka fish fryer for a delicious fish lunch. But you can also find a restaurant and flame fryer here. After that, you can go in several directions again, depending on what you feel like doing. You could go up to the Batsányi lookout tower or down to lake Balaton. Above the beach at the beginning of the pedestrian area you will find very tasty ice cream, and the beach of Balatongyörök is really family-friendly. If you decide to go to the beach and want to eat something, then Party Csóka Restaurant is our recommendation.
2. day
On another day, you can either ride your bike or drive in the direction of Szigliget. The direction to the Effenpergel Family Winery is the same by bike, then you can drive on the bike route towards Szigliget. Perhaps everyone knows Szigliget and the castle, and its beautiful view of the Tapolca and Káli basins. Don’t miss the Szigliget ice cream under the castle. You can taste such special flavors that it is worth waiting in the large queue.
When you are done with ice cream, roll down the “mountain” and head towards Hegymagas and Szent-György-hill. Here you can eat and drink good. We recommend the „Hegymagasi Marhaságok” (beef products) in the market square of Hegymagas, but you can also eat in the two wineries we like. If you are looking for a more special culinary experience, visit Szászi’s Vineyard. If you prefer more classic catering and food, head to the Horváth Winery, where my personal favorite is Gizzard Stew accompanied by a good glass of „Agnus Niger” red wine.
After recharging your energy, I recommend you visit the northern side of Szent György Hill, where you will find beautiful basalt columns and an ice cave. Not far from here is the Dragon Hole (also known as Dragon Cave), an interesting geological formation on the hillside. The approximately 10-metre-deep cave is covered with stones. In the formed gaps, snow accumulates in winter, which often persists until summer. From the gaps cold air flows out in summer. Thatswhy folklore calls it an ice cave.
3. day
For day 3 we recommend a car-walking tour day for you. You have to type Zalaszántó into the navigation. The road offers a unique panorama of Lake Balaton. If you get past the amazement, when you arrive in Castle Valley, a few hundred meters later, you will see a decorated, grey building on your left, which is the Várvölgy’s shop and bakery. I suggest you stop, go inside and go shopping for a picnic. The sourdough breads in the hidden back corner of the shop – baked locally – and cheeses and sausages from local producers, it would be a shame to miss out. Once you have the picnic basket, head to Zalaszántó. The road to Rezi Castle leads through the village of Rezi, then they came to a dirt road. You can drive about 5 km by car – slowly – and the parking lots are posted at the bottom of the mountain. So you only have to walk the uphill part.
If you admired the 270-degree view from the lonely castle, you can walk back to the car and visit the „Béke Stupa” a few kilometers away – in the middle of a fabulous forest – one of Europe’s largest Buddhist sanctuary.