Balatonfüred Forest with Mountain Bike, red L

1. Route description, explanation of signs
The trail numbers on this tour are: 245, 241, 243, the tour is marked with red L. Public roads 0.72 km, low-traffic public roads 4.02 km, agricultural roads 7.82 km, forestry roads 12.47 km. The dashed line indicates an unpaved path (forestry road).

2. Difficulty factors in the tour
The first difficult section of the tour is from the lower part of Nagymező to the Evetes stream, from km 2 to km 5, constantly ascending, followed by an effortless, leisurely section along the stream bank.
The second more challenging section is just before Balatonszőlős, where you turn right at km 8 and climb the terrain up to Kis-Gella.

3. Ambience
Just above town, Füredi Forest, Nagymező, Gella Mountain and the Balatonszőlős wine region offer fascinating natural attractions for cyclists.
From the top of Nagymező you can see the amazing Balaton and the Tihanyi Peninsula. Then you will be enchanted by the shady forest along the stream in the Evetes Valley: a valley of silence and tranquillity.
After a sweaty climb, the tour continues around Gella Mountain. When you arrive in the fairytale-like meadow above the Cseri Castle, it is worth stopping to lie down in the fragrant meadow and listen to the silence and birdsong, weather permitting.
On the way back enjoy a relaxing bike ride through the shady forest. After the wonderfully relaxing tour, you can cycle back to the shores of Lake Balaton to have fun in the lively town of Balatonfüred.
The tour is great on an e-bike, especially with an off-road bike.

4. Detailed tour description
The starting and finishing point of the tour is the Forrás Sports Park in Balatonfüred. From the park, after a short stretch in town (next to the white church), cycle up the steep Óvoda Street to Nagymező and you are already on the terrain. Ride along the slightly ascending gravel path to the top of the Nagymező. From here you have a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Balaton. Cycle along the valley of the Evetes stream and continue on a forest road in the valley. You reach a well kept forest road above Balatonszőlős. Here turn sharp right and after a long, steady climb you reach the Picitmás, a unique wine cellar with a beautiful terrace from which you can enjoy the view of Lake Balaton.
Continue on the route riding between the Kis-Gella and Nagy-Gella mountains, and then a long loop through the beautiful meadow above Cseri Castle, followed by a three-kilometre "adventure ride" back to the vineyards of Balatonszőlős. This part of the route is a typical forest cycle path.
Cycle through the vineyards on an agricultural gravel road, past one of the most beautiful wine cellars in the area, the Tamások Pincéje. Wine tasting is available in the cellar by prior arrangement, and accommodation is also available for smaller cycling groups.
The remaining part of the route is a comfortable and safe descent to the centre of Balatonszőlős, where you should stop at the Szőlősi Kocsma and enjoy a selection of excellent meals and drinks.
From Balatonszőlős, the final stretch leads back through a stunning scenery, after which you arrive at a privately owned estate surrounded by a deer fence and a gate. Cyclists are allowed to pass through, but keep in mind that you must close the gate behind you.
After passing through the estate, there is a short paved stretch, at the end of which you can either stop for a quick wine tasting at the famous Koczor Pincészet Winery or turn right back to Forrás Sports Park.

Municipalities on the route: Balatonfüred and Balatonszőlős.