Page 293 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

SPOR T S AND A C TIVITIES IN HUNGAR Y  291

Cycling
Cycling became popular in
Hungary post­Communist
times as in that era roads were
never really good enough to
make cycling attractive. Today,
however, pedal power is one
of the best ways to explore
the Hungarian countryside.
In Budapest, the city council
has invested heavily in creating
a city­wide cycle path network.
It extends to over 200 km
(124 miles). Nationwide there
are more than 2,000 km
(1,243 miles) of cycle paths,
Boats in the marina at Balatonföldvár, Lake Balaton though not all of these are
paved. Two EuroVelo routes
Water Sports easier, flat trails on the Great Plain traverse Hungary, one
Lake Balaton is a major water and along parts of the Danube. following the eastern bank
sports centre. Among the In all, Hungary has over 11,000 of the Danube, one hugging
activities available here are km (6,835 miles) of trails, marked the eastern bank of the River
water­skiing, windsurfing, with a coloured stripe according Tisza. In Northern Trans­
rowing, canoeing and water to the length of the danubia, some of
polo, the last being a popular trail (blue for a long­ Europe’s best cycle
spectator sport. Ever since distance trail, yellow for routes are around
the Siófok Balaton Company a short, local trail). All Lake Fertő. There are
opened its doors to paying the National Parks have superb routes in the
customers in 1893, however, well signposted trails. Northern Highlands.
Hungary’s favourite water sport One of the best trails Visitors can hire
has been sailing. In fair weather for good ama teur bikes from a number
Lake Balaton can look like a walkers is the Balaton­ of rental centres in
floating forest of sailing boats. felvidék trail in the Siófok and most of
Siófok is the main sailing southern Bakony Hills. the resorts on Lake
resort, although there are also The 94­km (58­mile) Road sign aimed Balaton – where
yachting centres at Szigliget, blue trail starts at at walkers the sport is especially
Balaton földvár, Badacsony and Pétfürdő station in popular – as well as at
Balatonlelle. All offer sailing Várpalota, and goes through Bikebase in the capital. Cyclists
lessons to novices, and will hire the most spectacular part of the may take their bikes on trains
out boats of various sizes to Balaton­felvidék before ending within Hungary for a fee
the more experienced. Visitors at the railway station in Badacsony. (around 25 per cent of the
wishing to lease a boat require Tourinform have an excellent ticket price), but only on
an International Sailing Licence, free brochure on hiking in specially desig nated trains
or need to be able to explain Hungary, giving details of identified by the bicycle icon
(in best pidgin Hungarian) that routes and accommodation. on the timetable.
they know what they are doing.
Usually, a driving licence, pass­
port or credit card need to be
deposited with the boatyard. For
information contact the Balaton
Regional Tourist Office.
To learn how to water­ski,
visitors are advised to head for
Siófok or Balatonfüred or contact
the Hungarian Water Ski and
Wakeboard Association.

Hiking
In summer trains heading for
the hills are packed with hikers.
The northeast of the country is
home to some superb, challeng­
ing hiking trails, and there are Cyclists pausing in front of the Millennium Monument, Városliget, Budapest

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