Winter in Hungary
What is winter in Hungary really like? Snow, cold, road conditions and winter activities around Lake Balaton and Budapest.
What is winter in Hungary really like? Snow, cold, road conditions and winter activities around Lake Balaton and Budapest.
From summer to autumn in no time: temperatures drop fast, misty mornings, autumn colours and getting ready for frost.
We went on a three-day cycling tour along Lake Balaton, with an extra loop through the Bakony region to cover sufficient distance. We started in Berhida and cycled via Eplény along quiet country roads to the north coast. Via Balatonfüred and the coast of the Tihany peninsula, we crossed over to the south shore at Szántód. On the third day, we temporarily left the shore, cycled over cliffs and forest roads, and ended up back in Berhida. We encountered unpaved or impassable sections, sometimes overgrown paths, and busy stretches without cycle paths; but everywhere we enjoyed views, tranquillity, and flexibility.
We explore Hungary, focusing on the Mátra and Bükk mountains and the Bakony further afield. Visit charming Eger, with its local wine (Egri Bikavér) and natural beauty. And, of course, the highest peak, Kékes (1014 m).
One of my favourite pastimes is watching all the life in and around our home. The pond especially has proven to be a true oasis in this dry land. In no time at all, we’ve welcomed several frog species, a European green toad, and hundreds of birds (including 200 sparrows, wagtail, yellow wagtail, goldfinch, crested…
A day of sailing on Lake Balaton with a rented Scholtz 22. Calm waters, perfect weather, ideal for 2-4 people. Rental company 30 minutes away, affordable and flexible.
On Easter Saturday, we cycled from Balatonfűzfő along Lake Balaton to Balatonalmádi. The tour, with an elevation gain of around 500 metres, requires good physical condition due to the challenging slopes. We climbed the Csere-hegy and Somlyó-hegy observation towers via good cycle paths, enjoyed the nature and rest stops, and returned to the start via a restaurant and a steam locomotive.
In the vicinity of Várpalota, near the Bakony Mountains, there are beautiful, well-maintained walking and cycling trails, ideal for trips in April and October. The Mapy app makes it easier to find routes than Google Maps. A favourite walk is the 10 km trip to the ruins of Bátorkő vára, via the ‘red cross’ path and back along the ‘red stripes’ cycle path. Plants such as blue iris, vinca and wild garlic grow here in the wild, giving off a strong scent.
We have a dog, so we go for a walk every single day (usually it’s me and Mazy). We often stay close to home: why go far when there’s so much beauty nearby? Behind us are fields with deer, from where you can walk to the hills and forests of Pétfurdo (5 km) or the…
November is also a grey month in Hungary. There is still little rain, but regular thick fog. Mazy catches her balls flawlessly and the deer were like shadows behind the garden: walking here is worthwhile in every season. After 10 days of shivering at 12°C in the house, we can now happily turn up the…