Cycle route around Lake Velence - official route

Nestled in Hungary’s charming Fejér region, between Budapest and Székesfehérvár, the picturesque route encircling Lake Velence follows a well-maintained, mostly flat loop. The trail winds through quiet villages like Dinnyés and Agárd, where reed-lined shores and forested sections offer both peaceful respite and birdwatching opportunities. Perfect for families and recreational cyclists, the trail offers a delightful combination of gentle terrain, scenic variety and cultural discoveries. In essence, this cycle route around Lake Velence is a serene yet stimulating journey, combining warm, shallow lake views, charming village encounters, wildlife-rich reed beds and a several cultural monuments.

How long is the cycle route around Lake Velence?

The most common cycling route around Lake Velence in Hungary, starting from Gárdony or Velence, is approximately 30 km long. It offers mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for beginners or occasional cyclists as it is mostly car-free and passes through scenic villages. For a more extensive ride, cyclists can extend their trip from Lake Velence to the nearby town of Székesfehérvár. This extension adds extra kilometers to the journey and offers an opportunity to explore a larger urban area with rich history and cultural sights. The route to Székesfehérvár is well-connected and suitable for cyclists looking to lengthen their ride and discover more of the region's attractions.

How long does it take to complete the route around Lake Velence?

A full loop around the Lake Velence takes about 3.5 hours at a comfortable pace allowing for a couple of breaks, which is perfect for families or occasional cyclists. The journey may extend depending on how leisurely you go and how often stop for a swim, a snack, a picnic or to explore and enjoy attractions along the way.

For those looking to add more distance and explore beyond the lakeside, extending the route to Székesfehérvár is a great option. The distance between the lake and Székesfehérvár is approximately 10 to 15 km one way, depending on the chosen route. This extension adds about an hour of cycling in each direction, meaning a round trip would take an additional 2 hours.

How deep is Lake Velence?

Lake Velence is extremely shallow, rarely exceeding 3 m even at its deepest point, with most of its waters hovering around 1.5–1.9 m. Its shallowness allows to warm up so quickly in summer, often reaching temperatures of 26–28 °C. The gently sloping, shallow shoreline provides safe and accessible areas for wading and swimming, making it perfect for families with small children or those who cannot swim very well. The lake is surrounded by beaches, bike paths, playgrounds, and campsites, all designed for a peaceful summer recreation in mind. This makes Lake Velence one of the most family-friendly and accessible holiday destinations in Hungary.

What activities are available at the Lake Velence?

Lake Velence offers something for every kind of traveler. Warm, shallow waters and sandy shores are ideal for safe swimming, sunbathing and family outings. More active visitors can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, canoeing, dragon boating, mini-golf and scheduled boat trips. Bird lovers can enjoy the Bird Song Educational Trail, which leads through a protected reed reserve, home to species like great egret, spoonbill, little grebe, and migrating geese, complete with hides and interpretive signage. The Pákozd–Sukoró Arboretum and Wildlife Park is a favorite destination for families with children. Here, you can see deer, wild boars, peacocks, an aviary, interactive exhibits, adventure playgrounds and fire pits for picnics.

What are the attractions near Lake Velence?

Lake Velence offers many attractions and activities not to be missed when exploring the area, such as:

Military Memorial Park at Pákozd

A historical open-air exhibition featuring trenches, barracks and a T‑55 tank, commemorating the 1848 battle and offering immersive military history displays.

Dinnyés Castle Park

A quirky and educational place with more than 40 scale model replicas of Hungarian castles, displayed in an outdoor setting.

Halász (Fisherman’s) Castle in Kápolnásnyék

With its 1.5-hectare park and cultural programme, it offers insight into the regional heritage in a peaceful surrounding.

The Bence Hill Lookout Tower

Striking geometric structure offering sweeping panoramas of Lake Velence, the Velence Hills and on clear days even Lake Balaton.
If you are planning an additional trip to Székesfehérvár, be sure to see:

Medieval Ruin Garden of the Coronation Basilica

Archaeological remains of the basilica where Hungarian kings were crowned and buried, one of the most important medieval sanctuaries in the country.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

A Baroque gem built between 1758 and 1768, ornate frescoes, a majestic pulpit and rich architectural details created by prominent Viennese designers.

St. Stephen’s Mausoleum

Located behind the ruins of the Royal Basilica, this 20th-century memorial houses the ancient sarcophagus of St. Stephen and is decorated with evocative frescoes and stained glass.

Bory Castle (Bory-vár)

A one-of-a-kind romantic castle, constructed piece by piece by sculptor-architect Jenő Bory for over 40 years, creating a surreal fusion of sculpture, mosaics and art.