Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Hegyko

Arrival in Budapest or Vienna and transfer by train to Hegyko (in Hungary). Welcome meeting and inspection of bikes.

Day 2:
Circular ride from Hegyko to Fertod and Röjtökmuzsaj, 28 miles (45km)

The trip on the first day takes you to Fertoszéplak with the local village museum, then continues after a short stop to Sarród and the Ferto-Hanság National Park. You cross fields on a cart track and then ride on a bike path to Fertod. The Baroque-style Eszterházy Palace in Fertod was originally built by Lajos Eszterházy in 1720, it was his son Miklós who converted the palace based on the French ’Versailles’ pattern. The Hungarian ’Versailles’ hosted celebrations, opera performances and various musical events orchestrated by Joseph Haydn, who created a famous European musical centre here. From Fertod through Fertoszentmiklós you ride on to Röjtökmuzsaj and spend a short time with an optional coffee break in the water mill that is still in operation but has been turned into a museum recently. Continue to Fertohomok and then back to Hegyko.

Day 3:
Hegyko via Nagycenk and Fertorákos to Sopron, 25 miles (40km)

After breakfast you leave for Nagycenk through Hidegség . Nagycenk and the surrounding areas were in the ownership of the Széchenyi family in the 1800’s, but its was István Széchenyi who developed his estates rapidly in the mid 19th century. His palace is operated partly as a museum and a hotel. After a short stop you continue towards Fertoboz and Balf. The latter is noted for its four thermal springs that are used for medical purposes and the water is bottled here. Beautiful scenery and vineyards pass by as you ride along the lake and arrive at Fertorákos. There is a great view over the lake from one vantage point during the ride, islands of reed beds and the few beaches suitable for swimming are all visible from there. After a short stop in Fertorákos, a charming forest trail leads you to Sopron for the overnight stop. Before dinner, a sauna might be just what you need to help relax for the evening.

Day 4:
Sopron via Fertorákos and Mörbisch to Rust (Austria), 19 miles (30km)

Leaving Sopron you ride along the well-known forest trail to Fertorákos, where you can visit the local stone quarry, dating back to Roman times, that today is a museum. Its grand halls and porticos regularly host concerts. From the quarry you ride through the village down to the pier on the lake where there is an opportunity for a short swim. Back on to the Austrian border at Fertorákos and Mörbisch, only permitted for pedestrians and bikers. Mörbisch is a small village famous for its wine production with almost everyone selling house wine from their yards. Finally you reach Rust where your hotel is located. After a refreshing break you can walk downtown where you can choose between several local ’heuriger’s for your evening meal.

Day 5:
Circular ride from Rust to Eisenstadt, 25 miles (40km)

After breakfast you leave for Eisenstadt, passing through arable countryside before reaching the city. The inner city is accessible by a cycle path all the way from the outskirts until you reach the destination, the Eszterházy Palace. There is the possibility of a guided tour in the Palace and the Haydn house. There will be time for a leisurely stroll or a cup of coffee downtown before returning to Rust through Trausdorf and St Margarethen.

Day 6:
Rust via Donnerskirchen and Purbach to Neusiedl am See, 25 miles (41km)

Today you ride along the lake towards Donnerskirchen through Oggau. Thousands of cherry trees blossom here in the spring, which phenomenon has inspired one of the most popular local festivals, the ’cherry blossom’ festival. The next village is Purbach, famous for its wines as is the neighbouring Breitenbrunn and Winden. Both villages have had museums of local history since the 18th century and the local wine cellars are more than happy to welcome guests. The day ends at Neusiedl am See.

Day 7:
Departure from Neusiedl am See

After breakfast its time for departure home (either train to Budapest or to Vienna).