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Hungary may be famous for its thermal baths and hearty cuisine, but it’s also a dream destination for travellers who love to stay active. With rolling hills, pristine lakes, meandering rivers, and protected national parks, the country offers countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports. Whether your clients want to cycle around Lake Balaton, trek in the Mecsek Hills, or set sail from Siófok, Hungary combines natural beauty with easy-to-access activities. Here’s a guide to some of the country’s most inviting outdoor adventures, along with hotel bases that make it simple to combine comfort with exploration.
Trails, hills & national parks
Hungary’s landscapes are made for walking. The Balaton Uplands National Park is criss-crossed with trails that lead past vineyards, lava stone formations, and medieval ruins, all with sweeping views of Lake Balaton. In western Hungary, the Sopron Hills are home to ancient forests and lookout towers, perfect for half-day hikes or leisurely cycling. Further south, the Mecsek Mountains offer a mix of rugged climbs, woodland paths, and waterfalls, with trails that suit everyone from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers.
For those who enjoy pairing culture with activity, regions such as Eger and Tokaj provide routes that wind past castles, wine cellars, and charming villages, making every step or pedal stroke part of the discovery.
Cycling adventures
Hungary is a cycling paradise. Around Lake Balaton, the country’s largest lake, a dedicated bike path circles 200 kilometres of shoreline, taking riders through villages, vineyards, and sandy beaches. The Danube Bend, just north of Budapest, offers scenic cycling routes along the river, dotted with historic towns like Visegrád and Esztergom. E-bikes are increasingly available, making longer rides accessible to travellers of all fitness levels.
Families can enjoy flat routes around Balaton or through the Pannon plains, while more ambitious cyclists might prefer tackling hilly routes in the north. With many hotels offering bike rentals and maps, exploring Hungary on two wheels is easier than ever.
Water sports & lakeside fun
When it comes to water, Lake Balaton steals the show. Often called the “Hungarian Sea,” it’s the largest lake in Central Europe and an ideal base for sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The shallow southern shore is perfect for families with children, while the northern side offers deeper waters and dramatic scenery. In addition to Balaton, the Danube and Tisza Rivers invite kayaking and canoeing, with calm backwaters perfect for beginners.
Adventurous travellers can even try windsurfing, fishing trips, or guided sailing tours. In summer, the lively resorts of Balatonfüred and Siófok become hubs of activity, blending water sports with cultural festivals and lakeside dining.
Hotel recommendations for active travellers
From lakeside resorts with sailing on the doorstep to hillside retreats surrounded by hiking trails, these hand-picked hotels provide the perfect bases for travellers who want to stay active while enjoying Hungary’s natural beauty.
4* Anna Grand Wine & Vital, Balatonfüred
Situated right on the shores of Lake Balaton, Anna Grand Wine & Vital combines history with modern comfort. It’s an excellent base for cycling tours around the lake or hikes into the Balaton Uplands. After a day of activity, guests can relax in the wellness centre or enjoy a glass of local wine in the hotel’s elegant surroundings. Its central location in Balatonfüred means sailing, kayaking, and walking trails are just steps away.
4* Hotel Yacht Wellness & Business, Siófok
Perfect for clients who want to be right on the water, Hotel Yacht Wellness & Business is a lakeside property with direct access to sailing and water sports. Guests can join sailing trips, rent paddleboards, or take a swim in Lake Balaton before returning to the hotel’s spa and pool. With cycling paths running past the front door, it’s an ideal spot for combining active days with relaxing evenings.
4* Hotel Makar Sport & Wellness, Pécs
Nestled at the foot of the Mecsek Hills, Hotel Makar Sport & Wellness is designed with active travellers in mind. The surrounding hills are packed with hiking and mountain biking trails, while Pécs itself offers cultural highlights like Roman ruins and the UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis. Back at the hotel, facilities include a sports hall, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a wellness centre, making it as much a destination as a base.
3* Hotel Lövér, Sopron
Set amidst the forests of the Sopron Hills, Hotel Lövér is perfect for clients who want to step straight out into nature. The area is rich in walking and cycling trails, with lookout towers offering panoramic views all the way to Austria. The hotel itself provides wellness facilities, an indoor pool, and bike rentals, so guests can mix outdoor adventures with relaxation. Its quiet location and leafy surroundings make it a refreshing alternative to busier urban stays.
A country built for movement
Hungary is a place where active travel comes naturally. Cycling routes trace the lakeshore, forest paths lead to ancient castles, and rivers invite paddlers to slow down and see the landscape from the water. With hotels that put outdoor adventure within easy reach, clients can enjoy the best of both worlds: energising days in nature followed by evenings of comfort, wellness, and good food.
