BBT Guided e-Bike Tour: Festetics Panoramic Tour

Keszthely City Center

Our starting point is the BalatonBike365 Port in Keszthely. After getting to know our bikes and each other, we head toward the historic downtown of Keszthely. On the stretch between the shore of Lake Balaton and Festetics Castle, the buildings of Helikon Park, the Helikon Monument, the numerous sights of Main Square, and Kastélyare all connected in various ways to the legacy and former activities of the Festetics family. Our route passes by the imposing castle building, which was once the family’s center.

Imre Festetics Experience Park

A memorial to Imre Festetics, who formulated the basic laws of genetics based on his observations of sheep, stands here We can spend quite a bit of time at the Adventure Park, watching the deer, goats, and sheep. Continuing on toward the gateway to the Keszthely Mountains, we arrive at Nagymezőhöz.

Nagymező

In the middle of a pleasant meadow at the edge of the forest, the black pines planted by Lady Hamilton remind us that the forests of the mountain range once belonged to the Festetics family’s estate. From Nagymező, heading south on a dirt road, we pass through a former dolomite mine—now reclaimed by nature—which offers breathtaking views.

Helikon Taverna

Leaving the forest behind, we wind our way through Gyenesdiás along charming little streets to reach the Helikon Taverna in Vonyarcvashegy, which showcases the region’sand the former mountain community’s past.

St. Michael’s Chapel

St. Michael’s Hill and the chapel standing atop it are a true curiosity; the chapel is the only votive fishermen’s chapel in the country. From the hill, a beautiful view of Lake Balaton and the surrounding countryside unfolds before us.

Szépkilátó

From the Szépkilátó in Balatongyörök, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of Lake Balaton. It is no coincidence that Lady Mary Hamilton, the wife of Tasziló Festetics, also enjoyed visiting here and spending time under the shady canopy of the pine trees. After carefully crossing the main road, we continue on Panorama Road.

Panorama Road

The biggest cycling challenge of the tour comes next. After crossing to the other side of the road at Szépkilátó, the Panorama Road runs along the side of the Keszthely MountainsRoad runs along the side of the Keszthely Mountains, with the Becehegyi Chapel standing at its highest point. The second half of the Panorama Road is a continuous uphill stretch, offering wonderful views of Lake Balaton at numerous points.

Balatoni Bringaút

On the next section of the tour, which follows the Balaton Bike Trail, scenic stretches alternate one after another. Soós-öböl is a true little wonder, a natural cove on Lake Balaton. It’s the kind of place that’s becoming increasingly rare, so it’s definitely worth stopping here. Part of the lakeside promenade in Balatongyör is the row of plane trees planted by the Festetics family. Beneath the canopy of these trees, which are over 100 years old, not only do the promenade and bike path run, but they also provide a fitting setting for the event. It’s worth stopping by the Bringatanya in Gyenesdiás, the region’s most renowned ice cream shop, to sample its delicious ice creams. In addition to the ice cream bearing the fanciful name “Festetics Almond Kiss,” they also offer numerous creations that evoke local history and culture. We return to the BB365 gate in Keszthely by cycling along the bike path.