Route

Explore the Balaton Gravel Derby Course

Discover the full route of the Balaton Gravel Derby. A mix of fast gravel, forest trails, quiet backroads, and spectacular views across Lake Balaton.

Whether you’re tackling the 100 km route or taking on the full 370 km loop around the lake, both courses offer a unique blend of challenge and beauty. Rolling vineyards, volcanic hills, and lakeside villages make this one of Europe’s most memorable gravel rides.

Take your time, study the terrain, and plan your strategy. Remember its not a race but it might get competitive out there! The route is not sign posted and their won't be any road closures. Its important to slow down at junctions and crossings and respect the traffic laws at all times. When we send the final event information email (approximately three weeks before the event), you will be able to download the course for your selected distance. You will also be notified of the three feed stops for the longer route and their locations. Your adventure starts here.

Plan your ride

You’ll be riding through countless small towns and lakeside villages around Balaton, each with their own charm and quick-stop options. The locations listed below are the larger towns along the route and key hotspots where you’ll find more reliable services such as bike repairs, food stops, and comfortable places to stay overnight if taking on the Balaton Gravel Derby over 2-3 days.

Start & Finish of the Balaton Gravel Derby

Badacsony

The Balaton Gravel Derby starts and ends in Badacsony, one of Hungary’s most popular wine regions. Registration, pop-ups, and more will take place in this iconic volcanic landscape. With its dramatic basalt hills, lakefront views, and cosy terraces, Badacsony is the perfect launchpad for the Balaton Gravel Derby.

Refuel area bikes shops

Keszthely

A major hub on the western shore, Keszthely is the most dependable spot near the start/finish area for bike repairs. It offers plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and accommodation options making it an excellent technical and logistical stop.

Bike Service Options:

GreenZone – Full bike repair and parts supplier (Rákóczi u. 15).

Refuel area

Balatonbereny

A quiet, peaceful village with food stops and guesthouses, but no major bike repair shops. Quick top of water and continue your epic ride.

Refuel area bikes shops

Fonyod

A tranquil lakeside town that’s perfect for a laid-back stop. Here, you’ll find bakeries, cafés, and places to rest. However, service support here is more limited, especially for complex repairs.

Refuel area bikes shops

Siofak

The “capital” of Lake Balaton’s southern shore, famous for its lively atmosphere. Expect plenty of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and several well-equipped bike shops. With numerous hotels and guesthouses, Siófok works perfectly as a planned overnight stop or a major refuel point.

Bike shop options:

Black Bike Kerékpár Szerviz – Located at Fő u. 204, Siófok; they offer full repair services.
Pavlik Kerékpárszerviz – Also in Siófok, at Tanácsháza u. 9;

Refuel area, bikes shops, overnight stay.

Balatonfüred

A historic spa town with excellent rider amenities. You’ll find high-quality bike shops, lakeside restaurants, and comfortable hotels. Balatonfüred is a premium location to stay overnight, enjoy good food, and reset for the next stage of your gravel adventure.

Bike shop options:

Csöpi Kerékpáros Központ – Located on Deák Ferenc u. 56.
Tempo Kerékpárszaküzlet & Szerviz – At Ady Endre u. 52, Balatonfüred.

Its your ride, your journey

We are here to help you plan your expereince and assist in your prepation but you have to be one to turn the pedals.

Our aim is to provide as much information as possible and to help you feel safe and supported during the Balaton Gravel Derby. Although we won’t release the final route until a few weeks before the event, you can still plan ahead for the next edition.

The ethos of the event is to take on this epic lap self-supported, in true gravel-riding style. However, we want the event to be fun and, above all, about community and creating lasting memories. Therefore, if you decide to stop and sleep whether at a hotel or a campsite we won’t penalise you for that decision.

Similarly, if you have a helper carrying some spares or food, we won’t penalise you for receiving a small amount of assistance. But if someone is helping you consistently throughout the event, and it’s deemed that you are being supported in a professional manner, you will be disqualified.

We also expect that if you stop to assist someone with a puncture or water, you should help any rider on the course who needs support. This reflects the core values we set for our community the atmosphere of goodwill and gravel love is at the heart of everything we do.

With all that being said, it’s probably time to top up the sealant and buy your ticket!