The Bakony-Balaton UNESCO Geopark was established in 2006 to protect Lake Balaton and the northern area around the lake. In these areas you will find several special natural phenomena as well as cultural/historical features. Various tourist websites call this region the Hungarian Riviera and speak of a “Hungarian Mediterranean”. The rolling hills and southern European atmosphere contribute greatly to this.

Today's route starts in Keszthely, the perfect place to learn more about Lake Balaton and the area around it. The city dates back to Roman times and has developed over the centuries as a central point in this area. All historical and geological knowledge from the area can be found somewhere in Keszthely. Various museums tell about the fossils that have been found in the ground here, about the influence of volcanic activity on nature or about the agricultural knowledge about making wine.

Your day starts at the edge of the lake. Going counterclockwise, you first drive through Keszthely and along the north side of the lake. The views of the lake are regularly magnificent. For example, you can stop at the Szépkilátó viewpoint. “Szépkilátó” literally means “beautiful view”. From here you can take beautiful pictures of Lake Balaton and the hills in the background.

Alternatively, you can also enjoy the view at the castle ruins of Szígliget. This castle was built in 1260 to protect the area against foreign invasions. Because Lake Balaton was also larger in size at the time, the castle was largely located on an island in the lake. This made it difficult to conquer the castle. Somewhere in the 17th century the castle was abandoned, because a lightning strike caused a barrel of gunpowder to explode. Villagers around the castle then used the stones of the castle to build their houses.
Today you can visit the ruins, learn about the history of the castle and its surroundings; and enjoy a 360° view on top of the 229 meter high hilltop. Tip: park your motorcycle in the highest parking space, so that you don't have to climb as much with your motorcycle gear.

After a last look at the lake, get back on the bike and head into the hills of the Káli Basin. This nature reserve is geologically diverse, partly due to the volcanic activity in the past. You can view a number of special results of this activity today.

The first sight is the Organ Pipes (Orgonasipók). It is an optional sight, because the hike to the top of the basalt mountain is strenuous. The organ pipes are basalt columns, which were created 3 to 4 million years ago after the retreat of the Pannonian Sea. Volcanic activity forced lava upwards and cooled extremely quickly by the cold seawater.

The second attraction is the “Stone Sea” (Kőtenger). The rocks rose from the Pannonian Sea near the village of Szentbékkálla in the Káli basin. This attraction was also created thanks to volcanic activity: the bubbling hot springs cemented the white sands of the Pannonian Sea, creating hard silica rock. With a relatively short walk you can already see the first stones against the hill.

After a short break at the Palffy pince (cellar), you will travel to the third point of interest: the Hegyestű. This is perhaps the most spectacular of the three. About 8 million years ago, the volcano exploded at this location. The volcano's chimney hardened by cooling magma. Here too you can see the special basalt columns, sometimes up to 40 cm thick. The advantage of this attraction is that you can easily walk from the parking lot to the basalt columns. And these columns are located in an open area, giving you a clear view of the impressive natural disaster that took place here millions of years ago.

Lava provides fertile soil. The area north of Lake Balaton is therefore extremely suitable for viticulture. On the way to Tihany, you will see countless grape vines.

Once you have arrived in Tihany, you can experience for yourself whether the title “Hungarian Riviera” is justified. Enjoy the atmosphere on one of the terraces and stroll around the old abbey. The Benedictine abbey was founded in 1055 and recorded on paper. This document is the first document where the Hungarian language was used. Here you will also find the most beautiful view of the lake.
Also walk to the Echo (Tihanyi visszhang). On dry and clear days, sounds are reflected in this place. Local legends tell the story of a beautiful princess who nursed golden goats on this hill. The King of the Waves of Lake Balaton wanted to attract her attention and ask her for help, but after getting no response, he locked her in the mountain. The goats drowned in the lake, and to this day, the princess has to answer all the questions as punishment. The echo is her voice.

From Tihany you dive further into the Bakony part of the Bakony-Balaton Geopark. You leave the lake and drive north on winding roads. On your journey you will pass through Pápa. This city dates back to the 11th century. The city center is rich in historical buildings in Baroque style. You will also find several thermal baths in the city and a palace of the Eszterházy nobility. Of course, the center also has cozy terraces and nice restaurants. If you feel like it, take some time to stroll around here.

Those who prefer to avoid the bustle of Pápa can take a break a little further along the route at the Lucullus Fogadó. This restaurant cooks Hungarian specialities. If you have room for a treat, try the Hungarian Lángos with Fokhagyma (fried dough with garlic), a Turóspalacsinta (pancake with cottage cheese) or a refreshing hideg gyümölcsleves (cold fruit soup).

Towards the end of the route you will pass Sümeg Vár (Castle). This castle, like the other castles in this region, was built to protect the surrounding areas against foreign occupiers. Over the centuries, the castle has become increasingly dilapidated, but since the end of the last century people have been busy renovating the castle. Nowadays, some final touches are being put on the i, but the result is there. You can visit an impressive castle. Several living areas and an internal prison can be visited. Animals and costumed actors walk around in the courtyard. As a result, you immediately know that it is touristy and can be busy in high season. Choose your moment if you want to visit this castle!

With a few last kilometers, the route slowly comes to an end. Via simple roads you arrive back in Keszthely. This time at the Festetics-kastély (castle). Here are a number of restaurants where you can stop for a well-deserved terrace and possibly dinner. Those interested can also visit the 18th century castle. The Helikon museum in the castle gives you an impression of how the Festetics nobility lived in the castle. Definitely worth seeing is the library with antique books as well as the castle gardens.