TOUR LENGTH: 207km
MAIN SIGHTS:
On the 207-kilometre Vértes Tour, we leave the capital heading towards Biatorbágy, taking in Hungary's only double railway viaduct. Then, passing Lake Bia, a fishing paradise, we roll on towards Etyek alongside fairy-tale forest, where you can find rest areas and nature trails. From the canopy pavilion you can look down on the beautiful view of the Zsámbék basin, but close-up you'll be enchanted by the water lilies and tiny fountains of the forest lake.
Our first stop is the Pancho Stadium in Felcsút, the home ground of Puskás Akadémia FC, built in 2014. Pancho is the Spanish version of Ferenc Puskás's first name, and is how the legendary footballer was nicknamed in Spain.
We continue our journey on to the Protected Landscape Area of Vértes, which preserves the natural wonders of the Vértes Mountains. The most significant monuments of these mountains are the castles and ruins scattered among them – we will make a detour to one of these, the castle of Csókakő. The castle was built in the 13th century on a rock plateau on the side of the Csóka hill, 479 metres above sea level, so it is visible from far away. Since it has been restored as part of the National Castle Programme, it can now be enjoyed in all its splendour.
Our next stop is the Amadé-Bajzáth-Pappenheim Castle in Iszkaszentgyörgy, which has elements of almost every historical style, from Baroque to 20th century neo-Baroque. The terraced park surrounding the building is unique, with a wealth of plant species.
On the way back, we admire the panoramic view along the shores of Lake Velence. Our last stop is the Brunszvik Castle in Martonvásár, where the famous composer Beethoven made several visits as the Brunszvik sisters’ piano teacher. Leaving the town, we ride back into Budapest.