📆 Day 8 | 18 August

📍Route: Balatonfüred →  Őrtorony viewpoint → Tihany → Balatonfüred

🚴‍♀️ Distance cycled: 19,5 km

🏰 Places visited: Őrtorony viewpoint, Abbey of Tihany

Today’s adventure was truly special—a beautiful blend of history, nature, and challenge. Our bike tour to Tihany may have been short in distance, but it was far from easy. Instead of following the regular bike track, we decided to take an off-road trail, which made the experience both more difficult and more rewarding.

Our first stop was the ruins of an old abbey church, standing quietly amidst the woods, a reminder of centuries past. From there, the trail turned into a demanding climb toward the Őrtorony viewpoint. Some sections were so steep, both uphill and downhill, that we had to dismount and walk with our bikes. The effort, however, was worth every step—standing at the viewpoint, we were rewarded with a breathtaking panorama, the vast blue of Lake Balaton stretching endlessly beneath us.

From the heights, we descended into the heart of Tihany, arriving at the Abbey of Tihany. Founded in 1055 by King Andrew I of Hungary, the Benedictine Abbey is one of the most significant historical sites in the region. The founding charter of the abbey is the earliest surviving written document in Hungarian, making it a treasure not just of architecture but also of language and culture. Over the centuries, the abbey played an important role in religious life, and its baroque church, built in the 18th century, remains a landmark of the Balaton region.

Inside, we soaked in the atmosphere of this sacred place. A Benedictine monk graciously gave us a short interview, sharing stories about the abbey’s past and present. His words, combined with the centuries-old walls around us, gave a sense of timelessness and peace.

After immersing ourselves in the history and energy of Tihany, we began our journey back to Balatonfüred. This time, the ride was a much gentler refreshing stroll along the smooth lakeside bike track. The cool breeze, the shimmering lake, and the sense of fulfillment from the day’s adventure made the return ride joyful and relaxing.

It was a day to remember—challenging, enriching, and really beautiful.