Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Biking
From Budapest to Krakow Through the Tatras
Why Hungary, Slovakia, Poland? The first "why" comes from people, when you tell them you're going. Of all places, why Budapest, a thriving city existing in multiple centuries all at once. Majestic castles on one bank of Danube, world-class hotels on the other. Why Slovakia, with its pastoral landscapes, quiet, proud people working fields by hand and trying to forget Communism. Why feel like you're going back in time on your bike? And Kraków? It's surprisingly as modern as Milan and as cultural as Paris, "but no one buys a T-shirt from Kraków." So "why not?"
- Uncover some of Eastern Europe's most authentic and least touristed medieval cities and castles
- Bike quiet winding roads, passing the occasional horse-drawn carriage
- Traverse the High Tatras on an unforgettable hike
- The beguiling Slovak towns of Banská Bystrica and Banska Stiavnica
- Stroll through history in Kraków's magnificent historic center
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Uncover some of Eastern Europe's most authentic and least-touristed medieval cities and castles 
Rendezvous in breathtaking Budapest Bike along the Pilis Mountains to the Danube Bend, one of the river's loveliest sections Discover Visegrád's opulent Renaissance palace Pedal to beguiling Banská Stiavnica, a preserved medieval mining town and World Heritage site with elegant architecture, cobblestone lanes and forested surroundings.
Day 3 Bike quiet winding roads, passing the occasional horse-drawn carriage 
Glaciated Tatra peaks beckon as you traverse the rolling farmland of the Spis region After an unforgettable ride to the 13th-century walled city of Levoča, relax in its exquisite town square.
Day 4 Górale (highlander) traditions and cuisine, including oscypek, a delicious smoked cheese Pedal to vibrant Zakopane, Poland's winter sports capital with elaborate wooden cottages Need a boost? Try Polish-style coffee - thick, strong and enjoyed black with lots of sugar.
Days 5-6 Splendid views of the High Tatras, hailed as the continent's grandest range after the Alps Postcard-perfect scenery lines your ride along bucolic back roads and up heart-pounding hills to picturesque Czorsztynski Lake Explore the majestic Niedzica Castle, constructed in the 1320s, before ending your trip with a flourish in captivating Kraków.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was my 15th trip and I was worried about "measuring up" to the challenge of the Tatra Mountains. The leaders gave me so much encouragement and support that I felt comfortable and able to do it. Here's to 15 more!!!!- Sausalito, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Biking
Casual Inns*
Hotel Silvanus
Visegrád (1 night) Located on a ridge high above town, near the ruins of the Citadel, with impressive views of the Danube River. (pool)
Hotel Grand Matej
Banská Stiavnica (1 night) A modest hotel in the heart of town with a contemporary interior.
Hotel U Leva
Levoča (1 night) A restored medieval house ideally set near the main square.
Villa Marilor
Zakopane (2 nights) The small former palace of the Szczeniowski family dates to 1912 and offers a scenic private park in a spectacular alpine setting. (spa, tennis)
* Premiere Inn
Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 20 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 41, 63, 81 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 36 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 32, 40, 61 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 6.2, 10.6 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 38 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 18, 31 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- 34 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Guided City Walk 2.5 hours