Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Biking
From Budapest to Krakow with a Hike Over the Tatras
The reemergence of Hungary, Slovakia and Poland offers a stellar opportunity to discover the glories of old-world Europe. Designed to appeal to a broad range of cycling abilities, this unique itinerary lets you relish full days of 100-kilometer-plus cycling through a region that feels both ancient and amazingly new (or choose a more relaxed pace by taking advantage of our van support). Journey along routes that seamlessly link some of Europe’s most authentic (and least touristed) medieval cities and castles. Hike over the grand High Tatras, bike on quiet roads to alpine hamlets and cap off your journey in the fin-de-siècle gem of Kraków.
Trip Planning Links
- 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
Day 1 visegrad
Meet in Budapest 
Our warm-up ride leads to Visegrád, famous for its early-Renaissance castle.
Day 2 banska stiavnica
Bike across the Mária Valéria Bridge, gracefully spanning the Danube, into Slovakia Pedal to the World Heritage site of Banská Stiavnica, with elegant architecture, cobblestone lanes and lush forested surroundings.
Day 3 banska bystrica
Undulating roads pass through beech forests to secluded Kremnica, an ancient mountain hamlet Explore the prosperous mining town of Banská Bystrica Serenaded by local musicians, savor a traditional dinner in a cellar restaurant.
Day 4 levoca
Ride along forested hills and into the pastureland of Slovakia’s Spis region Wander the walled town of Levoca and visit the 14th-century Sväty Jakub Church
Day 5 javorina
Take a scenic gondola ride into the spectacular High Tatras 
Enjoy an alpine hike and savor the tremendous views.
Days 6-7 zakopane
Pedal into Poland past remote villages en route to vibrant Zakopane, Poland's winter sports capital A ride through the countryside and into the foothills leads past beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century wooden churches and farmhouses.
Days 8-9 krakow
Amid inspiring mountain scenery, spin to Niedzica Castle Shuttle to captivating Kraków, another World Heritage site Don’t miss Wawel Castle and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz with its ancient synagogues.
- 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.
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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 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. 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
HISTORIC SETTINGS: Casual Inns*
Hotel Silvanus
Visegrád (1 night) Located on a ridge high above town, near the ruins of the Citadel, with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, Turkish bath and impressive views of the Danube River.
Hotel Grand Matej
Banská Stiavnica (1 night) This modest hotel in the heart of town offers comfortable rooms, a wellness center and a restaurant serving international and traditional Slovak cuisine.
Hotel Arcade
Banská Bystrica (1 night) A very basic hotel set in a 16th-century building on a narrow cobblestone street, just steps from the town’s picturesque central square.
Hotel U Leva
Levoča (1 night) Enjoy the comforts of this newly restored medieval house ideally set near the main square.
Kolowrat Hotel
Javorina (1 night) Alpine accommodations with fantastic mountain views, a swimming pool, sauna, solarium, massage service, bowling, billiards and a fitness center.
Villa Marilor
Zakopane (2 nights) The small former palace of the Szczeniowski family offers well-appointed rooms, a Jacuzzi and a scenic private park in a spectacular alpine setting.
* Premiere Inn
Hotel Pod Roza
Kraków (1 night) This elegant hotel, with individually decorated rooms, is located on the historic royal road connecting Floriańska Gate and Wawel Royal Castle.
* Premiere Inn
Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 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 |
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
- Walking Tour of Kraków 2.5 hours