[Slovenia - Hungary] The advantage of taking the bike instead of the train is that you can't get kicked out. Our bikes brought us along clear rivers and lakes, thought forests and bushland over 600km from Ljubljana to Budapest.
Ljubljana
Our adventure started already during the night train ride form Zurich to Ljubljana. We had to realise that every country's conductors has his own rules. After we crossed the Swiss border, we had the first discussion with the Austrian conductor, because he didn't accept our bikes in Transbags in the train, even though the SBB told us it shouldn’t be a problem. Later in Slovenia we got charged for extra luggage. But after 12 hours we arrived successfully Ljubljana. :)
Don't believe the SBB if they say taking the bike in a Transbag into the night train from Zurich to Ljubljana is no problem.
Ljubljana is an idyllic city we delicious food and nice nightlife. Two days later our bike ride stared with a tiny headache.
Somewhere on the way form Ljubljana to Celje
When cycling through Slovenia, it seems the only difference to Switzerland is the geographic location and the language. A lot of clear creeks and rivers, always a forest to rest in the shadow and definitely not flat. This night we slept close to the river Sava at a hidden spot in a field.
A hangover does not appreciate your well-being while cycling over bumpy roads.
Ljutomer
On the second day we passed Celje. A pretty city, perfect to have lunch there. But it also has interesting architecture and a nice castle on the hill. The closer we got to the Hungarian border, the flatter became the landscape.
Lake Balaton
After crossing the border to Hungary, we reached the lake Balaton. Cycling along it was very nice, because we were always able to go for a swim in the hot afternoon sun. The bike paths in Hungary are the best we had seen before. Mostly there were separated bike paths next to the road, so we just very seldom had to cycle on a busy road.
Hungary is perfect for cycling trips without cars crossing by very close on the street.
And for sure we also got a flat tire, because taking a shortcut over dry blackberry bushes wasn't the best idea...
Budapest
After 600km on our bikes, we arrived in Budapest, where we stayed a few nights.
On the way home we had the same problem like in the train form Zurich to Ljubljana. But this time we got kicked out of the train after the first station. Finally in the middle of the night we found a Flixbus to Venice, where we took the train back to Switzerland.
There's always a way home, even in the middle of the night.
Useful information
 | Slovenia and Hungary are very cycling friendly countries with a beautiful landscape. |
 | To take your bike in night trains are a bit complicated. Rather take the train through the day. In Italy train connections are in general very bike friendly. |
Timon (CH)
Hey! :) Thanks for reading my blogpost, I hope you got inspired to travel in Eastern Europe by bike.