EU funding has enabled the construction of a new 1.1 km cycle path around Lake Szelid, near the town of Dunapataj in Hungary’s South Great Plain region. It continues the existing 3.5 km tourist cycle path between Dunapataj and Lake Szelid, which forms part of the EuroVelo European cycle route network and was renovated under the project. Both elements of the work are aimed at promoting bicycle tourism in the area.
Upgrades to cycle paths around Hungary’s Lake Szelid boost tourism
- 17 June 2020
Among the developments related to active tourism, a new section of cycle path was built to develop cycling tourism, the old tourist cycle path was renovated, public safety was increased by illuminating the path with solar-powered lighting, and bicycle-friendly project elements and cycling tourism services were set up.
Starting from the connection with the existing cycle route on the shore of Lake Szelid at Szittyó Square, the new path follows the Blue Algae nature study trail around the lake before turning into the forest and rejoining the old route.
Along the two paths, rest areas with tables, benches, bins and bicycle racks have been set up, and an information point and information boards installed. A service unit equipped with tools such as brakes, gearboxes and bicycle pumps has been established, while both paths are now illuminated with solar-powered lighting.
Untapped tourist potential
Dunapataj sits on the left bank of the Danube, about 105 km south of Budapest and 15 km north of the town of Kalocsa. Administratively, Lake Szelid – Hungary’s fifth-largest natural lake and the largest in the South Great Plain region – is part of the Dunapataj municipality.
Thanks to its natural and built environment and cultural heritage, Dunapataj has significant tourism potential. However, this has remained largely untapped for reasons including a lack of tourist infrastructure and neglect of existing attractions. Another challenge is related to seasonality, as many visitors tend to go to Lake Szelid only in summer.
With the involvement of private companies, the municipality is fostering the creation of a wide range of tourist attractions and products that can draw in people from across the region and beyond and encourage the growth of a competitive, year-round industry. Such developments are intended to support regional-level and smaller thematic tourism packages.
More visitors, longer stays
Cycling is a central pillar of Dunapataj’s active tourism efforts, but the old Dunapataj-Szelid cycle path was emblematic of the problems facing the local tourist sector. Due to the absence of proper foundations, it had become sunken and damaged at the edges. In many places, the asphalt had deep cracks the width of a bicycle wheel, which had caused several accidents, some resulting in serious injuries. There was thus great demand from the local population and from visitors for its renovation.
Implementation of the project has ensured safe, unobstructed access for cyclists to the resort area on Lake Szelid via a scenic route, and provision of high-quality services. The installation of lighting, the regular cleaning of the paths and their de-icing in winter allow riders to use the route at night and all year round, thereby extending the tourist season. In addition, the Blue Algae study trail is now accessible whatever the weather.
As a result, more people are visiting Lake Szelid and staying for longer. Turnover of restaurants, shops and private accommodation establishments has increased, as has the number of guest nights spent in and around Dunapataj. This has helped to stimulate and diversify the local economy and create jobs.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Dunapataj-Szelid Cycling Route Development” is EUR 548 210 (HUF 170 000 000), with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 548 210 through the “Territorial and Settlement Development” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Creating local conditions to boost economic growth and increase employment”.