Balatoncsicsó combines medieval church architecture with a 49-kilometre cycling loop and wine experiences. These offer different focuses for planning your trip: sacred architecture, cycling or wine-related activities. You can choose how to shape your stay around the interests that matter most to you.

Church Architecture from Two Periods

The ruins of the Church of Szent Balázs are a specially protected historic monument and an archaeological site. They stand on a vineyard above Szentantalfa; the vineyard is administratively part of Balatoncsicsó. The ruins were conserved in 2001 to plans by Klára H. Nándori.

The small, single-nave church probably dates from the 12th century and later became the choir of the Church of Szent Balázs. Around 1300, the building was extended to the west with a larger nave, a west gallery and a tower. The early dating therefore remains a possibility, while the extension marks a later construction phase, dated approximately to 1300.

The Roman Catholic Church of Szent Ágoston in Balatoncsicsó dates from a considerably later period. Construction began in 1777 under Father Ádám Jankó; in 1781, it was consecrated in honour of Bishop Szent Ágoston. Unlike the small church near the ruins of Szent Balázs, which is believed to date from the 12th century, the start of construction and year of consecration here are precisely dated. The timeline thus spans medieval architectural development and a church built in the late 18th century.

Cycling and Wine

The 49-kilometre Nivegy Valley Panoramic Cycling Loop passes through Balatoncsicsó. Its total length makes it a cycling destination in its own right, distinct from a single visit to the churches. The loop centres on a continuous route, while the buildings are notable for their different historical periods. If you would rather plan your trip around a cycling tour than individual sights, this offers a clear focus.

At Szabó és Fia Borpince in Balatoncsicsó, it is worth enjoying a wine tasting, a vineyard tour and a wine dinner. Arrange the packages directly with the winery before your trip.

More highlights in the wider destination of North Balaton

Another landscape and geology highlight in the wider destination of North Balaton is Hegyestű, a 337-metre-high mountain between Zánka and Monoszló. At Hegyestű, the interior of a basalt volcano that was active around eight million years ago is exposed. Hegyestű also has a rock garden featuring characteristic rock types of Transdanubia, the western half of Hungary. From the viewpoint on the western edge of the quarry grounds, visitors can identify the surrounding hills with the help of a panorama board. Hegyestű is therefore a geological and landscape highlight, while Balatoncsicsó is presented here for its church architecture and wine experiences.

The Tapolca Lake Cave also offers a different experience in the wider destination of North Balaton: boat trips are available, and there is also a guided exhibition called “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”).

Discover more destinations: Aszófő, Tihany, Balatonakali, Szentantalfa, Monoszló, Paloznak, Balatonfüred, Csopak

Go to the wider travel overview: Balatonfüredi.