Mád–Rátka–Tállya cycling loop: vineyards, forest trails and quarries

Estimated time 6h 17m

Route properties

Available transport: Bike Electric bicycle

Route plan

Here you can see where you start, what you pass through and where you arrive.

Route path Point of interest

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Locations on this route

Berzi Estate - M3 Apartment Located in Mád, one of the most iconic villages of the Tokaj wine region, Berzi Estate M3 combines modern comfort with the traditional atmosphere of the wine region. The accommodation was designed with families and groups of friends in mind, offering spacious areas and high-quality services for those seeking relaxation.
Berzi Estate - Nana's apartman Nana Apartment is located in the picturesque village of Mád, in the heart of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region.
Mád Synagogue Tokaj-Hegyalja is not only renowned for its world-famous wines and unique cultural landscape but also for its rich religious and cultural diversity. One of the most outstanding and internationally recognised monuments of the wine region's architectural and intellectual heritage is the Mád Synagogue. This stunning neoclassical monument, built in the copf style, serves as a fitting tribute to the once-thriving Jewish community of the region, their economic role, and their intellectual centre, while also being a key site for cultural remembrance and responsible tourism for today's visitors.

Destinations on this route

Mád

A detailed description of the route can be found on the borbringa.hu website. The route was put together by the staff of Tokaj Wine Region Development Nonprofit Ltd., and its publication was authorised by them.

The tour distance is of medium difficulty, but the elevation gain is considered particularly challenging by local standards. The relatively steep, unpaved forest sections add to both the challenge and the beauty of the route. About a quarter of the route runs on unpaved roads, while the remaining three-quarters are mostly gravel with some high-quality asphalt sections.

The loop connects two key towns, Mád and Tállya; an imaginary straight line between them roughly divides the tour into two distinct halves. The southwestern lower section winds through vineyards and slopes, while the northeastern upper section leads almost entirely through cool forested areas.

If you start heading north from Mád, you can tackle the more technical, forested, and challenging section right at the beginning. If you’re planning this as a late afternoon ride, it’s definitely recommended to go in this direction: this way, you can avoid being caught in the forest after dark, and you’ll also ensure crossing the busier main road near Tállya while there’s still daylight.

Main sights and highlights of the route:

Tállya Quarry: One of the largest operating quarries in Hungary, with the route passing directly alongside it.
Padi Hill and Isten Hill: The stunning panorama of the ultramodern Sauska Winery perched on the hilltop and the neighbouring Isten Hill.
Forest section: The serene, untamed forest surroundings of Hollós Hill and Tállya Castle Hill.

Practical information:

Weather: Due to the steep, unpaved forest paths, the tour can only be completed in dry weather.
Main road crossings: The tour crosses the main road 39 twice. In Mád, a traffic light-controlled junction aids crossing, but near Tállya, the crossing is outside a built-up area, requiring extra caution.
Industrial road and lorry traffic: The route passes the industrial road leading to the Tállya quarry. Expect significant lorry and truck traffic during the day, so prioritise safety and always ride in single file, even in group rides!