EuroVelo 14 – Waters of Central Europe joins the EuroVelo network
Crossing Austria and Hungary, EuroVelo 14 - Waters of Central Europe makes an attractive addition to the network. It provides an important east–west link and connects several existing EuroVelo routes. The route’s name refers to the fact that it connects several important waterways – rivers, lakes and spas – located in central Europe. Indeed, the theme is arguably stronger when experienced on the route as it becomes apparent just how much of the itinerary is located close to water.
The number 14 indicates that the route is a west-east connection. The EuroVelo network employs a numbering system based on the direction of the route: north to south routes have odd numbers (and there are currently more of them), whereas east to west routes have even numbers.
- “We are delighted to welcome EuroVelo 14 – Waters of Central Europe to the EuroVelo network. We are confident that it will be popular both with cycle tourists and the local communities in the years to come.” Jill Warren, co-CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation
In Austria, EuroVelo 14 connects several existing cycle routes located along important rivers, including the Tauernradweg, Ennsradweg and Murradweg. Following these routes allows you to appreciate the varied landscapes of Austria, as well as the lively city of Graz, the centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hungarian part includes the Őrség Natural Park and a well-established cycle route along the northern shore of the mighty Lake Balaton – the largest lake in Central Europe. It ends in Velence, just a short train journey from the centre of Budapest, the city of spas, which has something to offer for everyone.
- “One of the many attractions of the route in both Austria and Hungary is that it is very well served by train services. For example, from Graz you can travel by train to the western end of the route in Zell am See with regular connections, some even nonstop. This allows you to easily hop-on and hop-off to experience different sections”, says Christian Weinberger, National EuroVelo Coordinator Austria
- “The original idea for developing this route was to offer visitors and locals opportunities for recreation and relaxation alongside rivers, lakes and thermal spas. The finished route connects some beautiful landscapes and can also provide a great cycling adventure for those that want to travel longer distances”, says Miklós Berencsi, National EuroVelo Coordination Centre Hungary
Official launch events, on both the national and international level, will be planned when the circumstances allow; however, the route is signed with EuroVelo 14 signage, so it is ready to be explored for those who can access it. A second phase of the route – extending it through Budapest and on to Debrecen (within Hungary) – is currently under development and is expected to be realised over the coming years.
To find out more visit the dedicated websites:
The general EuroVelo 14 subsite provides interactive maps of EuroVelo 14 – Waters of Central Europe, as a whole and per country, highlighting the main points of interest along the route and indicating its level of development. It also includes links to external website providing detailed information, such as cycling-friendly accommodation and public transport connexion to reach EuroVelo 14 from all around Europe.
- www.EuroVelo.at/en/routes/EuroVelo-14 (Austrian section)
The Austrian EuroVelo website provides comprehensive information on EuroVelo 14 in Austria, including downloadable GPS tracks, as well as links to other helpful information and news. The website was created by Austria's cycling organisation Radlobby, the Austrian National EuroVelo Coordinator.
- www.EuroVelo.hu (Hungarian section)
This Hungarian EuroVelo website follows the same structure as the general EuroVelo website and will present EuroVelo 14 in Hungary in more details. It will provide descriptions of each route section and its main highlights, downloadable GPS tracks and links to helpful external websites. The website is being developed by Maketusz, the Hungarian Cycling Tourism Association, member of the Hungarian National EuroVelo Coordination Center consortium.
Author(s): Florence Grégoire, Ed Lancaster