Hungary’s biggest bicycle pump track is now open in Zamárdi, located between Margó Ede promenade, Kecskeméti Street, and Kiss Ernő Street, right by the shores of Lake Balaton. The facility was officially inaugurated on Wednesday by State Secretary for an Active Hungary Máriusz Révész.

Révész highlighted that the government had supported the construction of 186 pump tracks across the country. The Zamárdi track, built for around 67 million forints, stands out not only for its size but also for its quality. Featuring colour-coded sections for beginners, intermediate riders, and professionals, it offers a challenge for cyclists of all abilities. The venue could also host national championships and help extend the Balaton tourist season.

Citing a recent Eurobarometer survey, Révész noted that 59 per cent of Hungarians say they never engage in sports, compared to 12 per cent of Swedes, 8 per cent of Finns, and 25 per cent of Czechs. The goal, he said, is to make sport a fun and social experience, and pump tracks are a step toward that.

Local Fidesz MP Mihály Witzmann pointed out that from January to June this year, both overnight stays and visitor spending have risen compared to last year, which already marked a record tourism season after the pandemic. He stressed that a strong tourist season depends on attractions like the new pump track, as well as quality accommodations, hospitality, a pleasant environment, and engaging programmes, all of which Zamárdi can offer.

Mayor Gyula Csákovics described the facility as a win in the ‘war against gadgets’, explaining that enthusiasm among young people was so great that the track was opened a week and a half ahead of schedule. Since then, it has quickly become a popular meeting point. The project received 40 million forints in state funding, with the municipality contributing an additional 27 million forints from its own budget.

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