Kétkeréken Debrecenben

Seeking a spot where you can simultaneously enjoy the sights of a city, the tranquility of nature, a real bonanza of human wisdom stored in museums, and the excitement of bike tours? Debrecen is the place to go. Mount your two-wheel ride and explore Hungary’s second largest city. You will be able to find the peace you rightly long for after a seemingly endless sequence of weekdays or, if you’re in the mood, you can really kick back and have a whale of time. We do hope this booklet helps you design your very special itinerary to explore Debrecen on two wheels by using the bike trails already existing and the ones scheduled to come into service in 2014.

Debrecen is easily accessible

►BY ROAD
On Highways M3 and M35 as well as Routes 4, 33, 35, 47, 48, and 471
►BY RAIL
Hourly InterCity services from Budapest Nyugati Station ; InterCity services every two hours from international railway hub Budapest Keleti Station (further information: www.mav-start.hu)
►BY AIR
Regular Wizz Air flights from London and Eindhoven (further information: www.debrecenairport.com).

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Downtown ramble
Each tour sets out from an easily identifiable spot. Downtown Debrecen is an ideal place to start your exploration of the city. You can easily plot your itinerary from the convenient vantage point of the Big Church’s tower. Do you get down to business by checking out the museum quarter, or taking a leisurely stroll along the line of friendly cafés and terraces on Piac Street? The square and the adjacent pedestrian zone are chock-full of little gems, finding all of which might be a worthy task for even avid downtown treasure hunters. Try to locate the old “mud bridge” (marking the original street level), or take your selfie with (the statue of) literary great Lőrinc Szabó. Zero in on the inscription “Iron Yard” on one of the surrounding façades, which is evidence of the late glory of these former merchant buildings. In the meantime, you won’t have to worry about the safety of your ride as long as you’ve securely parked it at one of the bike racks available in the bicycle-friendly walking zone.

The sights described below are represented in and near Section 1 of the map.

Kossuth Square
Debrecen’ main square.The square features the iconic group of statues erected to commemorate Lajos Kossuth as well as the huge mosaic depicting the city’s coat of arms, made by placing together 180,000 pieces of Venetian glass. The extended walking zone that includes the square is the venue of countless cultural events such as the Turkey Days, Civic Promenade, and Flower Parade in summer. This is where the city’s Christmas tree is placed in the festive season and where the always boisterous New Year revelries take place.

Reformed Big Church of Debrecen
Debrecen’s symbol is the nation’s largest Reformed church and a building of major historic significance. It was here that Lajos Kossuth read out the Declaration of Independence on April 14, 1849. The wing chair used by the Regent-President on that glorious occasion is one of the church’s most precious relics. The site has been occupied by several other churches through the centuries. Today’s familiar Classicist form was developed after the great fire of 1802. You can enjoy magnificent views of the city from the top of the towers, or the steel bridge behind the tympanum. In addition to regular services, exhibits of religious history, organ concerts and other musical events are also on the schedule. The church has held the status of national monument since 2013. A major renovation effort is under way in 2014, so tourist accessibility is limited.

Reformed College of Debrecen
Having functioned continuously as an educational institution since its establishment in 1538, the college is the cradle of Hungarian civilization. It has been the alma mater of such greats of our culture as Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, Ferenc Kölcsey, or Zsigmond Móricz. Designated as a national monument in 2013, the college also features a museum that has permanent exhibits displaying the school’s history, student life, and the religious art of the Reformed Church in the Trans-Tisza Region. Bedecked with majestic murals, the building’s stairwell leads to the entrance of the gigantic library and the oratory that housed Hungary’s National Assembly in 1849.

High & Elementary Schools of the Reformed College of Debrecen
The august Neo-Romanesque edifice, sitting on the corner of Péterfia and Hunyadi Streets, once housed the Reformed Main High School. The building was designed by architect and university instructor Sámuel Petz. The actual construction was completed under the supervision of one of his students, Károly Nagy, in 1913. After a stint of housing the Teacher Training College of Debrecen from 1972 to 2013, the building is scheduled to retake its original occupants, Reformed High & Elementary, in 2014.

Memorial Garden
The garden occupies the leafy plot between the Big Church and the Reformed College. Funded by a generous donation of two Debrecen citizens at the end of the 19th century, it has been redesigned and landscaped recently. One of the main sights is the statue of István Bocskay Prince of Transylvania, who settled his “Hajdú” warriors in the vicinity of Debrecen. Another memorial commemorates the “galley slaves,” those 40 Protestant preachers who were captured and sentenced to hard labor on sea-going vessels registered in Naples during the anti-Reformist revolts, but miraculously survived. As a high point of his Debrecen visit in August 1991, Pope John Paul II laid a wreath on the base of the pillar to symbolize peace and reconciliation among Christian denominations. Another column marks the site of two national memorials, the Church and the College.

Lícium Tree
Sitting on the corner of Füvészkert and Múzeum Streets, this 200-year-old shrub is a botanical rarity and also of historical interest. Known in the old local vernacular as “devil’s-thread-bush,” it is neither grass nor tree species. Legend has it that a Reverend Bálint once had a heated debate with a certain Master Ambrosius on this very spot. Bálint was holding a “lícium” twig in his hand. Catholic Ambrosius argued that John Calvin’s theses would never develop into new religion. As he doubtfully put it, “They will become religion when this skinny ‘lícium’ turns into a tree.” “So let it grow to become a tree,” the Reverend retorted and stuck the twig firmly in the ground. Indeed, it had developed into a tree and its branches had woven a tangled web into the grille of the window of the parish house.

Déri Museum
The Déri Museum is one of Hungary’s foremost establishments of its kind. In addition to its exhibits of local cultural interest, it has become renowned for the huge collection of items, brought together by Frigyes Déri, which represents various aspects of universal human civilization. One of the museum’s main attractions is the awe-inspiring Christ Trilogy painted by Mihály Munkácsy. Guided tours to the monumental paintings, complete with spectacular light shows, will be an unforgettable experience. The temporary exhibit titled “ETHNO-SAFE: Selected Gems from György Déri’s Collection of Folk Art” will employ cutting-edge presentation techniques to show a representative cross section of traditional Hungarian culture of the Matyó, Kalotaszeg, Sárköz, and Kalocsa regions. Opens on March 15, 2014.

MODEM & Kölcsey Center
MODEM is one of Central Europe’s greatest museums of modern and contemporary art. Its top-notch exhibitions and fascinating events of fine art and the attendant fields have been open to the public since 2006. The same complex houses Kölcsey Center, which has a wide range of fascinating cultural events (stage performances, concerts, and exhibitions) on schedule all year round.

Roncs Bar
The bar opened in the spring of 2012 in the Csapó Street pedestrian zone. Since then, it has become one of the favorite haunts of the city’s youth. Sporting a unique design, it offers an ambient café atmosphere during daytime and club music at night. Bands representing the entire spectrum of the Hungarian music scene got up on stage every night to do their turns.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

Zelemér ruins bike tour
Debrecen - Józsa - Debrecen
Distance: 28 km; Road surface: blacktop or unsurfaced

The starting point of the tour is the Big Church in the city center. Follow the bike and pedestrian trails along Hunyadi János and Bethlen Streets, Egyetem Avenue, then Füredi and Böszörményi Streets. Pedal on in the direction of Józsa and Hajdúböszörmény. After crossing the city limits, keep straight on along the bike trail parallel to Route 35 until you reach Józsa. Follow the trail and cross the road to the right side (that of the shopping mall and the restaurant.) Go straight on along Main Street, then turn to Bocskai István Street, towards Alsójózsa at the traffic lights [47.598640, 21.576376;]. Keep straight on until you reach Csonkatorony Street, then take a left turn to follow the street [47.600260, 21.582148;]. Pedal on, turn right then left along the railway tracks [47.607812, 21.577878;]. Following the dirt road, you will soon cross the tracks. After a few minutes’ pedaling you will reach the Zelemér ruins [47.626355,21.577792], your destination. Follow the same trail in reverse back to Debrecen.

Ruins of the Zelemér Church
The structure stands as one of the oldest architectural relics in the countryside. Built in the Middle Ages, it was pillaged several times during the country’s Ottoman occupation. What remains is the 18-m-high worn-down shell of the tower (a bit taller than half of the original) and some of the foundations of the ancient building.

Styles and histories

Debrecen’s historic downtown and the adjoining district keep many surprises up their sleeve. Pedaling from Csokonai National Theater towards St. Anne Cathedral on Batthyány Street, you can place a token of your “padlocked love” at the Gate of Many Keys. Near City Hall, find the wall bedecked by reliefs to evoke memories of the story of Matt the Gooseherd.

The sights described below are represented in and near Section 8 of the map.

Old City Hall
Built in Classicist style, one of Debrecen’s most prominent architectural relics is the City Hall building. The city as well as the Hall played an important role in the events of the 1948/49 Revolution and War of Independence. It provided temporary home to Lajos Kossuth and his family as well as the office of the nation’s Defense Committee. The “chamber of the secret archives” was actually the hiding place of the Holy Crown of Hungary. Today, the edifice houses certain departments of the Mayor’s Office.

The palace of Debrecen’s first Savings Bank
Adhering to the prevalent vogue of the era, the palace was built in Art Nouveau style in 1912. Consequently, it is one of the most spectacular buildings on Piac Street. The façade is bedecked with reliefs depicting various industrial, commercial, and farming activities. The majestic old brass portal was crafted in a renowned workshop in Vienna, and the faience decoration of the interior walls was supplied by the Zsolnay factory based in Pécs.

County Hall
Debrecen County Hall is one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Hungary. Originally, the site was occupied by the city’s first inn, the White Horse. The façade is laid out in depth, which is accentuated by the ornamentation depicting garlands and four Hajdú warriors and crafted from the fine tin-glazed pottery of the Zsolnay factory. Atop the lantern stands the bronze statue of Chieftain Árpád and the center of the façade is bedecked with the coat of arms of Hajdú County. The most precious ornamental elements are the tinted-glass windows depicting the Chiefs of the seven conquering Magyar tribes.

Csokonai National Theater
One of the finest repertory theaters of the country has hosted some of the greatest figures of Hungarian thespian art among its ranks including Lujza Blaha, László Mensáros, Zoltán Latinovits, Hanna Honthy, Kálmán Latabár, and Géza Hofi. The façade of the Romantic-style building is decorated with statues of Melpomene and Terpsychore – the muses of tragedy and dance, respectively – as well as those of literary heroes such as Sándor Petőfi, Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, Mihály Vörösmarty, Ferenc Kölcsey, Ferenc Kazinczy, and Károly Kisfaludy.

St. Anne’s Cathedral
Built in Baroque and Louis Seize style, the church was elevated to cathedral rank by Pope John Paul II in 1993 as a result of the establishment of the Debrecen-Nyíregyháza Diocese. A certified replica of the Turin Shroud has been on display in the building since 2011. You can also visit an exhibit of religious history brought together from old artifacts.

Tímárház – Artisans’ House
This building still guards Debrecen’s glorious history of arts and crafts in its original location. The permanent display presenting the proud tradition of the city’s tanners (“tímár”) is complemented by temporary exhibits, workshops and handicraft classes.

Veres Church
Dubbed “veres” because of the color of the red bricks covering its façade, the church sits in the centre of a small square named after Reformed Bishop Péter Méliusz Juhász. The fourth Reformed church of Debrecen was funded by a generous donation of Chief Judge István Szombathy and his wife. It was built in 1887 in Neo-Gothic style. One of its unique features is the murals painted on dry walls inasmuch as this type of decoration is rare in churches of Reformed denominations.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club
Lake Vekeri bike tour
Distance: 23 km; Road surface: blacktop

The tour sets out from the Big Church in the city center. Passing the building of Reformed High & Elementary Schools, take the bike trail and leave the city behind in the direction of Mikepércs (Péterfia Street - Hunyadi J Street - Rákóczi Street - Burgundia Street - Klaipeda Street - Sumen Street - Wesselényi Street - Mikepércsi Road) along Route 47. Pedal on to the Hosszúpályi junction [47.485280, 21.633239;] then take a left turn towards that town. The minor road [47.453369, 21.685917;] will take you to Lake Vekeri [47.452716,21.684802;]. You can follow the same route back, or might take a short cut on Csapó Street towards the main square.

Lake Vekeri
The lake is in the heart of the leafy recreational area surrounding Debrecen, where nature and sport freaks will be happy to discover diverse wildlife, forest hiking trails, observation points, playgrounds, fishing and rowing facilities. The nearby flat and grassy area is ideal for picnicking, or camping as well as various other sports and recreational activities.

At the bottom of the gardens
A characteristic landmark called Hortobágy Mill sits in land formerly occupied by small plots (“kertség” = gardens), now the Vénkert residential area, just a few minutes’ ride from downtown. When you pedal past the building, be sure you have a quick look across the road at the Mester Street Reformed church, which was built in “Székely-Magyar” style.

The sights described below are represented in and near Section 2 of the map.

The Hortobágy Mill
This is the biggest remaining windmill in Central Europe and the most important relic of Debrecen’s industrial history. A lot of similar ventures were in operation in the city as recently as the second half of the 19th century. Their memory, however, only survives in the names of a few streets: Ötmalom, Egymalom, or Kétmalom (“malom” = mill). The one sitting on the corner of Böszörményi and Hortobágy Streets remains in relatively good shape. The building houses a four-star hotel today.

Füredi Street Reformed Church & Congregation House
One of Debrecen’s newest buildings functions as a Reformed church and parish house and shows pronounced features of organic architecture.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

Hortobágy bike tour
Debrecen - Balmazújváros - Kónya - Hortobágy – Debrecen
Distance: 83 km; Road surface: blacktop or unsurfaced

The starting point of this tour is the Reformed Big Church. The route first follows the bike trail (Kossuth Square - Füvészkert Street - Hunyadi János Street - Mester Street - Dózsa György Street - Füredi Road - Balmazújvárosi Road – up to the shopping mall). Later you take the exit stretch of Route 33 until you reach the minor Route 3316 to Balmazújváros [47.559123, 21.495738;]. You can have a well-deserved rest here, then push on (Debreceni Street - Veres Péter Street - Daru Csegei Street) towards Tiszacsege and Kónya ([47.651050, 21.294293;] left). Another minor road will take you across Kónya up to the boundary of Hortobágy. Take a right turn before you reach Route 33 [47.580897, 21.178765;]. The minor road will take you all the way to the railway station. Turn left and you will soon reach the Educational & Visitor Center (Borsósi Street - Kossuth Street). Several sights are worth having a look at here, and you might want to have a spot of lunch at the Hortobágy Big Inn.
Your return trip may follow the same route back, but you can also take a train. If you firmly trust your cycling skills, another alternative may be Route 33. The quality of the surface is generally acceptable, but you might expect some patches of bitumen or a pothole of two. The surface of the road to Kónya is not blacktop but concrete. If you would like to cover the bike trails within the boundaries of Hortobágy National Park, make sure that your trek machine is equipped with a telescopic fork. Don’t forget your helmet and high-visibility vest either.

Balmazújváros
Located in the immediate vicinity of Hortobágy National Park, Balmazújváros is rich in natural beauties and folk traditions. Handicrafts such as hatmaking, wickerwork, leatherwork, and thatching constitute the most cherished part of that heritage.

Hortobágy
The largest continuous grassland in Central Europe, Hortobágy is Hungary’s most popular tourist spot. Its endless horizon, unique wildlife, herds of livestock ever swelling in number, proud pastoralist traditions, and cultural riches have long been attracting both domestic and foreign visitors. Acknowledging its unrivalled status exemplifying a possible model of coexistence of nature and humankind, UNESCO designated Hortobágy National Park – the first in Hungary – a World Heritage Site in 1999.

All over the place
Your explorations won’t end in the city center. They will only switch focus in Debrecen’s very own green belt, the Big Forest. Trust your nose: The fresh scent of greenery will lead you along Bolyai Street in the direction of “Nagyerdő.” Should you be out of breath after the heavy exertions of pedaling, you can have a rest at the Reformed church. Why shouldn’t you use the spare minutes to familiarize yourself with the history of the building?

The sights described below are represented in and near Section 3 of the map.

Bolyai Street Reformed Church
Consecrated in the fall of 1975, the building on Bolyai Street is the present-day home of the Debrecen-Nagyerdő Reformed Congregation. After a major effort of reconstruction and refurbishment, it is now the scene of bustling community life. The hazelnut-wood cross in the churchyard, which was carved from the tree trunk originally occupying the site of the new unit, is a memento of the many hardships the congregation suffered in the 1970s.

Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Headquarters of the Regional Committee in Debrecen

Established in 1976, HAS Debrecen Committee (DAB) is one of the Academy’s five regional bodies. The Committee oversees the institute’s academic activities in Hajdú-Bihar, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, and Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok Counties. The HQ building gives home to scholarly conferences, meetings, lectures, and workshops.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

Tour to Kráter Lake
Debrecen - Ondód (- Nagyhegyes)
Distance: 41 km; Road surface: blacktop, gravel, or unsurfaced

The tour sets out from DU’s main building. Exploiting the main arteries of the city’s bike-trail system, pedal along the route of Bolyai Street - Böszörményi Road - Füredi Road - Csigekert Street - Bartók Béla Road - Kishegyesi Road towards Ondód. On leaving Ondód, keep going on the dirt roads of Kádárdűlő up to the small copse [47.540730, 21.400895; ] fringing Kráter Lake, which is an ideal spot to while away a couple of hours. Follow the same route back in reverse, or take a short cut on Egyetem Avenue towards the campus (Kishegyesi Road - Hatvan Street - Füvészkert Street - Hunyadi János Street - Bethlen Street).

DIRECTION: THE UNI

Established on the prestigious scholarly foundations of the Reformed College of Debrecen, the University of Debrecen has become a city within the city with its bustling student life. The internationally renowned institution attracts hosts of international students to the “civic city” from every corner of the globe. Even laypeople are welcome to take a whiff of this lively campus atmosphere at the manifold events taking place at the Main Lobby, or the cultural center affectionately dubbed Lovarda.

The sights described below are represented in and near Section 4 of the map.

Main Building of the University of Debrecen
UD is the nation’s largest university, which celebrated its centenary in 2012. The inscriptions on the walls of the cour d’honneur within the majestic main edifice, built in Eclectic and Neo-Baroque style, commemorate the school’s most renowned professors and former students. The spacious French-style park in front of the building is furnished with a spectacular fountain. Hungarian as well as international students interested in Magyar language and culture can cherry-pick from an intriguing list of Debrecen Summer School’s unique language courses and special-interest thematic programs.

University Church Building
This church, in the immediate vicinity of UD’s main building, was erected in 1940. Its design conforms to the stylistic criteria of Classicism, which dominated the Debrecen cityscape in those days. It stood empty for decades after World War II. After that, the university purchased the building from the Reformed Church to set up its computing center there. In the 1980s, it functioned as a printed-media and audio library. The Church retook possession of the property in 2006.

University Botanical Garden
Tucked away behind the main building of UD, the garden keeps 2,500 out of the world’s 3,000 known cactus species on display. One of the rarest specimens in the tropical collection is the nearly 100-year-old sago, a distant relative of the pine family. It is surrounded with such beauties as the various orchids as well as banana and vanilla plants. Of historical interest is the walnut tree that has apparently developed from a single nut imported from the home village of linguist and Tibet-scholar Sándor Kőrösi Csoma.

Scientific Adventure Center
The only one of its kind in Europe, this thematic center offers three floors’ worth of scientific and technological adventure. It features more than 40 interactive games, spectacular experiment demonstrations, and unorthodox classes to urge science buffs, techies and would-be innovators to think and make use of their innate curiosity and creativity. Stargazers will be delighted to test the limits of Eastern Hungary’s only digital planetarium as well as the observatory built at a height of 23 m. Opens in the summer of 2014.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

Hajdúság bike tour
Debrecen – Pallag
Distance: 17 km; Road surface: blacktop, gravel, or unsurfaced

Set out from downtown and follow the route determined by existing bicycle infrastructure (Füvészkert Street - Hunyadi János Street - Bethlen Street - Egyetem Avenue - Nagyerdei Circus) [47.553186, 21.623368;]. You will soon reach the Frog Pond. Pedal on along Ady Endre Avenue up to the main entrance to the Public Cemetery. At the rotary, take the second exit (right) [47.558689, 21.643496;]. At the end of the fence, where the blacktop comes to its end, turn right and follow the hiking trail marked with red [47.561035, 21.640921;]. This is a path much frequented by joggers, walkers as well as cyclists, so be very careful. Always give way to your fellow nature lovers who travel on foot. Follow a stretch of straight path (some 4 km) and turn right [47.588742, 21.641264;]. You will have to cross a ditch [47.589870, 21.644053;] and soon get to the boundary of Pallag (Mezőgazdász Street). The return trip might follow the same route or, if you prefer hard surface, the line of Pallagi Road (Pallagi Road - Simonyi Street - Péterfia Street).

János Balásházy Comprehensive & Vocational High School & Dormitory, University of Debrecen
The school and the dormitory are based in beautiful green surroundings at Pallag. It is named after a pioneer of Hungarian agrarian development, János Balásházy, publicist, social reformer, and an apostle of out-of-school diffusion of agricultural knowledge.

Debrecen Soccer Academy
Debrecen Soccer Academy opened its facilities at Pallag in 2013. Its main goals include scouting local talent, special programs of study tailored to the needs of specific age groups, and popularizing the beautiful game.

Forest in the City
All great cities can be identified by famous parks. In the case of Debrecen, this is called Nagyerdő Park Forest. Only a ten-minute ride from historic downtown, the park offers a haven of peace and serenity as well as countless entertainment options to nature lovers. The redesigned and rejuvenated Nagyerdő is ready to welcome visitors with a multi-functional sports arena, spa and Mediterranean pleasure baths, zoo, and theme park. The area also features a spectacular water park, amphitheater, scenic walkways, playgrounds, and many restaurants.

The sights described below are represented in and near Section 5 of the map.

The Statue of the “Pain of Trianon”
The statue symbolizes the mutilated body of Hungary forcibly partitioned by the Treaty of Trianon, which concluded WW I. Lord Rothermere commissioned Frenchman Emile Guillaume to erect the memorial to commemorate the much criticized Allied decision he considered unjust. The inscription beneath the anguished female torso reads “This statue symbolizes the pain of Hungary when she is weeping for her children abducted by the Treaty of Trianon.” The memorial was removed after World War II and it was not until 2001 that it got back to its original place.

Péter Méliusz Juhász Library
The state-of-the-art building located on the corner of Bem Square was named after Reformed Bishop Péter Méliusz Juhász, one of the most revered figures of the Hungarian Reformation movement. In addition to a full range of library services, the facility also serves as the venue of various cultural events, such as exhibits and literary recitals.

MTA Atomki
The Institute for Nuclear Research at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) was partly housed at the elegant buildings of the National Teachers’ Orphanage. It was in 1954 that the institute was detached from the Department of Experimental Physics at the then Lajos Kossuth University of Sciences. Among other things, Atomki is involved in research activities connected with various fields of particle and nuclear physics.

Aquaticum Spa & Health Center
The nation’s first conservation area, Nagyerdő gives home to Aquaticum Spa & Health Center. Indoor and outdoor thermal tubs, pleasure baths equipped with a whole range of fun features such as 12 water chutes, open-air swimming pool, wellness island, and as many as 40 treatment options based on the therapeutic properties of thermal water are all on offer to guarantee a full spa experience to visitors of all ages. The spa complex is complete with a four-star hotel and fine-dining restaurant.

Nagyerdő Entertainment Complex
The nation’s first facility of its kind beyond the capital, this complex is located under the canopy of Big Forest’s grand old trees. On display are some 1,400 specimens of 170 species indigenous to various habitats of five continents including rare exotic as well as ancient Hungarian ones.

Nagyerdei Stadium
The Big Forest is Debrecen’s most popular public area of recreation and entertainment. Among other things, it gives home to the new sports arena, which will also be the venue of concerts and various other cultural events. Boasting a seating capacity of 20,000 as well as unique architectural features, it will be Eastern Hungary’ most modern complex of its kind. Opens in May 2014.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

”Macsi-Balcsi” bike tour
Debrecen - Józsa - Nagymacs - Ondód – Debrecen
Distance: 40 km; Road surface: blacktop, gravel, or unsurfaced

The tour starts from UD’s (Nagyerdei) campus. Approach Józsa pedaling on the main bike trail along Route 35 (Dóczy József Street - Bolyai Street - Böszörményi Road). Turn left to Felsőjózsa as soon as you get to the settlement and head for Nagymacs (Sillye Gábor Street -Felsőjózsai Street - Elek Street) [47.594530, 21.579466;]. After leaving Józsa, take the dirt road leading all the way to Nagymacs [47.597685, 21.492176;]. The dirt road continues beyond Nagymacs (Látókép Street - Kastélykert Street) [47.579160, 21.484902;] [47.582301, 21.458831] up to its crossroads with the minor (Balmazújváros) Route 3316. Take a left turn here and after a few meters on the blacktop you will find the town’s spa on your right. After a well-earned rest, you may take the same route back to Debrecen [47.582301, 21.458831;], or push on to Ondód [47.542425, 21.437416;] along the dirt roads. From then on, it is the blacktop again back to Debrecen in the direction of the university (Kishegyesi Street - Hatvan Street - Füvészkert Street - Hunyadi János Street - Bethlen Street - Egyetem Avenue).

Sports, games, etc.
If you set out from the Big Church, you can bypass the city center by pedaling through a quiet residential area and reach Nagyerdő’s many recreational and sport facilities. An active day spent on the rides of Five-Acre Playground is all fun and laughter. Recharge your batteries by having a big dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

The sights described below are represented on and near Section 6 of the map.

Debrecen Sports Complex
The compound includes the Gábor Oláh Street Stadium, the Debrecen Indoor Swimming Pool, and the Imre Hódos Arena. They play a significant role in the nation’s sporting life of their own right as well as parts of a multifunctional recreation complex. Having organized an impressive roster of national as well as international tourneys, the compound has chalked up plenty of international accolade. The gates are wide open to pros as well as amateur sport and exercise freaks.

Five-Acre Wood Playground
Formerly known as Jubilee Playground, this is Debrecen’s largest and best-equipped facility of its kind, which conforms with EU safety regulations. The mighty oak trees on Oláh Gábor Street provide shade in the spring and summer. In the autumn, on the other hand, your little ones will be happily jumping around and collecting acorns in the ocean of colorful leaves. The area is fenced and complete with bicycle racks, restroom and drinking fountain.

Debrecen Indoor Swimming Pool
The opening ceremony of the facility in October 2006 was attended by five-time Olympic swimming champion, Krisztina Egerszegi. It is complete with Jacuzzi hot tubs, Finnish sauna and outdoor thermal pools. The unique feature of the Olympic-size pool is that it can be modified by installing a sliding wall, which also makes it suitable for short-course events.

Lovarda
Located on UD’s Kassai Street campus, the multi-functional building was converted in 1999 from a 19th-century hussar manége (lovarda). Now it serves as the university’s convention centre. Not only is it suitable for the purposes of student programs, but also of conferences, company events, balls, concerts, and festivals.

Főnix Hall
This indoor arena in the neighborhood of Nagyerdő on Kassai Street is the nation’s second largest facility of its kind. In addition to various domestic and international sporting events, it also gives home to major concerts and other shows.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

Panoráma bike tour
Debrecen- Panoráma út – Debrecen
Distance: 39 km; Road surface: blacktop

Set out from Főnix Hall on the route of Zákány Street - Sámsoni Road - Acsádi Road then head for Martinka. Leave Acsádi Road after milepost 6 [47.554185, 21.738725;] and turn right towards Martinka on Panoráma Road. A cyclist resting area is scheduled to open by the road next to the Panoráma Restaurant in 2014. Panoráma Road is a long strip of blacktop with light traffic meandering through the woodlands of Erdőspuszta. It passes the Fancsika ponds and the Erdőspuszta Exhibit House [47.487013, 21.718587;]. If you take a left turn at the end of the trail [47.462248, 21.674867;], you are on the final approach to Lake Vekeri [47.453369, 21.685917;], another popular tourist destination. The way back to Debrecen [47.462248, 21.674867;] leads along Route 47. After crossing the city limits, you can travel on the marked bike trail until you reach downtown (Mikepércsi Road - Wesselényi Road - Sumen Street - Klaipeda Street - Burgundia Street - Csapó Street). Your final stop is the Reformed Big Church.

Outing to Erdőspuszta
There is no other spot on earth where you can find places like “The-Bottom-of-Three-Hills”, “The Devil’s Trench,” or “Lake Macsi-Balcsi.” Debrecen is fringed by scenic woodlands that can be explored on foot, bicycle, horseback, or riding in the small cars drawn by the chugging locomotive of the more than 130-year-old narrow-gauge railway, affectionately dubbed “Zsuzsi.”

The sights described below are represented on and near Sections 7 and 9 of the map.

Erdőspuszták
The leafy semicircle of Debrecen’s Erdőspuszták surrounds the city at a distance of some 10 km to the east. Popular with nature lovers, this resting and recreation area features hiking trails, cycle paths, observation points, playgrounds, an exhibit house and arboretum as well as picnic, camping, and fishing facilities.

Erdőspuszta Exhibit House
The two permanent shows on display at the Bánk facility are titled “The Flora and Fauna of Erdőspuszta: Plants, Birds and Small Mammals” and “Life in Erdőspuszta.” The hiking trail behind the building also offers interesting close-ups of local wildlife. It also features an observation point and a hobbit-house-like hut beneath the spruces, the humble abode of poor folks inhabiting the woods in days past. A resting area specially designed for cyclists is scheduled to open near the house in 2014.

Zsuzsi Narrow-Gauge Railway
Commonly known as “Zsuzsi,” the railway line starts within Debrecen’s city limits. Its more than 130 years of service qualifies it as the oldest narrow-gauge railway in Hungary. Setting out from its station in Faraktár Street (as of May 2014, Ruyter Street) the locomotive chugs away across the area marked Section 7 on the map, then jounces along across scenic Erdőspuszta, the woody flatland surrounding the city. In addition to a unique traveling experience, the line’s other attraction is the magnificent surrounding countryside. Located in spectacular forest setting, the large space around the terminus features hiking trails, fishpond, observation points, playground, and picnic areas. Brand new wildlife conservation facilities, such as the House of Nature, or Forest School also serve educational purposes.

Koppány Valley Forest Adventure Park
This park features adventure trails for kids and adults, horseback riding, horse & carriage rides, ATV rides, woodland paintball ranges, archery, table tennis, soccer, barbecue & picnic areas for families, student groups, or parties of friends.

Ördögárok
Literally named “the devil’s trench,” this is one of the last remnants of the ancient entrenchment system which bordered the northern and eastern flanks of present-day Hungary. The bottom of the 2 to 3-m deep trench is lined with pointed wooden stakes, while the embankment is topped with hedge woven from branches. The earthwork was erected by Sarmatian tribes settling the Alföld region and later used by the Romans as a forward defense line.

Arbo Ranch
Lovers of equestrian sports will find a whole range of exhilarating programs here. The woodland of Erdőspuszták offers a romantic scene for a bit of horse-and-carriage driving drawn by pairs or teams of four. If you are more intrepid, you might risk a more adventuresome cross-country ride around the Mézeshegyi Ponds, which will get you up-close to the rich local wildlife.

Round Forest Adventure Park
This is a real wonderland featuring “fairy-tale pavilions,” playgrounds, adventure parks, handicraft house, 4D cinema, and “fairy-tale inn.” The scenic beauty of the area contributes to a relaxed experience to be shared by kids and their parents. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2014.

Itinerary recommended by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club

Erdőspuszta bike tour
Debrecen - Martinka (- Haláp) - Hármashegyalja Recreation Center (- Debrecen)
Distance: 42 km; Road surface: blacktop or unsurfaced

The starting point of this tour is the Big Church in the heart of downtown. Negotiating the narrow city streets and bike trails (Péterfia Street - Simonyi Road - Weszprémi Street - Hadházi Road - Zákány Street - Sámsoni Road - Acsádi Road), exit the city in the direction of Martinka. Follow the minor roads up to Martinka, then take the dirt road towards Nyírmártonfalva [47.567898, 21.779323;]. After a few kilometers, turn right, and take the bike trail leading south towards the Haláp Inn [47.571633, 21.840477;] (dirt road). After that, pedal on in the direction of the Hármashegyalja recreation area [47.558798, 21.8386513;]. The name comes from the sand dunes sculpted by the wind which were called “mountains” (hegy) by the locals. The highest elevation in the area (157 m) is occupied by an observation point. The same route can be followed back.

Tourist information services

It is child’s play to design a sightseeing tour today.
Should you still need support or advice from the pros, feel free to contact the staff of Tourinform.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city center, under the arches of Old City Hall, our office is the go-to place for any scrap of information you might need to make your Debrecen holiday experience complete, no matter if it is about a cozy hotel, fine restaurant, or fascinating evening program.
Please check us out online at www.iranydebrecen.hu or pay a personal visit to our office in the Old City House building at 20 Piac Street. Our staff will be happy to be of service to you.

Our services:

• Free tourist brochures & maps
• Special-interest information for cyclists (repair shops, bike rentals, spare parts, bicycle friendly accommodation)
• Money-off coupons
• Traditional & alternative sightseeing tours, tour guides
• Custom-made accommodation options & programs
• Tickets to concerts & other events
• Free Internet access (Wi-Fi)
• Gifts
• Bicycles for hire
• Essential repair & service pack

Web: www.gotodebrecen.com
Tel.: +36 52/412 250

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Bike service

Has your bike thrown its chain off? Do you have a burst tire? No worries! Located a ten-minute ride from downtown, by the bike trail on Füredi Street, Regina Cycle Shop has an excellent staff of mechanics as well as a whole range of spare parts.

Full-service repair shop:
- bike repair,
- in emergencies, on-the-spot repair services in Debrecen locations for tourists traveling by bike,
- organizing cycle tours in Debrecen and Hajdú-Bihar County,
- in the case of longer tours, arranging bike-friendly accommodation,
- thorough pre-tour examinations & overhaul of bikes,
- rental bikes for shorter family tours.

Regina Cycle Shop
Address: 4027 Debrecen, Füredi út 49-51
Tel.: +36 20/571-6305
Website: www.reginakerekpar.hu

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Bike-friendly accommodation

This three-star hotel is located in the very heart of Debrecen’s Big Forest in beautiful surroundings. There are several major sport facilities in the immediate vicinity. Families with young kids will be happy to explore Five-Acre Wood, Debrecen’ largest public playground, just across the street. The indoor water park of Aquaticum Pleasure Baths is only a stone’s throw from here.

Sport Hotel***
Cím: Oláh Gábor utca 5
Tel.: +36 52/514-444
Honlap: www.dbsporthotel.hu

Located near the junction of Diószegi Road and Panoráma Roads, Erdőspuszta Club Hotel**** and its scenic woodland environment provide the ideal setting for relaxation. Arbo Ranch, an additional unit of the hotel compound, features an animal park as well as facilities for horse-riding and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Erdőspuszta Club Hotel****
Cím: Debrecen, Diószegi út - Panoráma út junction
Tel: +36 52/747-454
Honlap: www.erdospuszta-clubhotel.hu

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Hungarian Cyclists’ Club (MK)

MK is a civil organization which was established in 2002. Its main objective is promoting and facilitating cycling in Hungary and establishing its infrastructural basis. The Club is an influential actor of the public domain which is actively involved in the development of government policy as well as the implementation of relevant regulation. Its lobbying power and sophisticated system of services make it an efficient body representing the Hungarian community of cyclists. MK’s mission is to establish the status of the bicycle as a means of transport of its own right and as the most popular sports and recreational equipment. The Club’s Debrecen chapter has been in operation since 2008. It has been involved in various projects with the objective of exploiting the city’s existing assets so that this means of transport can be of benefit to the local population. Its awareness-raising activities, special-interest events, and joint projects with local authorities all serve the single purpose of making Debrecen a more livable, friendly and, in turn, successful city.

Hungarian Cyclists’ Club has provided valuable assistance in compiling this publication.
Office of Hungarian Cyclists’ Club: 1133 Budapest, Kárpát u 48.
+36 1/315-0590, info@kerekparosklub.hu