Another major tourism development has been launched in Baranya County: construction has begun on a bike path in the Ős-Dráva region that will connect Drávacsehi to the EuroVelo 13 international bike route network. Under the TOP_PLUSZ-6.1.3-21-BA1-2022-00010, titled “Development of a Tourist Bicycle Path in the Drávacsehi Region,” is being implemented with nearly 438 million forints in non-repayable European Union funding.
This project is much more than just the construction of a new bike path. Its goal is to make one of the Ormánság region’s most unique natural areas even more accessible to domestic and international cycling tourists, while opening up new development opportunities for the region’s communities.
The new route will run along the left bank of the Régi Fekete-víz, from where a connecting section will lead to the center of Drávacsehi. Thanks to this development, the town will gain a direct connection to the EuroVelo 13 international cycling route network, one of Europe’s best-known long-distance cycling routes. This means that the town along the Drava River will be directly placed on the map of international cycling tourism.
As part of the project, not only will the route be built, but a modern rest area for cyclists will also be created. Bicycle racks, a bike repair station, and information signs will assist tourists visiting the area, helping the town become a true stopover and rest point along the EuroVelo route.
The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Drávacsehi in a consortium with the Municipality of Tésenfa and the Baranya County Government Office. The work site has already been handed over, so the project has entered the construction phase; according to plans, cyclists will be able to use the new route as early as the first half of 2027.
This development fits well with the regional investments that have strengthened the tourism offerings along the Drava River in recent years. Active tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors across Europe, and cycling tourists typically spend several days in a given region, utilizing local accommodations, restaurants, and services. As a result, the investment not only improves transportation infrastructure but also creates direct economic opportunities for businesses in the region.
With its unique natural attractions, peaceful rural setting, and ever-expanding range of tourist services, the Drávacsehi and Ős-Dráva region is an ideal destination for visitors seeking active recreation. The new bike path makes all of this much more accessible, while Baranya County takes another important step toward sustainable tourism and the development of the rural economy.
Source: Pályázat.gov.hu – Cycling infrastructure development begins in the Ős-Dráva region; Database of Funded Projects – TOP_PLUSZ-6.1.3-21-BA1-2022-00010 – Development of a tourist bike path in the Drávacsehi region; BAMA – A new cycling route is being built in Baranya County with a budget of nearly half a billion. (Grant Portal)
