Guruljon az Élet is a bike stop between Csopak and Balatonfüred, by Highway 71, right next to the Balaton Bike Ring, with everything that a weary traveller could need: freshly cooked dishes, original drinks, a small bike maintenance station and a splendid Balaton view. We found ourselves spending a couple of hours here without even noticing.
The story of Guruljon az Élet! started way before the opening because the current location of the bike stop had been a popular resting spot for drained drivers and bike riders for a long time. It seems almost inevitable that the bike rest stop was opened here five years ago. We rented some bikes near the beach in Csopak, and arrived here within 15 minutes, which was a long enough journey to make us feel like we deserve to stretch our legs.
With its simple, “no frills” design and its Woodstock-like, yet family friendly atmosphere, the place makes your nerves feel absolutely soothed immediately upon arrival: the hardships of the journey felt long gone within minutes spent in this unique mix of mystery and Balaton romance, which has turned Guruljon az Élet! into an iconic spot in the neighbourhood.
The bike stop is run by a couple, and this little spot is so close to their heart that they moved into the building of the former winepress house in which the kitchen is located. The smell of biker friendly, healthy, light but nutritious dishes constantly fills the air, and fruit cocktails, fröccses, homemade smoothies, lemonades and fruit juices are also on offer.
We started off with a cold fröccs with wine from the Petrányi Cellar in Csopak, and followed up with some pizza, which also reflected the rustic vibe of the place, looking more like the traditional Hungarian version called kenyérlángos, but we did not mind at all. We washed it down with some lavender cordial, a craft product of the equally legendary Tamás Winery. And the best thing is that we could enjoy the splendid Balaton view while gobbling up these delicious treats: from the deckchairs set up in the garden you can see all the way to Siófok and the Kerekedi bay. It takes a little longer than usual for the food to arrive, the only reason being that everything is prepared on the spot.
It is these small details that account for the popularity of the bike stop: locals and holidaymakers like to come here for birthday celebrations, children’s parties or just to meet up with a couple of friends. This is a prime Balaton spot for bikers as well because along with refreshments it also offers some basic bike repair services. Due to a limited human resource situation, you can only sort out the simplest servicing issues here, but you may be in luck and find a bike repair expert among the other guests. The only downside is that they close up shop in the evening so you have to go elsewhere for a bit of nightlife fun.
Guruljon az Élet! is a seasonal hang-out: open between 1 June and 1 September, visitors can immerse themselves in this unique atmosphere every day from 10:30 in the morning until 11 at night.
