Hiking
Fekete (Black) Hill Rented Chalet – Esztergom
The predecessor of the hikers’ rest house on Fekete (Black) Hill in the Pilis Hills was built in 1933. Its official name is Fekete Hill Rented Chalet, but it is also called József Berda Rented Chalet in honour of the Hungarian Attila József Prize-winning poet who was fond of this place. The name “Sasfészek” (Eagle’s Nest) can often be seen on hikers’ maps, which is certainly due to the undisturbed environment and the fascinating panorama opening from the terrace of the house. Severe, prolonged battles took place near here during World War II and the building suffered serious damage. It was rebuilt after the war. The main organiser of the renovation was the president of the Dorog Ramblers’ Association, József Hír. Besides the support of the Dorog Coal Mining Co., he and a number of volunteers carried out the reconstruction and development in several stages, and by the beginning of the 1950s the building had gained its new form. During the reconstruction the builders took the necessary construction materials by horse and cart, and often on their backs.
Prédikálószék (Pulpit) Lookout – Dömös
Dömös is justifiably popular among hikers. Besides the Rám Precipice many people visit the specific rock formations of Vadálló Rocks and Prédikálószék (Pulpit). Prédikálószék is a huge andesite rock of volcanic origin. With its height of more than 600 metres it is the highest member of the hills in the vicinity of Visegrád. On the summit there is a small clearing with benches and tables, as well as a wooden cross and a lookout of a very special shape. The panorama of the whole Danube Bend gradually opens from the three widening terraces of the wooden edifice as you ascend. The near side of the Danube bends below you. You can see Visegrád with the Solomon Tower and Fellegvár (Citadel) on this bank of the river, while on the other side the summits of the Börzsöny Hills including Szent Mihály (St. Michael) Hill, Csóványos and Nagy-Hideg Hill are visible. On each level of the lookout hand-painted, individual information boards pay tribute to Hungarian kings who played a significant role in the region.
Vadálló Rocks – Dömös
The vicinity of Dömös is a paradise for hikers. Besides the Rám Precipice, Prédikálószék (Pulpit) is justifiably popular and on its side there are the Vadálló Rocks with their extremely specific forms. Their names themselves are expressive: Nagytuskó (Large Stump), Széles-torony (Broad Tower), Bunkó (Butt), Függőkő (Hanging Rock), Felkiáltó jel (Exclamation Mark) and Árpád trónja (Árpád’s Throne). There was strong volcanic activity in this region several million years ago. The volcano rising here ejected lava of hard material and fine dust. They mixed, stratified and merged. In time the volcano exploded and erosion began working on its remains. Frost, rain and snow, as well as the movement of soil slowly sent the break-away pieces of rocks towards the Valley of the Szőke (Blond) Spring. Meanwhile the still visible rock formations developed on the crest. They comprise harder stones, which resist the weather better. The summit of the Vadálló Rocks has a unique character, offering changing and different vistas from each cliff.
Hirsch Summit – Pilismarót
Hirsch Summit is one of the lesser known lookouts in the Visegrád Hills. It lies at the edge of a remote crest of Alsó-Ecset Hill. The relative absence of hikers is due to it being far from villages along a lengthy hikers’ route, which does not branch off anywhere. The path that bends towards the north is extremely steep, so it is not easy to walk along and is extremely slippery. Thus hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended. Tired hikers are welcomed by a rest place in the woods on a rock formation. Next to it there is a stone obelisk, which was erected to mark the thousand-year existence of Hungary and “in honour of István Hirsch, forest councillor”. A large-scale panorama experienced by only a few people opens from the lookout point. The broad Malom (Mill) Valley lies underneath and takes your glance to the right as far as Dobogókő. There it leads to the deep valley of Disznós Graben, while the water surface of the Danube sometimes glitters in the opposite direction. Szakó Hill and Hosszú Hill face you, and the slanting ridge of Szent Mihály Hill is also visible.
Walk around Tata’s Öreg-tó (Old Lake)
Get to know the formation and natural treasures of Hungary’s oldest artificial lake. A pleasant walk will provide you with an excellent opportunity to discover these animate and inanimate wonders. You will be awarded with a wonderful view of the townscape over the majestically stretching water surface.
Length: 7 km
Duration: 2–2.5 hrs
Gerecse 50 Performance Tour
Organized annually on the third Saturday of April, Gerecse 50 (30, 20 and 10 km) hiking performance tour is Hungary’s most popular event of its kind, attracting by far the most participants of all such events. Start / Finish: Tatabánya, Jubileum (Jubilee) Park.
Nature walk in Slovakia
In Slovakia, you will find untouched nature that you cannot find anywhere else in Europe. However, thanks to the dense network of marked hiking trails, you cannot get lost. You are sure to find a route that suits you, depending on whether you want to hike in deep valleys, next to gushing waterfalls, or if you want to reach one of the Tatra peaks by following the majestic mountain ridge, or if you want to take an easy walk on one of the nature trails.