Hungary has countless beautiful hiking trails waiting to be explored. Their difficulty levels vary from easy walks to more challenging hikes. We have gathered a few routes for you that are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.
The hike leading to the Szalajka Valley (Szalajka-völgy) starts from Szilvásvárad. This valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the North Hungarian Mountains. During the trip, you can discover attractions such as the 17-metre-high Fátyol Waterfall (Fátyol-vízesés), which is one of the largest natural waterfalls in Hungary. In addition, you can visit the picturesque Szikla Spring (Szikla-forrás) and the Istállós-kő Cave (Istállós-kői barlang) along the way. The route is easy, 5 km long, and takes about one hour to complete.
The educational trail leading to the Rám Ravine (Rám-szakadék) starts from Dömös, a small village in the Danube Bend. This is one of the most challenging hikes among the listed. It is not overly demanding, as it is not particularly long and does not involve significant elevation gain, but agility is required due to the many climbing sections. Do not worry, though: stairs and handrails make the hike easier and safer. The circular trail is 9 km long with an elevation gain of 270 metres, and it takes about 3–4 hours to complete.
One of the most beautiful hiking routes in the Mecsek Mountains starts from Éger Valley (Éger-völgy) and leads up to the top of Jakab Hill (Jakab-hegy), to Zsongor Rock (Zsongor-kő). From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of Cserkút, Kővágószőlős, and almost all of South Baranya. After that, the circular trail leading back to the valley also passes the Babás Rocks (Babás-szerkövek), the magical rock formations of the West Mecsek. The hike is 14 km long with an elevation gain of 430 metres, which means it can be completed in about 4–5 hours.
The hiking trail to the Megyer-hegy Tarn (Megyer-hegyi tengerszem) starts not far from Sárospatak. The tarn is the most unique natural formation in East Hungary. It used to be an old mine that nature has slowly reclaimed. This hike can be adapted in several ways, but it is approximately 5–6 km long with an elevation gain of 190 metres.
Located in the Kál Basin in the Balaton Uplands, the Theodora Educational Trail not only presents the most beautiful parts of the basin, but also provides plenty of information about its geological, biological, and hydrological values. The hike starts from the bottling plant of Kékkúti Ásványvíz Zrt., and after fifteen stations, the trail leads back to the same point. The route is 8 km long with negligible elevation gain.
To reach the highest peak of the Bakony Mountains, Kőris Mountain (Kőris-hegy), it is best to start from Bakonybél, the most charming village and tourist centre of the entire mountain range. The hike leads through the Gerence Valley (Gerence-völgy) up to the 709-metre-high Kőris. The trail is particularly demanding—almost 18 km long with 500 metres of climbing—but it is worth the effort, as you can walk along one of the most beautiful routes in the entire Bakony. By the way, it is also worth visiting Bakonybél in the spring to pick wild garlic, as it grows there in abundance, and organised group hikes are available if you prefer not to set out alone.
If you do not enjoy climbing steep hills during a hike, then visit the Hortobágy region. The educational trail starting from the Kaparó Csárda restaurant offers plenty of interesting sights. You can learn a lot about the history of the Great Hungarian Plain’s largest grassy steppe, as well as the wildlife that lives there. The hike is 10 km long and, of course, completely flat.
The National Blue Trail is the most popular of them all. Hiking Hungary’s longest continuous trail is a beautiful challenge. You can explore the Bükk Mountains, the Mátra Mountains, the Great Plain, the Balaton Uplands, and many other breathtaking paths across the country. The trail, divided into twenty-seven sections, can be completed by anyone at their own pace. The only thing to keep in mind is to collect stamps in your official booklet at the end of each hike.
