3 hiking trails that are magically beautiful also in winter!

The sixth section of the National Blue Trail is a real treat for beginners and experienced hikers alike. With varied terrain, significant elevations, but with a magnificent panorama of Lake Balaton, it steals into our hearts. The total distance of 48.2 kilometres is worth splitting up, for example, by walking only from Káptalantóti to Szentbékkálla. If you choose this section – although it won’t be an easy climb – the unparalleled views of the Csobánc and the varied terrain will certainly be a lasting memory.

We will start from Káptalantóti, from the Horváth Garden buffet, and from here, we will head straight to the towering peak of Csobánc. Once we are up the mountain, let’s stamp and blow ourselves out. The rest will be well deserved! We will leave the Csobánc on gently sloping roads, winding paths, past astonished cattle, and finally bypass the Hajagos basalt quarry from the north. We will continue towards Mindszentkálla, but the blue lane sign does not enter the village, before it turns left towards the Theodora-Kékkő (Blue Stone) Educational Trail. This will take you to the sea of stones at Szentbékkálla, but if that’s not enough, let’s go to Mindszentkálla, as here you can find great accommodation.

The Bohemian House Project is a fun, colourful, clownish guesthouse full of treasures the owners have collected on their travels. The eclectic interior features one bedroom, but the owners are constantly upgrading, remodelling and expanding. The cottage is particularly cosy in the colder months – it is a cosy retreat after a long march. If you still have some energy left, it is worth visiting the nearby Kőróka (‘Stone Fox’) Winery – by appointment – and filling up on a few bottles of their wines.

Let’s start the twentieth section of the National Blue Trail between Mátraverebély and Mátraháza in an unusual way – let’s rest in advance! In fact, the accommodation in Mátraszentistván is unique. The Montem Guesthouse is not just a fabulous place to sleep, it is more than that; it is an attitude-forming place to visit, a magical location that has been brought to life with a holistic and environmentally conscious approach. As owner Tibor Nagykovácsy puts it:

The building is unique already in its appearance; it is a reflection of the stylistic features of its surroundings. It both blends into the landscape and complements this wonderful area. It has an alternative energy supply and unique, environmentally friendly solutions that we can draw inspiration from. For example, the toilets are flushed with rainwater and the building is buried in the ground, which heats in winter and cools in summer. The interior is also worth a visit; the 7-room building is full of unique furnishings, but there is also a sauna and an outdoor tub. The communal space is made even cosier by the living room equipped with a fireplace, which is connected to the culinary adventure area where Montem guests can taste the results of intuitive cooking for pleasure every day.

 After a hearty breakfast, we can set off on our 14-kilometre section. The route first enters the village centre and then continues to Mátraszentlászló. Here you can even start your walk with a detour: along the yellow lane, you can reach the Vöröskő lookout, from where you have a magnificent panorama of the Mátra Mountains. First we walk along barren, grassy vegetation, then through pine and beech woods as you reach the observatory at Piszkés-tető. From here, soon we reach Galya-tető, then one of the country’s most exciting, recently renovated lookouts, with bivouac facilities inside and panoramic views of the Bükk, the High Tatras and the rolling hills below. “It’s all downhill from here”, we might rightly think. We will descend towards Vércverés, then pass Csór Hill and continue along the Mátra saddle. Soon we will reach Mátraháza, where we can literally stamp a fantastic day at the Mátra buffet.

The Pál Rockenbauer South Transdanubian Blue Trail takes you through Hungary’s lesser-known landscapes, including also the Mecsek hiking trail network. This hiking trail, more than 560 kilometres long, is a must-see for every adventurer, not least for its natural treasures, geological curiosities and gastronomic delights. Let’s start with the section between Zobákpuszta and Óbánya!

The almost 12-kilometre hike starts at a former coal-mining settlement, then continues through fabulous glades of alder groves and into the forest. Our journey through the valley is accompanied by the Hidas Stream, and our first stop is at the Csurgó Spring. Soon we arrive at the Cigány Hill, from where it is only a stone’s throw to the peak of Zengő. Here, the entire East Mecsek region is at our feet. It is a magnificent sight! Soon we reach the streets of the idyllic little village of Kisújbánya. When you reach the village, stop at Klumpás Farm for a rest. Then begins the famous section of the Mecsek Blue Tour, the Óbánya Valley. The area is characterised by exciting rock formations (Csepegő (‘Dripping’) Rock), streams flowing down sideways over limestone layers (Ferde Waterfalls) and unique calcareous tufa formations. They make great photo themes, but they can also be places to propose.

The wild and scenic section is interrupted by a row of increasingly dense buildings as you approach Óbánya, and finally the Pisztrángos (Trout) Lakes signals that you have arrived! At the dead end, you can stop for a rest at the Pisztrángos Guesthouse. The accommodation can comfortably accommodate up to six people. Be sure to ask for a hearty breakfast the next day, with homemade pastries, organic jams made by the owners and local produce.