Sleep under the stars! – Super bivouac accommodations

An article from Turista Magazine.

What's the article about?

• A Börzsöny Classic
• Comfort in Gerecse
• 21st-century perspectives
• Dobos Well
• The highest bivouac accommodation

In our selection, the Hugó villa in Börzsöny is perhaps the place that comes closest to the classic concept of bivouacking. Although the hollow hidden in the side of the Kámor ridge was also shaped by human hands, it is still essentially a natural rock ledge that provides excellent, wind-protected shelter for hikers sleeping outdoors.
 

The stone parapet of the Hugó villa, which covers a few square meters and was once protected by a wooden fence, is said to have served as a hiding place for Pista Sisa, the last bandit in the area, when he was on the run from the law. This bivouac accommodation, accessible via an unmarked road, is still an excellent choice today for those who want to retreat to a secluded, quiet place. Whether you are sleeping or cooking on a camping stove, the flat stone floor of the rock shelter provides campers with comfort in many ways, not to mention that you won’t get muddy here, even by accident. The appeal of the location is enhanced by the magnificent panorama, which reveals the gently rolling hills of the Cserhát Mountains to the east and, on a clear day, the distant peaks of the Mátra Mountains.

Our hiking tip: Hike through the enchanted forest of Kámor.

When hiking in Gerecse, there are few places to get water in the forest. During an overnight trip, this can be a decisive factor when choosing a campsite, as water is essential not only for hydration but also for cooking, and it provides extra comfort for personal hygiene. We can carry several liters with us – or lower our comfort standards – but all this is unnecessary when we have the crystal-clear spring of Király-kút (King’s Well) at our disposal. Király-kúti-rét (King’s Well Meadow), located just one and a half kilometers from Héreg, can be reached via the red tourist trail, where you will find not only a plentiful spring but also an excellent camping site. The spring rises in the lower part of a gentle, flower-filled meadow hidden in the middle of the forest, while higher up there is a rest area with benches, tables, and a fire pit, next to which stands a huge, triangular rain shelter.

Our hiking tip: In search of red marble and ancient crocodiles.

There is a region in our country which, in addition to its scenic diversity, also boasts a number of excellent (natural and man-made) bivouac sites. In the Visegrád Mountains, there are several criteria for choosing between different locations for sleeping bags, but one place stands out above the rest, offering unparalleled panoramic views and meeting all modern expectations. The Prédikálószék (‘Pulpit’) lookout tower not only offers tourists the stunning beauty of the Danube Bend – with comfortable sleeping facilities for campers – but also free Wi-Fi. The three-story wooden observation tower offers fantastic views at night of the Börzsöny Mountains opposite and the Danube, illuminated by the lights of the city. Getting to Prédikálószék is an experience in itself, as the roads leading there pass through the most spectacular parts of the mountain range, such as the red triangle trail, which touches the Vadálló Rocks, from where the view is also magnificent.

Our hiking tip: From volcanic rock to Danube gravel.

Deep in the largest contiguous forest block of Cserhát, next to a cool, babbling spring, we find two interesting buildings. The well-equipped and cozy campsite was built by the residents of Nógrádsipek for hikers who want to spend a night in nature. This campsite, which offers exceptional comfort in a forest setting, is unique in many ways in Hungary. Visitors can enjoy a well-equipped water source and fire pit, as well as benches and tables. One of the structures is a rain shelter, whose side walls are also formed by the roof. Here, we can make ourselves a bed by spreading out our sleeping bags on the ground. The other building is an even better equipped bivouac: under its shingle-covered gabled roof, we find a long table and wooden benches, but it hides much more than that. The cabinets contain all the equipment we could possibly need for barbecuing. The cauldron stand, grill rack, skewers, and chopped firewood all serve this purpose. The small attic of the building provides sleeping space with mattresses and sleeping bags for 4-6 people (in accordance with the puritanical conditions). There is a window that can be opened at the end of the attic. The friendly atmosphere of the evening is enhanced by the kerosene lamp. Of course, the usual rules apply to the Dobos Well bivouac: leave everything in at least as good condition as you found it.

Let’s take away any waste we generate during our stay and make sure the source remains clean.

Our hiking tip: Circular hike from Hollókő to Dobogó Peak.

In September 2015, Hungary’s highest lookout tower, the renovated Galya Lookout Tower on Péter hegyese (Peter’s Hill), was opened, with three bivouac shelters built on its roof. The atmosphere of the reinforced concrete cells is enlivened by colorful windows and round metal doors, giving the interior spaces a Hobbit village feel. However, don’t be fooled by the puritanical design, because although there are no soft beds or heated bathrooms awaiting guests, there is lighting, electricity, and Wi-Fi, which is considered a luxurious treat in a bivouac accommodation. The approximately 30-meter-high lookout tower operated by the Galyatető Tourist Center welcomes visitors all year round, with a maximum capacity of five people per cabin. You can find information about prices here.

Our hiking tip: Circular tour in the Galya region, on the edge of the Mátra ridge.

The article was published in the June 2018 issue of Turista Magazin (Tourist Magazine).

Explore the country with the Hungarian Hiking Association!

If you’d like to learn more about Hungary’s natural and cultural treasures, visit the Turista Magazin website published by the Hungarian Hiking Association for tips and ideas, or download the Természetjáró app with maps, which recommends the best hiking, biking, and water tours across the country.

Photos: Hungarian Hiking Association (Turista Magazine) / Péter Lánczi (photos 1–2)
Photos: Hungarian Hiking Association (Turista Magazine) / Attila Gulyás (cover photo, photos 3–4)
Photos: Hungarian Hiking Association (Turista Magazine) / Gergő Kaszás (Photo 5)
Photos: Hungarian Hiking Association (Turista Magazine) / Áron Dömsödi (Photos 6-7)
Photos: Hungarian Hiking Association (Turista Magazine) / Márk Tassy (Photos 8-9)