Four hiking trails that are enchantingly beautiful even in winter!

- From Káptalantóti to Szentbékkálla, with a wonderful view of Lake Balaton

- The Gödöllő Blue Trail, in royal style

- The National Blue Trail between Mátraverebély and Mátraháza

- From Zobákpuszta to Óbánya, wandering through the southern part of the country

The sixth section of the National Blue Trail is a real treat for beginners and experienced hikers alike. With its varied terrain, significant elevation gains, and wonderful panoramic views of Lake Balaton, it will steal your heart. It is worth breaking up the total distance of 48.2 kilometers, for example, by walking only from Káptalantóti to Szentbékkálla. If we choose this section – although it will not be an easy task – the unparalleled view from Csobánc and the varied terrain will certainly leave a lasting impression.

We start from Káptalantóti, from the Horváth Kert buffet, and from there we head straight for the towering peak of Csobánc. After climbing the mountain, we get our stamp and take a breather. The rest will be well deserved! We leave Csobánc behind us on gentle roads and winding paths, passing curious cattle, and finally bypass the Hajagos basalt mine from the north. We continue our journey towards Mindszentkálla, but the blue trail does not enter the village; instead, it turns left towards the Theodora-Kékkő Nature Trail. This takes us to the stone sea of Szentbékkálla, but if that’s too much, let’s turn into Mindszentkálla, where there are some great places to visit!

One of the most popular restaurants in the area is Káli-kapocs, where the drinks menu includes excellent local wines, coffee, beers, and syrups. The ruin pub is full of antiques and treasures from the past century, and it’s worth taking a look around both inside and outside. It’s also worth returning here in the warmer months: the cozy pub organizes outdoor music evenings from spring until autumn.

The Piliscsaba Nature Lovers’ Association’s Blue Trail in Gödöllő – not to be confused with sections of the National Blue Trail – is a true classic in the hills: 19 kilometres, easily completed in a day, and, what’s particularly nice, it can be hiked in either direction. The route leads from the Gödöllő Arboretum to Baga (or vice versa), following the K markings all the way, through undulating forests, meadows, and mountain ridges. Although the signs are easy to follow, the Gödöllő Hills can be mysterious at times, so it can be a good idea to carry a paper map or an offline map app in your backpack.

If you arrive at the Gödöllő Arboretum from Bag, it is worth taking a detour to the nearby Gödöllő Royal Palace and its park. The Baroque palace, which was once a favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth, also known as Sisi, is still a popular destination today. The huge park is especially beautiful in early spring: violets bloom under the still bare trees, and signs of budding can already be seen along the tree-lined avenues. Guided tours are available in both the palace and the park. If you are visiting this place with children, it is worth finding out in advance about the family-friendly programs. The riding hall and stables can be viewed on a guided tour, and during the program called ‘An Experience Walk with Queen Elizabeth’, you can visit the residence as ”her majesty’s guest.” During the guided tour, you can learn secrets such as how heavy her coronation dress was, how long it took to style her hair, and what her relationship with Gyula Andrássy and Ferenc Deák was like. Whichever you choose, the Royal Palace of Gödöllő is an excellent way to end a long day of sightseeing.

Let’s start the twentieth section of the National Blue Trail between Mátraverebély and Mátraháza in Mátraszentistván! The route first stops in the village center, then continues to Mátraszentlászló. Here, we can start our hike with a little detour: following the yellow trail, we can reach the Vörös-kő lookout tower, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Mátra ridge. First, we walk along barren, grassy vegetation, then, upon reaching the Piszkés-tető observatory, we walk through pine and beech forests. Soon we reach Galya-tető, then one of the most exciting, renovated lookout towers in the country, with bivouac rooms and a panorama of Bükk Mountains, the High Tatras, and the rolling hills below us. ”From here, it’s all downhill,” we might rightly think. We descend towards Vércverés, then pass the Csór Hill and continue on to the Mátra Saddle. Soon we reach Mátraháza, where we can literally seal our fantastic day at the Mátra buffet.

The Pál Rockenbauer South Transdanubian Blue Trail leads through some of Hungary’s lesser-known landscapes, including the Mecsek hiking trail network. This 542-kilometer-long hiking trail is a must-see for every adventurer, not only because of its natural treasures and geological features, but also because of its gastronomic offerings. Let's start with the section between Zobákpuszta and Óbánya!

We start the 12-kilometer hike in a settlement that was significant during the coal mining era, then pass through fabulous alder groves in the forest. Our journey through the valley is accompanied by the Hidas stream, and it is worth taking our first break at the Csurgó spring. Soon we arrive at Cigány Hill, from where it is only a stone’s throw to the summit of Zengő. Here, the entire Kelet-Mecsek region lies at our feet. What a magnificent view! Soon we reach the streets of the idyllic little village of Kisújbánya. This is where the famous Óbányai Valley section of the Mecsek Blue Trail begins. Exciting rock formations, such as the Csepegő rock, limestone layers sloping to the side, or stream water frozen into ice, i.e., the Ferde waterfall, as well as unique travertine formations characterize the area. These are great photo spots, but they are also suitable locations for marriage proposals.

The romantic section is interrupted by a row of increasingly dense buildings as we approach Óbánya, and finally the Pisztrángos lakes signal our arrival! We can take a break at the end of the dead-end village, where we find 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 baked goods, the owners’ own organic jams, and local products.