Backpacking across the country: multi-day hiking trails using public transport and tents

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Szalay Ibolya

Királyréti tanösvény Regéci vár Füzér vára Káli-kapocs Mesélő kövek a Káli-medencében Tapolcai-tavasbarlang Abaligeti-barlang és Denevérmúzeum

There comes a point when we get tired of the fact that nature walks always involve compromises: you need a car, you need accommodation, you need to arrive on time for everything. That's why we were now interested in how to move around more freely, with just a tent in our backpack and only as many fixed points on the map as are absolutely necessary. In Hungary, this is surprisingly easy to do: public transportation is dense, there are well-marked hiking trails and regions where sections that can be covered in a day can be combined into a multi-day trip. In this selection, we present four hiking trails that are easily accessible by public transport, can be completed on foot, and where sleeping in a tent is not an exotic idea but a realistic option.

What the article is about:

Multiple days of hiking trips without a car
Camping routes in Hungary
Realistic daily distances
Enjoying nature with minimal compromises

Börzsöny: From Nagybörzsöny to Királyrét

One of the great advantages of Börzsöny is that it is both romantic and easily accessible, even by public transport. Szob is easily accessible by train from Budapest, from where you can take a bus to Nagybörzsöny. This will be the starting point of our hike. From here, the hiking trails can be divided into daily sections of 15-20 kilometres, which provides an ideal pace for a multi-day hike. Along the way, we will visit classic Börzsöny spots such as Csóványos, the Királyrét area, the light railway line, and forest springs, which provide natural rest stops along the hike.

In Börzsöny, forest roads and narrow paths alternate, and the differences in elevation are noticeable but not cruel. Wild camping here is only possible discreetly, at the edge of the forest, arriving late and leaving early – that is how we do it too.

This route is ideal for advanced beginners: those who have already done one-day hikes but have not yet slept in a tent for several days.

Zemplén Mountains: Regéc – Füzér – Hollóháza

Getting to Zemplén does not require any special logistical feats: we arrive in Sátoraljaújhely by train from Miskolc, from where we continue by bus to the starting point of the tour. The Regéc–Füzér–Hollóháza route can be covered at a comfortable pace in three days, leaving plenty of time for stops and to absorb the experiences offered by the environment. Two iconic castles, Regéc and Füzér, are also on the way, and are well worth a visit.

The mountains in Zemplén are not high, but they surround you characteristically, the forests are deep, and the evening silence is so soothing that it is difficult to imagine when living in the city. There are designated places suitable for bivouacking along several tourist trails, but it is particularly important to observe nature conservation rules here.

This section is more suitable for advanced hikers who are not afraid of longer forest sections and sparse infrastructure. On this section of the trail, mental endurance is at least as important as physical endurance.

Balaton Uplands: Tapolca – Káli Basin – Zánka

The easiest way to reach the Balaton Uplands is by train: travel from Budapest to Tapolca, from where you can continue on foot. The daily distances range from 12 to 18 kilometres, which is ideal for not only walking but also sightseeing, admiring the slopes of the Káli Basin, the striking lines of the monadnocks, and the constantly changing panorama. This tour is an aesthetic experience.

It is perfect for beginners or those trying multi-day hiking for the first time, as the daily distances are shorter and there are many places to stop. You can camp in authorized campsites or in the courtyards of guest-houses.

Mecsek: Pécs – Orfű – Abaliget

We arrive in Mecsek from Budapest by direct train to Pécs, which is an ideal starting point for a multi-day hike. From here, the route to Orfű and Abaliget can be covered in 2-3 days at a comfortable pace. The Orfű area and the Abaliget Cave are spectacular destinations that offer a meaningful way to spend your time.

The Mecsek is ideal terrain for those embarking on their "first multi-day" hike: it is characterized by gentle slopes, many springs, well-marked trails, and campsites.

Public transportation for hikers, without stress

Choosing public transport for hiking may seem troublesome at first, but it is actually liberating. There is no need to return to the starting point, no car logistics, and no parking problems. We always plan for the hike to go from point A to point B, with a bus or railway station at both ends. It is worth thinking flexibly: if a section is longer than planned, there are often ways to get home from a nearby village. It is a good idea to check the timetables carefully before you set off. If you plan this way, you have a good chance of enjoying the hike, which is exactly the goal.