86,250 kilometers, 25 vehicles, 50 adventurers and endless madness – this was the first HOLY CUBE RALLY!

Forrás: sajtóközlemény

“Life is too short to be negative.” – If we had to sum up the first HOLY CUBE RALLY in one sentence, this would be it. Eight days of swapping highways for Europe's wildest winding mountain roads, ordinary tourist activities for extraordinary art adventures, and boring hotel rooms for places that were sometimes downright surreal. An art-filled adventure on four wheels, for the pre-burnout and post-burnout crowd, testing the limits of the participants’ driving stamina, appetite for adventure and openness to art. Along the way, it turned into a crazy, petrol-fuelled El Camino of self-discovery and endurance.

After HELLO WOOD's first HOLY CUBE RALLY, one thing is clear: doing it once is not enough. The next round is already around the corner: HOLY CUBE RALLY II. is coming in May 2027, with an even wilder route, this time all the way to Istanbul.

In October 2026, HELLO WOOD took the idea of a road trip to a whole new level.

The first HOLY CUBE RALLY brought together 50 adventurers from four countries, setting off across Europe in 25 one-of-a-kind cars. The line-up alone could have filled an exhibition: five convertibles, vintage classics, rare rides with custom wheels, proper off-roaders, electric cars and brand-new 2026 models with zero kilometres on the clock all travelled together along some of the continent's most exciting roads. The rule was simple: NO HIGHWAY! Instead of highways, there were endless winding mountain roads, unfamiliar hairpin bends, hidden places and unexpected discoveries. Together, the teams covered 86,250 kilometers on Europe's lesser-known roads, reaching quite a few places their GPS would probably never have suggested.

Art here wasn't just a compulsory museum visit between two stops. The competitors set off into the unknown with their Holy Cube Rally Roadbook Bible, packed with experiences, and a Full Access pass opening special doors into the art world. The result was quite a list:

24 discovered artistic and architectural masterpieces, museums, modern installations and secret performances
2 Design Weeks, 1 Art Biennale, 6 unforgettable parties and countless spontaneous encounters
Nearly 100 new connections with contemporary artists through Artist Bingo
40 unique artworks created together, which found new owners along the way
At least 25 spontaneous acts of kindness to spread positive energy

Among the eight amazing surprise places to stay was a castle carved into a rocky peak, as well as a Motorworld hotel where you could fall asleep right in the middle of a car collection estimated to be worth €200 million. It's hard to imagine a more exciting underground garage. The more fearless souls even jumped into a mountain lake at just 10°C, right in front of the Matterhorn. Others joined an exclusive expedition to CERN in Switzerland, home to the world's largest particle accelerator complex, guided by scientists and researchers tipped for the Nobel Prize. The range of experiences really was that wide: from contemporary art all the way to particle physics.

The route also included four HELLO WOOD structures in three countries: Remise Rosa in Zurich – a 2,500-square-meter Swiss hipster community and food spot, a new cabin retreat at Cabin Fever in the Czech Republic, a volcano installation at the top of the basalt quarry in Zalahaláp, and the Rock Cabins – cabin accommodation near Lake Balaton. Of course, there were some unexpected twists and turns too, like a serious flat tire after midnight with Handras in the French Alps, or a brand-new HOLY CUBE RALLY logo tattooed onto someone's skin. Meanwhile, nods to Douglas Adams's cult classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy kept popping up along the way. After all, if the universe's most important piece of advice applied anywhere, it was here: "DON'T PANIC!"

At the finish line, 3 main prizes and 4 special awards were presented, with prizes worth a total of around €5,500. While the adventurers gained lifetime membership in the secret HOLY CUBE CULT, their tired four-wheeled companions got a complete inside-and-out cleaning to remove the dust of thousands of kilometers. But the shared stories, new friendships and free-spirited energy built up over those eight days won't leave the participants anytime soon. And just when we thought it couldn't go any further, HOLY CUBE RALLY II. is already carving a new route onto the map. Next stop: Istanbul!

HOLY CUBE RALLY II.

10 days, 10 countries, 3,500 kilometers

HOLY CUBE RALLY II. hits the road from 8-17 May 2027. This time, the Adriatic and Greek coasts, the lively atmosphere of Istanbul and the Balkans' most exciting cultural spots will set the scene. The field will start from Budapest and zigzag through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia, passing through places such as Mostar, Kotor and Ohrid on their way to Greece and then on to Istanbul in Turkey. The way back will lead through Bulgaria and Serbia, with exciting stops across the former Yugoslav region, including the Belgrade World Expo.

The second edition brings completely new sides of art into the mix. Contemporary street art, audiovisual artists, modern Islamic architecture and cultural influences, independent fashion designers, fashion, giant Brutalist concrete buildings, sustainable and DIY creations. It adds up to a visual and cultural kaleidoscope in which Istanbul's bustling streets and the monumental architecture of the Balkans sit perfectly side by side. Once again, the rally will seek out for the truly exciting places beyond the usual tourist routes. Hidden art spaces, unusual artists, iconic and lesser-known buildings, surprising encounters and experiences you'd never find on a typical sightseeing tour.

The lineup will be just as varied as before: creative professionals, business leaders, artists, groups of friends, couples, father-and-son duos and all kinds of curious, open-minded people. You don't need any racing experience, and it doesn't matter what car you arrive in. What matters far more is the curiosity to find out what's waiting around the next bend, and the courage to leave the beaten track. The NO HIGHWAY rule is staying, of course. And so are the art challenges, secret locations, unusual places to stay, unexpected encounters and that unmistakable HOLY CUBE RALLY spirit that you will still be talking about years from now.