Hiking boots on! – Our favourite autumn Blue Trail routes

Since the 1930’s, the National Blue Trail has been Hungary’s longest marked (continuous) hiking trail, offering scenic hiking spots in every season. Some sections of it are so popular that National Geographic named them one of the world’s top 25 recommended destinations in 2020. The tourist route runs from west to east, through the northern landscapes of the country, through 1172.3 kilometres and 27 sections. Although you can set off on the Blue Trail at any time of the year, we have selected some routes that are particularly worth exploring in autumn.

The first section of the legendary Blue Trail is also unforgettable for its diversity: panoramic alpine views, spring waters in valleys, small villages, secluded castles, arboretums and old churches await exploration. The trail, which starts from the western border of the country, should be completed in several days, but if you would prefer a one-day nature walk, you can choose the first section of only 16 km. The section from the city of Kőszeg to Írott-kő, the highest peak in Transdanubia, covers the most important sights of the Kőszeg Mountains. For example, you can admire the Calvary Church, surrounded by vineyards and just a few metres from the Austrian border, and the panoramic view of Kőszeg; you can taste the water of the Seven Springs, named after the conquering leaders, at the foot of the red and yellow hills, or while admiring the colours of the autumn forest, you can visit a small forestry museum, the so-called Styrian houses. If you prefer a multi-day tour, in addition to the mountain scenery, descending from the heights, you can also explore the landscapes of the Little Plain all the way to the city of Sárvár, on the banks of the River Rába. You can also relax after your long pilgrimage in the spa of the city.

The scenery of Lake Balaton is not only worth visiting in the summer, as the Balaton highlands are in one of their most beautiful phases in autumn. It is worth enjoying a glass of fine wine and taking in the beauty of the landscape, with many excellent wineries and vineyards in the area. The fifth section of the Blue Trail, between Tapolca and Badacsonytördemic, is one of the most fascinating geological areas of the country: huge witness hills, basalt organs and a wine culture that has come to life on volcanic soil. On this short, yet exciting route through vineyards and lush forest paths, we can explore the basalt columns of the Saint George Hill, then admire the Castle of Szigliget on the cone of the volcanic mountain that was once an island on Lake Balaton, and enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Balaton with a good wine at the end of the tour in Badacsony.

The long section of the Blue Trail from Becske to Mátraverebély takes hikers through the most spectacular part of the Cserhát region. A special feature of the route is the combination of rolling, forested hillsides and small, quiet villages reminiscent of the past. At the first stop of the trail, at the modest ruins of the Szanda Castle, you can admire the characteristic wooded and pastoral slopes of the Cserhát region and the small villages hiding among them from above. Before conquering the Szanda Hill, a detour to the northern outskirts of Becske will reveal a small Buddhist shrine, a stupa. Then, descending from the Szanda Hill, it’s like a strange journey through time: the landscape of the Cserhát has preserved the traces of the old times, and only in places you can run into newly built holiday homes. You can also explore one of the country’s most beautiful World Heritage Sites, Hollókő. During the hike, there are also other specialities to be discovered, such as the new ‘Kéz’ lookout tower, recently built between Hollókő and Felsőtold on the south-eastern side of Szár Hill, or the hermit caves of Mátraverebély-Szentkút, which were probably created by enlarging existing natural caves by hermits who wanted to escape from the world.