In the air day and night: 5 exciting canopy trails for weekend trips

The special nature trail on the shores of Lake Fertő is memorable not only because visitors can walk 8-10 metres above the ground through the tree canopy. While the birds chirp, you can stop at the high points of the promenade to enjoy the unique view of Lake Fertő and its surroundings. Walking along the Fertőrákos Canopy Trail is not only a pleasant experience, but also a source of interesting and useful information: the trail’s signposts will help you learn more about the area’s flora and fauna and provide you with detailed information about the species native to the area around the lake.

The secrets of the Bakony forests are not only to be discovered at ground level, as hikers can get a glimpse of the natural wonders hidden in the heights via a special nature trail between Bakonybél and Odvaskő. Near the entrance to the Odvaskő cave, a winding trail in the high altitude offers the chance to observe animals that often hide in the foliage, such as spotted owls, squirrels and birds that rarely venture down from the safety of the canopy. The excursion can be completed by exploring the nature trail near the cave, which reveals the geological features of the karst region.

The arboretum in Kápolna, Veszprém County, offers a magical view from the ground level: one of the oldest tree collections in Hungary, you can wander among native and rare species, and harmoniously arranged gardens invite you to take a nature walk. However, the experience can be enhanced by a canopy trail through the trees, which is what makes this place really special. But it is not only the natural scenery that is impressive. The arboretum is also a paradise for plant lovers, with special species such as fern pine, Japanese maple and silver tree, and the underground violet that can be found in the undergrowth. Walking through the canopy of the trees, you can also meet some special animals: from the squirrels and ribbons of grass that are native to the region to the spiny ladybird and the rare blue butterfly. The information panels will help you learn more about the plants and animals you discover on your trip.

What would it be like to climb the slopes of the Mátra? The Mátrafüred – Sástó canopy trail offers exactly this special experience to hikers, where you can roam among the towering trees of the mountain range, while the scenery below offers a breathtaking panorama. What makes the trail really special is its proximity to the Sástó. After the walk, it is worth visiting the lake, where the surface of the water in the middle of the beautiful landscape reflects the silhouette of the Mátra’s high peaks. After a refreshing swim or a pleasant boat ride, it is recommended to return to the canopy trail, where the sunset gives hikers a whole new perspective on the forest.

A visit to the nature trail in the Zselic Landscape Protection Area can be an extra experience for those interested in astronomy. The trail takes hikers all the way to the treetops, where they can get to know the typical inhabitants of the Zselic landscape by roaming high up. But what makes this place really unique? The answer is simple: the sky. In the Zselic Star Park, located next to the trail, you can admire the night sky with minimal light pollution. That’s why it is a good idea to organise your trip so that you still have energy for a nature walk after dark. As the sun dips below the horizon, the canopy trail turns into a real astronomical lookout, from where you can see many constellations.