Who is Blessed Eusebius (‘Boldog Özséb’) and why is it worth climbing to the lookout named after him?

There are several ways to reach Pilisszentkereszt by public transport, but for a moderate (or more moderate) ride uphill, it might be wiser to park near the cemetery, especially if you are hiking with small children. From here, head up the paved road, then turn right onto the forest road, following the lure of the woodland song of leaves.

At this point, Pilis immediately dazzles you with its beauty and tranquillity: there really is something about the forest that makes the stressful tension of everyday life instantly melt into a heart-warming peace of mind. It is certainly not only the energy of nature that plays a key role in this, but also the incipient upswing, which professionally lures our attention into the present.

Whether you are travelling with family or friends, be prepared: conversation can get heated at times during the first section of the trip. Fortunately, the steep section doesn’t last that long: after the first bend, which elicits the exclamation “what a beautiful view from here”, the gasping for breath can give way to daydreaming and exchange of views.

There is a part of the road where it is comfortable to feel like “we will just climb up on that rock over there, take a few photos and head back.” Although the climbing-photographing (or perhaps eating your first snack) is undoubtedly crucial to the hiking experience, it is definitely worth continuing uphill after a breather. On the one hand, because the atmospheric meandering path is really beautiful, and on the other hand, because the lookout mentioned in the title is not so far away.

After about 1-1.5 kilometres of further hiking, you arrive at a large clearing, guarded by a few lone trees with their canopies. After some looking around, you can’t help but notice the sign with the inscription “Blessed Eusebius Lookout”. There are one or two visible sections that can save you a few metres of the remaining road.

Near the lookout, you can also see the ruins of an abandoned missile base. Of course, the point is not this, but the tower, which can be climbed with some stairs. Blessed Eusebius, the eponym, was a canon of Esztergom. It is likely that when he founded the only Hungarian male monastic order in the 13th century, the Order of the Palatines, he never dreamed that a lookout tower would be named after him.

As you climb the last step, the view is truly breathtaking, made all the more special by the sense of freedom and a strange fusion with nature. Taking a photo is almost compulsory; even if your hairstyle has been slightly damaged by the wind blowing enthusiastically.

This is not so much of a paradox in the case of the Blessed Eusebius Lookout, as you inevitably go slower uphill than down. Still, it is surprising how quickly you can get back to your starting point in around 30-40 minutes on a moderate walk. Unless, of course, you stop along the way to have a look around, have a browse, or maybe have a bite to eat.

Speaking of snacks: there are no snack bars or other catering facilities on the route for the time being, so it is strongly recommended to bring some snacks and plenty of water with you! And, in good weather, you can even have a picnic!

Given the difficulty of the hike, you can set off in any season if you dress in layers; however, it may not be worth setting off in the coldest weather or in the blistering heat to conquer Blessed Eusebius. We should get some warmth on the way up, but there is a good chance of windy weather at the top of the lookout, so – as the extra layer will be fine on the way down anyway – an extra sweater will be useful for sure. Especially if you do not like cold, or if you want to rest for a few minutes in the grass or on a log.