Budapest might be an urban jungle, but it doesn’t take too much effort to make it out into surrounding nature. In early autumn, visitors to the Pilisi Park Forest can witness the roe deer who live among the trees, and during mating season lucky visitors can even see the bucks fighting for the hand – or hoof – of their sweetheart.

The four forests of the Pilisi Parkerdő attract nature lovers in the autumn, when roebucks begin their mating rituals – with a roar. Roe deer are a unique phenomenon in the autumnal forest. Different voices can be heard by roes who want to impress, deter rivals and protect their harem. The roar of the deer intensifies at dusk, and is most audible at twilight and dawn.

The roar is a sign of physical strength and vitality. When that’s not enough, they resort to fighting, and these clashes can also be heard during visits to the woods. Currently, tours to see and hear the deer roaring are offered by the following forestries within the Pilisi Parkerdő:

Budapest Forestry
• Tour dates: 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 28 September 
• Meeting: 5.30pm in the car park of Budakeszi Wildlife Park 
• Tour times: 6pm-8.30pm, tour length: 3-4km
• Fee (cash-only): Mon-Thur 1,500 HUF, under-14s 1,000 HUF; Fri-Sun 2,000 HUF/1,500 HUF
• Applications to both.zsuzsa@pprt.hu, no later than 10am on the day of weekday departures, and 10am Friday for weekends. Please include your phone number

Visegrád Forestry
• Tour date: 10 September
• Meeting: 5.30pm in Apátkút Valley, opposite the entrance of the Miklós Bertényi Herb Garden (Ördögmalom Forest Restaurant)
• Tour times: 6pm-8pm, tour length: 3km
• Fee (cash-only): 2,000 HUF, under-14s 1,000 HUF
• Applications to feher.adel@pprt.hu no later than 10am on the day of the tour. Please include your phone number

Valkó Forestry
• Tour dates: 10, 12, 15, 24 and 26 September  
• Meeting: 4.30pm Juharfai entrance (4pm, 24 & 26 Sept) GPS: 47.576896, 19.429145 (in front of the barrier)
• Tour times: 5pm-8pm (4.30pm-7.30pm, 24 & 26 Sept), tour length: 3-5km 
• Fee (in advance by bank transfer): 5,000 HUF, under-10s free 
• Applications to kelecsenyi.szilard@pprt.hu, no later than midnight before the next day's tour. Please include your phone number

Gödöllő Forestry
• Tour dates: 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24 September
• Meeting: 5.30pm at Galgamács Hunting Lodge 
• Tour times: 6pm-8pm, tour length: 3-4km 
• Fee: 5,000 HUF, under-14s 2,500 HUF
• Applications to magassy.erik@pprt.hu, no later than 10am on the day of tour. Please include your phone number  

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