With autumn now upon us, it’s time to dust off the hiking boots and head out to discover the many nature trails around Budapest. Here are five suggestions, with tips for kids as well.

1/5

Bozótmíves

A lesser-known destination is the Bozótmíves (‘Bushcraft’) nature trail between Kerepes just outside Budapest and Gödöllő. Here, kids learn basic survival techniques, from building bivouacs to gathering up material to make a fire. A board even suggests cooking recipes using ingredients found in the woods. The eight-station trail has been created by the Hungarian Bushcraft Association, the Pilisi Park Forest authorities and local government. Visitors shouldn’t be put off by the notion of a survival trail – the route is barely three kilometres long, easy to navigate and without the sharp inclines of the surrounding Gödöllő slopes. Walking up from car park to Szár Hill, you first see a rest area and a monument dedicated to Tibor ‘Ales’ Makrai, founder of Hungarian bushcraft. The nature trail actually starts from here, following small wooden boards. When you reach the last sign, to return to the car park you can either use the same route back or take the parallel road lined with blue crosses.


Starting point: From Kerepes, towards Gödöllő, with the car park on the left


2/5

Fót-Somlyó

The starting point of this nature trail is the Fáy Wine-Press House, where influential Hungarian 18th-century writer-politician, András Fáy, retreated from city bustle. Prominent personalities of the day, statesman Ferenc Deák and poet Mihály Vörösmarty, also visited, the latter describing his drinking experiences there in the poem Fót Song. From the press house, which today functions as a restaurant, hikers can climb Somlyó Hill, following the blue butterfly signs, for a lovely view of the surroundings and church towers. Butterflies were an apt choice of design as there are plenty around here. Also along the nature trail, you can also learn how seashells made their way up there. Unfortunately, the trail is also a sorry example for children of how man destroys protected areas, as off-road motorcyclists and mountain bikers have their marks all over the hillsides. A slightly rockier path leads back down to the car park and Fay Press House 3.5 km away.


Starting point: Fót, Fáy Press House


3/5

Gubóvirág

This is the most recent of the nature trails to be created in the Duna-Ipoly National Park. These rocky dolomite meadows are home to many interesting species of animals and plants, which will slow down your hike, as children often stop for a while to marvel at a saw-footed grasshopper or a praying mantis. However, you shouldn’t go off the path, as you are walking in a highly protected area. The nature trail, which is only 870 metres long, can be accessed from the direction of Budaörs on the route indicated with red crosses or from Csillebérc following the yellow circles, then red crosses. Look out for other signs, too, the gubóvirág flower, which you can discover all year round, since after its spring blossom, it remains visible until the following spring. Various species of butterfly appear from spring until the end of October. The fourth stop of the trail serves as a lookout point, and in clear weather you can see the Elizabeth Lookout Tower and the white cliffs of nearby Sorrento. This area is also the habitat of one of the greatest Aesculapian snake species in Hungary, the Caspian whipsnake. Their protection is extremely important, as there are only three small areas in the Buda hills, where they can still be found.


Starting point: Csillebérc KFKI terminus of the 21 bus, then follow the red crosses, or from Budaörs


4/5

Gyada

The Gyada nature trail is a real favourite if you’re with toddlers or older children. From Budapest, it’s about 50 minutes by car to Katalinpuszta-Szendehely, the part of Nógrád County closest to the capital. There is a small promenade for smaller kids, with a mini trail, a boardwalk, bird-watching spots and forest games, but the older ones shouldn’t be bored either, the Gyada trail stretching six kilometres through oak forest, protected fields and swampy areas landscapes, led by the fictional figure of Dani the Ant. At this time of year, the meadows are dotted with purple autumn crocuses. The suspension bridge over the gorge is another favourite. For a longer hike, follow the blue signs here to reach the top of Naszály Hill 652 metres high. From the car park (HUF 900/day), a little train takes visitors to the entrance of the hiking centre, where there is also a forest shop and a playground currently under short-term renovation.


Starting point: Katalinpuszta Hiking Centre (near the car park or served by a little train)


5/5

Jági

The start and end points of this circular trail are the football pitch at Pilisszentiván and the Villa Negra bar overlooking it. Green lindens lead you from the quarry past Lake Jági to the statue of St George. You can learn about the history of Hárshegy sandstone, spot frogs and other creatures in the water, marvel the view of Hármashatár Hill and spy a special natural feature, Devil’s Tower, from the lookout point. There are also plenty of edible fruit along the way. Last year, the route of the nature trail was slightly modified to include the ruins of an old Celtic town, making the two-hour walk even more attractive. Before or after your stroll, it’s worth checking out the recently opened Pilis Len Visitor Centre on Bányász utca, named after the small, yellow flower which characterises the Pilis landscape. In the centre, children can also take part in a detective game. You can stop for pastries at nearby JÓkenyér, open all week, closing at 2pm Saturdays, noon on Sundays.


Starting point: Pilisszentiván football pitch

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