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
