Leisure
Explore the Country – 3+1 Hiking Spots that are Most Magical in Autumn
In autumn, the landscape across the country dons a colorful coat, and Hungary's hiking spots are just waiting for you to escape the noisy hustle of the city. Grab a thick sweater and hiking boots; our student union has compiled a few tips so you don’t have to spend time searching!
1. Szarvas Arboretum
The Szarvas Arboretum, also known as Pepi Garden, is situated along one of the oxbow lakes of the Hármas-Körös River and is now considered one of Hungary's largest and most significant living tree collections. It houses century-old swamp cypresses and giant sequoias across approximately 82 hectares. There are five tree collections here: Pepi Garden, the Core Plantation and Nursery, the Park Forest, the Mitrowssky Garden, and the Kitchen Garden. Don’t worry about rainy weather; you can visit Count Pepi’s Magic Farm, explore the beauties of the Greenhouse, or try the escape game in the Garden of Secrets as an alternative program.
2. Szalajka Valley
If you live in Eger or Budapest, you’ve likely heard of the Szalajka Valley, located at the foot of the Bükk Mountains. The valley is home to natural wonders such as the Fátyol Waterfall, the Szalajka Spring, and the Istállós-kő Cave. Make sure to visit the Szalajka Waterfall, as it is not only a highlight of the valley but also one of Hungary’s most beautiful and well-known natural phenomena. For an extra adventure, hop on the forest train, which connects the Sawmill Station at the entrance of the valley with the Gloriette Clearing. Interestingly, wild brown trout have long lived in the Szalajka Stream, and you can try them smoked or grilled as a local specialty.
3. Boldogkő Castle
The irregularly shaped, inner-towered medieval castle awaits visitors above the village of Boldogkőváralja on the edge of the Hernád Valley. Choose this destination not only for the breathtaking view, the beauty of the landscape, and the relatively good condition of the castle but also for the interactive programs, knight demonstrations, and exhibitions held there. Speaking of exhibitions, Boldogkő Castle is home to one of Central Europe’s largest lead soldier collections. Walking down to the village center, you can also visit the Péchy–Zichy Mansion, the third largest manor in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County (after those in Edelény and Füzérradvány).
+1 Dobogókő
If you don’t feel like traveling far, Dobogókő, located about 25 kilometers from Budapest, is a true jewel in the heart of the Danube Bend. It takes its name from the highest peak of the volcanic Visegrád Mountains (and thus the Danube Bend), Dobogó-kő. From the lookouts here, you can enjoy one of the country’s (if not the most beautiful) panoramas. The area is one of Hungary’s most well-connected regions with hiking trails and one of the most popular domestic hiking spots. Dobogókő is traversed by the National Blue Trail, the Maria Route, and the Hungarian Pilgrimage Route, and from here, you can easily reach the Rám Gorge, the Zsivány Rocks, and even the Prédikálószék.
If you’re recharged and ready to return to the daily grind,
