5 thrilling nature trails to explore the untamed beauty of Hungary — PHOTOS
The Hungarian landscape is a natural wonderland that offers breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this article, we have gathered 5 exciting nature trails in Hungary, each one providing a unique perspective on the country’s natural wonders.
1. Baradla Nature Trail
The Baradla Nature Trail is located in the Aggtelek National Park. The 8.1-kilometre-long trail, consisting of 21 stations, connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to the Baradla Cave (the most popular dripstone cave in Hungary). The hike takes about 3 hours. Walking along the trail, hikers can learn about the diverse, unique flora and fauna of the karst landscape.
2. Fényes Nature Trail in Tata
Known as the “Town of Waters”, Tata once had dozens of springs pouring out crystal clear water. Although these springs largely dried up in the 20th century, in 2001, water began to fill the marshy lands of the region again, and many of the springs have returned. Since 2006, the strict nature reserve has been listed as one of the most valuable wetlands in the world by the Ramsar Convention. The unique 1350-metre-long pile walkway was built in 2015. On this educational trail, numerous information boards help discover the unique fauna and flora of the wetland and the attractions of the region.
3. Gyada Nature Trail
Situated in Szendehely, it is one of Hungary’s most child-friendly, yet one of the most adventurous nature trails. The 13-station, 6-kilometre-long trail is easy to follow. It is a great hiking destination for families, with playgrounds, large meadows and rest stops. Interestingly, it is also home to one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the country.
4. “Búbos vöcsök” Nature Trail
The educational trail dedicated to the bird life of Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) is named after the great crested grebe (in Hungarian: búbos vöcsök). The 15-station trail is located on Kányavár Island. The trail is about 2 kilometres long, so families with young children can complete it easily. A unique wooden bridge leads to the island, which is part of the Balaton Uplands National Park. The island has two lookout towers, several resting places and a playground.
5. Canopy walkway in Makó
The canopy walkway in Makó takes hikers to a magical realm, where they can experience the world of the tree canopy up close. The walkway itself is at a height of ten metres, but it also features a lookout tower from which hikers can admire the panorama from a height of 18 metres. In addition, there can be found a suspension bridge, and people can also take a break in the shadows of a terrace. This place is also ideal for families with young children. A special feature of the lookout tower is that children (over 6 years old) can use a slide to slide down the tower.
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Source: anp.hu, kirandulastippek.hu, sokszinuvidek.24.hu, lombkoronasetany.hu
Búbos vöcsök is a nice daytrip from Héviz/Keszthely if you are on spa holiday and want to spend a day to see some nature. My active birdwatcher friend really loved that place.