🍷 Szekszárd Vineyards, Lakes, Monasteries, and a Village Fair!
👋 Hello Hikers!
This time, we invite you to a well-known yet rarely visited hidden gem of Hungary: the famous Szekszárd wine region!
📅 Date: Saturday, August 29
⏰ Meeting Time: 07:10 AM
📍 Meeting Location: Budapest-Kelenföld Train Station (upstairs, next to the escalator, 10 meters from Pékállomás on Etele tér)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CM4A5LUrt1VoBpad6
We’ll pass through its labyrinth-like carved paths along lush vineyards, old wine cellars, and fragrant hilltop forests, eventually descending to the scenic Lake Szálka to enjoy some beach sports.
Szekszárd is a charm-filled town of 30,000 residents in southwestern Hungary, world-famous for its local red wines, namely Kadarka and Bull’s Blood (Szekszárdi bikavér), which was allegedly praised even by Pope Pius IX!
The surrounding hills are covered with yellow loess—a peculiar, sand-like soil that is exceptionally easy to carve into for wine cellars. However, it also yields under the weight of vehicles, turning the entire road network into a romantic, winding maze.
On our hike, we will:
🏚️ Roam between the rustic, old buildings of local winemakers
🗼 Climb to the top of the hill area to a stylish lookout tower
🍷 Visit an authentic local wine cellar to sample the local harvest
🌲 Hike a few kilometers through lush forests
⛪ Descend to the hidden Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Grábóc
🎪 Reach Lake Szálka and its scenic beach resort to enjoy a decent lunch at the annual village fair for an authentic Hungarian rural experience!
🌟 Why You Should Join This Hike:
🏰 Visit one of the most scenic monasteries in Southern Hungary
🖼️ Take in breathtaking views of endless vineyards from the lookout tower
🥾 Get a taste of Hungary’s most famous trekking route: the Blue Trail
🏊 Take a refreshing dip in Lake Szálka
🍷 Discover an authentic village fair alongside a traditional local winery
🌍 Spend a memorable day with a warm, international group!
📏 Hike Details:
Distance: 23 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 350 m ascent & descent
Duration: Approx. 7 hours
Difficulty: Doable for everyone (proper trekking shoes are recommended!)
🎒 What to Bring:
💧 Plenty of water to stay hydrated
🍏 Snacks
🧢 Hat & sun protection
🦟 Mosquito repellent
⏱️ Schedule:
⏰ 07:10 – Meeting at Budapest-Kelenföld Train Station (upstairs, next to the escalator, 10 meters from Pékállomás on Etele tér)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CM4A5LUrt1VoBpad6
🚂 07:20 – 09:57 – Train travel to Szekszárd
🥾 10:00 – 11:30 – Hike to the lookout tower and the winery
🌲 12:00 – 16:00 – Forest hike and descent to the Monastery of Grábóc
🏖️ 16:30 – 18:00 – Beach time & village fair in Szálka (water sports, food, drinks, and relaxation)
🚶 18:20 – 19:10 – Walk to Mőcsény railway station
🚆 19:15 – 22:51 – Return train trip to Budapest
ℹ️ Please Note: The participation fee covers your travel and beach entrance fee only. Lunch is not included, so you can choose your own food spot at the fair in Szálka! 🍲
Our Hiking WhatsApp group:
https://linktr.ee/wemovebudapest_whatsapp
Can’t wait to see you all! 🤗🙌
Easy: < 10 km
Moderate: 10-20 km
Difficult: > 20 km
