Why?

Who knows what difficulties you will encounter – like the lack of civilized toilets or no fast food restaurants ? – YOU NEED TO GET PREPARED! Yes, even if it’s just a 3-hour long comfortable walk in the forest.

What to do?

Here, we collected the most important items you need to think of before you make the decision to get active and just go hiking. All you need to do is print it, and tick off the things you have already taken care of. We saved you the trouble of creating a checklist, and you will make us happy if you use it. So, I guess it’s a win-win situation.

Notice: This checklist is very basic and contains only the absolutely necessary things. If you are planning on going to a more-day hike or a 15-hour walk in the rainforest, you might need to upgrade the list (or write to us, and we’ll do that for you).

Click here to download the printable version of the Hiking Checklist.

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Thankfully hiking is an activity that basically everybody can do. It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, boy or girl, or what your background is – nature welcomes you with open arms. You can hike alone if you’re not feeling up for company, or you can bring some friends and family along. Hiking can also be a networking event, if you’re interested in meeting new people, join us at Budapest Hikers!

The wilderness

It feels incredible to break the rhythm of our everyday life by bringing some color into it. Nature’s color palette includes the calming colors, such as green, blue, brown, which can have a positive effect on our mind – and we all know that everything starts with the mind. Relaxing, de-stressing, uplifting (and we could bring more -ing adjectives) – that is all nature. Chances are you will also meet other hikers, and forest animals, that you can geek out about.

Get active

Let’s burn some fat! Hiking allows you to get rid of those extra calories that came with the morning doughnut (that you probably shouldn’t have eaten anyway). Walking is natural – most of us have known how to walk since the age of 2 (and I highlight, MOST of us). Why not give a basic activity meaning, so that we can take care of our body?

The weather

Let’s suppose, it’s sunny outside, and you – by some unexplainable chance – are free. Hooray, go hiking! The sun will recharge your batteries, nature will put you in a relaxed and open-minded state, so I don’t see why you shouldn’t leave the house right away. Here’s something more difficult: Let’s suppose, you want to go hiking but it’s raining. No worries! Have you ever tried hiking in the rain?! Yes, it’s wet. Yes, you might catch a cold. Yes, it’s not as nice as a walk on a sunny day. But if you don’t go, you might just miss the opportunity to have an adventure of a lifetime. At least once in our lives, we MUST try hiking in the rain.

What happens after?

Yes! I did it! – That’s what happens after (in the short version). Pride and satisfaction will guide you through the rest of the day/week and you will be able to face the problems (which will not look like problems after all) much easier. The next time, it will be easier as well, so don’t just sit around for a miracle to happen, join Budapest Hikers!

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Nude hiking

Yes, you read that right. Nude hiking is an activity preferred by actually a lot of people from all around the world. Considering that it also has an unofficial annual celebration (June 21 – Unofficial Naked Hiking Day) I’d say it’s a very popular form of exploring the forests and the national parks. If you want to have a fun day, leave your clothes at home, and hit the road (or hiking trail), but please, avoid children! I guarantee, that this will be the day you won’t ever forget (probably because someone will call the cops on you).

Llama hiking

Basically, llama hiking means nothing more than being accompanied by a llama while hiking. Llamas are quite friendly and make a good hiking buddy. They are very good listeners and won’t disagree with you on any matter. If you’re bored with your dog, just buy a llama to hike with – it will definitely add some new colors to your life. Also a great way to get the children out of the house – parents say that children are more willing to go hiking when a llama is involved as well.

Glacier hiking

I mean, why not?! What’s the fun in the good ol’ forest anymore? Let’s just start pushing the limits and experience something truly awesome. Glacier hiking is a very serious business though – you need to have special knowledge and buy some fancy equipment if you want to engage in this kind of activity. From one day to the next you won’t become a glacier hiker. Plus, you probably won’t become a glacier hiker master in Hungary either.

Mental hiking

That is something everyone can do. The absolute barrier-free, non-discriminating way of hiking happens in your own head. It all depends on you, how, where, when and with whom you hike. So, take the imagination-train to Neverland and explore the wilderness with all its elements! You won’t get any fitter from it though.

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Line markers generally indicate routes starting from important points, such as railway, tram, boat and bus stations and stops, leading to other equally important points, and marking hiking trails through mountain ranges.

• The blue line sign marks the nationally significant roads leading through at least one mountain and several landscapes (e.g. National Blue Tour, Kohász Blue, Bükki Blue, Börzsönyi Blue, Balaton Blue).
• The red line sign indicates paths passing through at least one mountain (e.g. Central Transdanubian Red, Southern Transdanubia Red Tour, Rákóczi Tunnel).
• Yellow and green line signs are used to indicate mountain hiking trails (e.g. the Jubilee Circle Tour, the Mecsek Mountains Green Trail).

Cross sign indicates a crossover or connecting (or shortening) path that usually leads from a road marked with a line sign to another road with the same sign (e.g., Márianosztra – Nagyirtás – Kisirtás P+). This type of sign may be used also to mark a route leading from a route with a line sign to a specific destination point (e.g. station or stop), such as Kóspallag – Szokolya, kisvasút or K+.

Square sign is used to indicate routes starting from line-signed routes to accommodation facilities, or residential areas and vice versa (e.g. Nagybörzsöny – Nagy-hideg-hegy K□). This kind of sign also may indicate a road starting from a line-signed route to an important destination point, such as a station or a stop (e.g. Bükk-tető, S – Nagybarca S□). If the route is shorter than 2 km, it should be indicated with text as well.

A circle sign indicates routes of maximum 2 km, leading to springs (wells, or other places where drinking water can be found). This sign usually starts from roads with a different sign of the same color (e.g. Mátrafüred, Kalló valley – Rákóczi spring PO).

Triangular signs indicate the paths to the tops, peaks of a mountain (lookout tower). If the route is longer than 2 km, this must be marked with text as well. This sign usually starts off from a different sign (eg Dömös, Szentfa Chapel – Hedgehog Stones – Preaching Chair – Király-fountain PΔ).

L-shaped signs lead to ruins, monuments, and indicate a route shorter than 2 km. This sign usually leads from roads with a different sign of the same color (e.g. in Drégelyvár PL or Bükkszentlászló – Nagy-Sánc SL).

Omega signs indicate short paths (not longer than 2 km) leading to caves. The sign usually starts from routes with a different sign of the same color (Nagymaros, Szent-Mihály-hegy S – Remete-hegy. SΩ).

The circular arrow sign indicates shorter trails, routes returning to a specific starting point (e.g. parking place) without a change of sign (e.g. around the Dobogókő P and K signals).

Colors

The above-mentioned signs can have 4 different colors: blue, red, yellow and green. They indicate the importance of a route in that order.

Unofficial signs

“M” sign marks the Mária road, a religious path leading from Mariazell to Csíksomlyó.

“T” sign marks nature trails with educational purposes.

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Shoes. For half of the society, it can be a crucial issue in their everyday life. Shoe-shopping can make us addictive and some people are defining their happiness through purchasing a pair of shoes. When it comes to hiking shoes, it is rare to hear that someone owns 750 pairs – as it is the case for Christina Aguilera if we take the total number of her shoes- but there are things that need to be told regarding hiking boots. Their vital role is to keep your feet feeling great until the very end of your hike. Those feet that get you to your destination and then bring you home. Let’s spend a few minutes on how to choose the perfect pair of hiking shoes what will be a crucial step towards planning your perfect hike trip.

I learned why good hiking shoes are important the hard way. When my Dad introduced me to hiking, he insisted on getting the appropriate shoes for it. But my first impression was that he only wanted to satisfy his obsession towards sports superstores. I was very wrong; wearing my running shoes for the event caused me a semi-twisted ankle, I had to complete the hike in my wet shoes and the very same footwear that are perfect for my runs failed me, and seemed to not even fit my feet.

So what have I learned?

There are some basic rules that I suggest to follow when you are in need of a good pair of hiking boots.

Firstly, the support that the hiking shoes give you is hugely relevant. It is simple, the higher it gets the more support your ankle will get from twisting and bending.

Secondly, pay attention to the material the shoe is made of. Buy a water- resistant pair for rainy conditions or if you are planning to cross through streams. However, for warm weather you might want to consider a more breathable material. Softer and lighter boots are the most comfortable, but maybe last for a shorter period of time.

The last but probably the most significant factor is how the boots fit. This probably sounds self-explanatory; there are a few tricks that are useful to know, though. The shoes must not let your heels rise up as you step and at the same time your toes need to have some wiggle room so that they won’t hit the front as you go down hills. When you’re purchasing new hiking shoes it is better to do it at the end of the day since feet swell throughout the day, but with this technique you surely will get the true size.

When you are looking for the perfect hiking shoes, it is worth to look beyond your needs, budget and particular style. A pair you spot might seem cute, but remember to check out the supporting ability, material and how well they fit, as well, before you purchase!

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What are the best hiking places?

There are many beautiful hiking locations surrounding Budapest, many even within a short commute using public transport. Just an hour outside the city via bus are the stunning Pillis mountains which offer many trails to choose from varying in difficulty from easy to a little more challenging depending on your own levels of fitness.

Our personal favourite hiking trail in the Pilis mountains contain a spectacular view of the Danube Bend, one of the most beautiful views within the Budapest borders.

Only 90 minutes outside of Budapest on the train is Börzsöny which contains Nagy Hideg-hegy (Big Cold Mountain) which is the second highest peak in Hungary! Hiking in Börzsöny is a little tougher than the Pilis mountains but the views are worth it and the trails are very well organised and signposted. Hiking in Budapest is not just for the summer either! The experience of hiking up a mountain in December with a sprinkling of snow for festive cheer or a misty fog to add atmosphere can be some of the most beautiful and inspiring hikes you’ll ever do.

How to get there?

Thankfully, there are many different ways that you can get to these locations and you can choose whichever method best suits you. There is a fantastic public transport network in Budapest which will quickly, and easily get you from one place to the other.

If public transport isn’t your thing then there are plenty of car rental businesses in the city and you can have a much more private hike with just yourself, friends or loved ones.

Finally, if like us you’re a bit of a social butterfly you could join us at one of our hikes or camps and experience the beauty of Budapest and Hungary alongside an International community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re not yet persuaded, below are a few pictures taken from previous events.

If you’re now sold on the idea of Hiking in Budapest and want to join a Budapest Hikers event we’ve been helpful and placed a link to an upcoming event just to the right. We would love to meet you, so come and say hello!

We organise many events such as monthly hikes, each one discovering a new trail with new challenges and views. We also organise camps with a focus on hikes and other outdoor activities where you get to spend more time getting to know us and the community.

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What could be better than a whole date spent with just you and your Bae <3, surrounded by the beauty of nature and fresh air that you only get away from the noisy, car filled city. Take advantage of the many romantic situations mother nature provides such as keeping each other warm whilst enjoying the breathtaking views atop a windy mountain or taking a deep breath and going for that all important first kiss in front of a majestic waterfall.

1. Beauty

When hiking outside in the grace of nature, everything seems to be more beautiful. Even this guy below would have a chance of doing well on a date surrounded by so much green!

2. Lots to talk about

There are always plenty of conversation topics thanks to the inspirational environment of hiking. Even if you have nothing to say for a short while, you have the excuse of enjoying the view or catching your breath after a tough climb.

3. Common aim

Hiking brings people together. It is a well known fact that fighting adversity together is a great way to form emotional bonds, just think Bonnie & Clyde and you get the idea! Believe us, half way through a climb you’ll band together and fight for each other to make it to the top.

4. Selfies & Pictures

The forest is the best spot to take amazing selfies and pictures. Take advantage of the beautiful, adventurous backgrounds, smiling faces and good moods to boost the number of likes on your latest profile picture. No longer will you need to rely on Instagram filters to make your pictures look good!

We all know that the basis of a modern relationship is the quality of selfies they are taking together. We assure you, the forest can help to handle this matter. Don’t believe us, check out this guy:

5. Romantic moments

So, I bet you’re sold on how romantic hiking can be but we’re not finished yet! After a hike you’re both bound to be a little tired from your adventures and if you’ve still not made a move, there is no better opportunity to get closer than on the journey home. Your partner might cuddle up to you or fall asleep on your shoulder and you can relax all the way home.

Now that you know the secret to the perfect date, pack a picnic, chill some wine and finally ask her/him to join you for one of the best dates you’ll both have.

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