Hello Hikers! 👋
As a solemn closing of Summer 2024, we invite you to an emblematic, world-famous UNESCO heritage site of Hungary, the arch-abbey of Pannonhalma. 🏰
The Benedictine monastery is one of the oldest in the country, predating the founding of the Hungarian state. Besides its impressive architecture, Pannonhalma boasts a part of the most precious cultural heritage of the country, including some thousand-year-old documents, a monastic herb garden, and even the remains of the famous last crown prince 👑.
Pannonhalma is situated in the Northwestern part of Hungary, 130 km away from Budapest on the Sokoró hills, near Győr. 🗺️
The original name of the village was Saint Martin, as the first monastery, founded in 996 by Czech Benedictine monks, was named after this famous saint of the Catholic church. ⛪
Throughout the centuries, the fortified hilltop abbey saw multiple sieges but never ceased to be a beacon for Hungarian culture and religious studies. Among many other precious documents, Pannonhalma is also home to the first recorded, 1000 years old Uralic language text, the foundation letter of the Tihany abbey. 📜
Within the monastery area, we can also find a famous herb garden, an arboretum, plenty of famous classical monuments, and also one of the most prestigious high schools in Hungary.
Our 3-hour long hike will start from the southern slopes of the Pannonhalma hill and hike up really gently to the top across a charming mixed pine tree forest 🌲.
We will reach the monastery buildings through the arboretum, a fascinating collection of exotic trees.
After discovering the medieval basilica, library, and the other gems of the abbey complex, we’ll descend to the railway station using another spectacular forest path 🌄.
The train takes us to the nearest big town, Győr, where we’ll also spend some time either on the cobbled streets of the historic downtown or at the Danube riverside, depending on the weather.🌊
*The length of the hike:* 9 km, 120 meters ascend and descend
*Duration of the hike:* approx. 3.5 hours
*Difficulty:* This hike is really easy, doable for everyone 👍
Schedule:
Some pro arguments to definitely join this hike:
– You will discover one of the most famous monasteries of Central Europe ✨
– A unique collection of plant species in the arboretum – highly instagrammable 📸
– Scenic hilltop views and medieval architecture 🌅
– Relaxation at the spectacular riverwalk of Győr 🏞️
Last but not least, you can spend your day with lovely international people! 🌍😊
Please note that our participation fee includes only the travel and the monastery entry fee, but not your lunch 🍽️. It is up to you to choose what you want when we arrive in Győr!
Feel free to invite your friends, the more the merrier! 🎉
Looking forward to hiking with you,
The Budapest Hikers and BAIS team 🥾🏞️
Easy: < 10 km
Moderate: 10-20 km
Difficult: > 20 km
