Wings Over Vértes: Hike to Tata’s Castle

Wings Over Vértes: Autumn Hike from Turul’s Watch to Tata’s Castle

 

Hello Hikers!

As we are approaching the misty time of autumn, let’s gather again for a mighty hike in the exceptional mountains of Vértes (area of Tatabánya) to explore the story of the 15-meter-high Turul bird sitting over the city of Tatabánya for over a century. The pathway takes us from Tatabánya to Tata over the hidden treasures of the mountains to arrive at another historical site, passing by a beautiful English Garden with a lake, finally reaching the castle of Tata. Here we’ll spend some time, with the opportunity to discover the special cuisine at nearby restaurants .

 

Details:

Date: Saturday, 16 November

Meeting at Budapest-Kelenföld railway station (upstairs, next to the escalator, 10 meters from Pékállomás bakery) https://maps.app.goo.gl/yh6hvVrJEiKbPWgG6

Time: 7:45 AM

Length of the hike: approx. 20.5 km, total 508 meters ascend and 522 meters descend

Duration of the hike: approx. 7 hours

Difficulty: This hike is medium difficult with two steep climbs in the first 7 km. It requires a little experience in hiking; in the second 7-8 km, you can expect two steep slopes downhill. The last 6 km are slowly descending. Good to have hiking shoes/boots; avoid asphalt running shoes as they’re not recommended due to flat and slippery treads. In November, the ground can be wet, muddy, and slippery. The track includes asphalt road, smaller gravel, and larger stones.

 

Schedule:

7:45 – Meeting at Budapest-Kelenföld railway station (upstairs, next to the escalator, 10 meters from Pékállomás bakery) https://maps.app.goo.gl/yh6hvVrJEiKbPWgG6

8:02 – Train leaves

8:46 – Arriving at Tatabánya railway station

 

Hike-time and Route Description:

9:00 – Starting the hike up to the hills

 

 Sights:

1. Turul monument (1.7 km)

2. Toilet and water (1.9 km)

3. Szelim-cave (2.2 km)

4. Csúcsos-hill, lookout tower (3.5 km and at 5.8 km Arany-lyuk cave – Gerecse 50k route)

5. Szent Péter rotunda (stone chapel , 10.6 km) – approx. Halfway, sandwich break

6. Calvary cross and stations of cross (Camino de Santiago route, 10.9 km)

7. Optional: viewpoint (12.7 km)

8. Baj (16 km) – Toilet (17.5 km)

9. Tata, English park (19 km)

10. Tata Castle (20.4 km) around 16:00

 

16:00-16:30 – Arriving at Tata Castle

16:30-17:30 – Tata river bank: Eat and drink or visit the castle and the lake

17:50 – Meeting at Bus station

18:09 – Taking the bus to train station

18:27 – Train to Budapest

19:24 – Arriving at Kelenföld station

 

Why join this hike?

You’ll walk through world-renowned historical routes, visiting sights from centuries past. Discover unique hidden treasures in Vértes hills with scenic hilltop views and medieval architecture —an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

At the end of the trip, enjoy the view of Tata Castle and relax by one of the cafés or restaurants along the stunning Tata Old Lake.

And, of course, you’ll spend the day with a friendly group of international people, meeting old friends and making new connections .

 

Note: Participation fee includes only travel tickets; lunch/dinner is your choice when we arrive in Tata .

Feel free to invite friends—the more, the merrier!

Looking forward to hiking with you,

The Budapest Hikers and BAIS team