Hello Hikers!
As the summer heat is slowly over and the season of grape harvesting is ushered in, we invite you for a charming late September hike to the world famous wine region of Tokaj!
Our main target this year is the spectacular mountain lake of Tarcal famous for its crystal clear water and peculiar location, nested in an abandoned mine pit.
The entire Tokaj wine region was granted the world heritage title, it is the unique white dessert wine that has brought world fame to Tokaj but there’s much more to try and see around this little Northeastern Hungarian town!
Tokaj is situated in the Northeastern part of Hungary, 230 km away from Budapest on the Eastern slopes of the Zemplén mountain range, upon the confluence of rivers Tisza and Bodrog. This odd combination of the volcanic soil, the wide damp floodplains and the mild climate is what made Tokaj an excellent wine producing area. Throughout the centuries, these wine hills generated an enormous wealth for their owners and the local merchants as the consumers were not only Hungarian aristocrats but also royalties from all across Europe, explaining why it is called the king of wines and the wine of kings ‘Vinum Regum Rex Vinorum’. We will find the pertaining historic spots along the cobbled streets of Tokaj!
Our 4 hour long hike will start immediately with the famous mountain lake and the viewpoint over the village. From Tarcal we will climb up to the top of the Tokaj hill (514 metres) which juts deep inside the Great Hungarian Plain, providing us with a stunning view. Once conquering the summit we’ll descend to the town of Tokaj and take a look at some of its old monuments and wine cellars where you will have the chance to taste either the must (grape juice) or the famous Tokaj wine.
The length of the hike: 9 km, 420 meters ascend and descend
Duration of the hike: approx. 4 hours
Difficulty: This hike is doable for everyone but it lacks shadowed places, so bring your hat, sunglasses, sun cream and water bottle!
Schedule:
7h10 – Meeting at Keleti railway station, right at the main entrance of the main building, on the small stairs, under the clock and the statues (address: Baross Gábor tér)
10h30 – Arriving at Tarcal railway station
Hike-time
15h00 – Lunch break
16h00 – Wine cellar visiting in the old town of Tokaj
19h50 – taking the train from Tokaj to Budapest
22h30 – Arrival back to Budapest
Some pro arguments to definitely join this hike:
Visiting one of the most beautiful mountain lakes of Central Europe
You will discover one of the most famous wine regions of Europe
We will hike up to the top of the extinct Tokaj volcano and have an amazing view over the Great Hungarian Plain and its winding rivers
Shabby old wine cellars – highly instagrammable
Last but not the least, you can spend your day with lovely international people!
Down in the cool cellars you can have some wine, spritzer, or nonalcoholic grape must – to get in tune with the harvesting season
Please note that our participation fee includes only the travel and your lunch, but not the must or the wine. It is up to you to choose what you want to try in Tokaj!
Feel free to invite your friends, the more the merrier!
Looking forward to hiking with you,
The Budapest Hikers and BAIS team
