Green 20 / Zöld 20

What does this strange title mean? Let me explain it to you. On February 16, I was hiking in Buda-hills and tried something completely new. Hiking has a special branch in which one must go through a certain trail, selected by the organizers of the event, and reach the goal within a time limit. Besides, if you would like to be qualified at the finish, you need to get a seal put on your itinerary (a document you receive at the start) at every checkpoint. The aim of this whole event is to increase the strength and endurance of the participants. However, it has a special mood as if it were some kind of race.

Ideal spot for shooting panoramas.

It may seem complicated, but basically it is not. I have heard about hikes like this, but you know, I would rather hike alone or with some friends and I don’t pay attention to time limit or anything like that. Still, for some reason I was curious, looked it up and became interested. In Hungary, this type of hiking is so popular that you can find 2 or 3 hiking opportunities, organized by the association of Teljesítménytúrázók, every weekend in different regions of the country. Find the detailed calendar of hikes here!

Look for this sign!

Oh right, back to the Green 20. It is called like this, because participants must go on the green trail (see some info about basic Hungarian hiking signs below) and the distance is 20 km. The start was at Normafa, and the destination was Solymár. Take bus 21/21A at Széll Kálmán tér, Budapest and travel until Normafa station. The bus stops right in front of the pub in which you need to register.  The entry fee was 600HUF. If you would like to participate you need to pay this fee. In exchange for it, you get your itinerary, a brochure which contains a photocopied map of the area and a detailed description of the trail from checkpoint to checkpoint. If you don’t run out of time and reached the checkpoints in the specified sequence, you get a badge and a document which proves that you successfully completed the route.   

Here you can see the height difference between checkpoints. The start and the Árpád-lookout turret is highlighted.

You can see eleven checkpoints in the map because the Green 30 / 45 was organized for the same day. People who sign up to the 20 only need to complete 7 checkpoints.

Finally, here are some advices. Don’t try this hike if you are looking for a pleasant outdoor activity. It is kind of tough. Hardly had you reached a checkpoint you need to ask for the seal and continue your trip. There isn’t too much time to take photos, eat, and relax, you need to hurry and check the time again and again. Always wear waterproof and durable boots. If you are already have some experiences in hiking then don’t hesitate to participate in one like the Green 20!

Collect the signets in this document during the hike!