A Dream Came True: Kékestető

In general, going to Kékestető is a point of honor for Hungarian hikers. Being the highest point of Hungary (1014m), this peak is frequently visited by people in every season. There are two ski-runs, so Kékestető is never dead and empty. It is a paradise for all of those who want to be in the outdoors. 

That's me and the famous rock

Kékestető is located in Mátra, which is a mountain range in northern Hungary, lying in Heves and Nógrád County.  For those hikers who want to climb the peak from the very foot of the mountain, Mátrafüred is an absolutely ideal place to start. From Budapest, buses go there roughly every hour, but there is a more adventurous way to approach Mátrafüred. (For a current bus schedule click on the relevant part of the sidebar in the blog)! There is a narrow-gage railway line between Gyöngyös and Mátrafüred, so if you are bored with the regular means of transport, try this! It is cheap and fun; find the train schedule and list of fares here. Students can enjoy the 50% fare discount, (595HUF) however a full fare ticket is not too costly, either (995HUF).  

After the bumpy trip on the old carriages, you arrive to Mátrafüred which is a calm village, but a really great starting point. You can even rent a Segway, close to the railway station at this shop. Click here for the English website! 

From Mátrafüred, several safe hiking trails lead to the top. Each sign has been repainted recently, so following a trail you selected before is quite easy. The terrain is demanding: rocks are everywhere, and you have to cross numerous creeks. It was not similar to the other hikes I did before in Hungary. In addition, the weather was so hot on the day of the hike I almost melted. Leave your tough hiking trousers and waterproof gaiters at home; it is time to wear shorts and sprinkle truckloads of bug spray on your body. Annoying small insects are everywhere, some of them want your blood, so be careful.

There are more than four trails leading directly up to the top, but I wanted to lengthen the hike by looking for a more complex way. I visited Vályus-kút, which is a stream close to a shelter house and a resting-place. Négyeshatár kilátóhely (801m) was another checkpoint and I also passed Disznó-kút (highest lying spring in Hungary – 960m) on the way up. This was my way:

Mátrafüred - PZ/Z -Vályus-kút - Z+ - Négyeshatár kilátóhely (801m) - P/PO - Disznó-kút (960m) - PZ - Kékestető - K+ - Remete-barlang - K+ - Mátrafüred

When I arrived at the top, I was a bit disappointed, because I expected a new vista and I got nothing. It was only a stupid first impression, though, because the broadcasting tower, located on the top, is open for tourists and it is worth buying a ticket and climbing up. (Real hikers don’t use the elevator, but the stairs!!!) In clear weather the landscape is beautiful and you can feel how special it is to be up there… Entrance fee is 480HUF for adults; there is 50% discount, but unfortunately for children under 14. 

The Tower

Panorama - click for original size!

The way down is also amazing. I went on K+, which goes through fields, leads to a small cave, (Remete-barlang) and the ruins of Benevár. If you arrive back to Mátrafüred, visit the local pub called Mátrai Betyár Söröző for a cold draught beer and think of the beautiful hike you have just done. Kékestető requires more hiking experience and endurance, but if you really want to reach the top do not hesitate. Take a look at the bus schedule, take a day off, put on your boots and go!