Hikers
Did you know that Vác is a real star tour centre? There are many places to visit that are easily accessible from the city by car, public transport, forest railway or even on foot.
If you like to spend your free time in the fresh air and in a forest environment, it's time to discover the visitor centres. The Katalinpuszta Hiking Centre, the Királyréti Hiking Centre and the Diósjenő Forest Recreation Park offer you the chance to get closer to the natural treasures of the Börzsöny.
You would be happy to visit a nearby adventure farms and petting zoos? You can even meet a snouted bear or a Cameroonian pygmy at the Small Nature Park in Törökmező, and at Seholsziget Nature Park you can go on a tractor ride, archery and see alpacas. The RoBirtok petting farm in Kosdi is another favourite with children, where they can experience what life is like on a real farm, alongside the adventure activities.
Combine your trip with a little history? In Drégelypalán you can visit the Szondi Exhibition and Tourism Centre and Drégely Castle, and in Nógrád the Nógrád Castle in Nógrád, Nógrád in Nógrád offers unforgettable activities and a fabulous panorama.
A trip to the stock exchange with a train ride through the forest is truly complete. The Királyréti Forest Railway, the Kemence Forest Museum Railway and the Transbörzsö Little Railway are great favourites with families and friends, and the area around the stops offers a wide range of hiking trails.
What are the places to visit around Vác?
Naszály Hill and the Násznép Cave
Would you like to discover the special world of the Wet Salty? Naszály Hill, the westernmost foothill of the Cserhát Mountains, rises above Vác. The mountain is one of the most beautiful examples of the so-called eagle's perches, which rise steeply from their surroundings.
If you're in the Vác area, a trip is a must for you, all the more so because the legendary The history of the Násznép cave convinces thousands of hikers every year that this place is truly special.
Terrace lookout guided tours
A Terrace View is a family-friendly forest rest area where you can stop for a short break during your hike, or take one of the guided tours. Hikes are organised on the south side of Naszály Hill, both as a pre-arranged event and on individual request.
In addition to the short hiking trails, there are also medium and difficult hikes from 5 km to 15 km, for ages 3 to 75.
Nature trails
Photo by Harangvirág 36 Guesthouse
Sunflower trail, Zebegény
Zebegény is one of the most beautiful jewel boxes of the Danube bend, the village has attractions and places to visit for all ages. The Sunflower Trail is a 2-3 hour easy walk, with information boards at 10 stations showing the natural treasures of the area. During your hike, stop at the rest stops along the trail for a panoramic view. The trail, which can be visited in all seasons, is named after Countess Sunflower, or Countess Károlyiné, after Count Franciska Apponyi.
Turkish Field Nature Trail
Are you looking for a meaningful way to spend your time, while getting to know the wildlife of Börzsöny? Take the Törökmező trail, which introduces you to the world of the forests and meadows of the southern Börzsöny, its natural and cultural history and its values. You can also meet squirrels, badgers, deer, roe deer and martens at the 9 stations along the trail. The last stop is the lookout of the Hegyes-tető, from where you can enjoy a fabulous panorama of the Danube bend, the Pilis-Visegrád Hills and the Naszály in Vác.
Gyada nature trail
One of Hungary's most adventurous nature trails, called the Gyadai Nature Trail, has been created on the side of Naszály Hill, on the Gyadai ridge. The 13-station trail is famous for its swing bridge, giant suspension bridge and wooden walkways across the marsh, and showcases the natural beauty of the forests and meadows along the Lósi stream. The trail offers adventure and excitement for all members of the family, as does the Become a Forester Preschool Trail and the Madwhich also start from the Katalinpuszta Hiking Centre.
Királyréti nature trail
The most popular hiking destination in Börzsöny is Királyrét, which offers numerous hiking trails. The starting point of the Királyrét trail is the Forest School and Visitor Centre of the House of the Lynx, next to which an information board indicates the order of the trail's stops. The 2.9 km long trail in the heart of the Börzsöny area consists of nine stations where you can learn about the wildlife and geography of the Börzsöny. The distance can be easily covered by children and older people without any major difficulties.
Views
Csóványosi Lookout
Not afraid of hikes with high altitude climbs? Then the conquest of the Svalbard should definitely be on your bucket list! Csóványos is the highest peak in Börzsöny, where a lookout awaits those who have made the 938-metre trek to the top. The lookout is located 10 km from the central car park in Königsree, and takes around 3 hours to complete. The difference in altitude is 783 metres, but the beauty of the trail and the panoramic view from the lookout make up for the difficulty.
Julianus Lookout
The Julianus Lookout is one of the most popular lookouts in the Danube Bend, accessible from both Nagymaros and Zebegény. You can visit the lookout either as part of the Nagymaros - Hegyes-tető - Nagymaros circular tour or the Zebegény - Hegyes-tető - Zebegény circular tour, you will not be disappointed. Hiking boots with good grip are a must for the moderately difficult hike, but the beauty of this special route will keep you going on the difficult sections. From the top of the Hegyes-top you have a fabulous view of the Danube bend and the Börzsöny, so it's worth a visit in clear weather.
Photo by Laura Mészáros
Prónay Lookout
The Prónay Lookout, which stands on Romhányi Hill, is easily accessible from the National Blue Trail. After climbing the 128 steps to the top of the 26-metre-high lookout, you will be rewarded with an unrivalled panorama. You can also see the Börzsöny, the Selmec Mountains, the Szanda Castle, the Karancs, the Mátra, the slopes of the Gödöllő Hills, the peaks of the Naszály, the Pilis and the Visegrád Hills. The Prónay Lookout is open to the public in all seasons.
Kós Károly Lookout
The lookout is one of the most popular attractions in Zebegény, visited by thousands of hikers every year. The charming path leading to the platform offers fabulous scenery along the way, and from the top of the lookout you can enjoy a magnificent view of Zebegény and the Danube. From the front, the platform resembles a Roman watchtower, symbolizing the route of the Roman Limes, which once ran for 500 km along the Danube. The lower part of the lookout, named after Kós Károly, is shaped like a Székely gate, while the sides resemble a church.
Királyréti Castle Hill Lookout
The Várhegy Lookout is one of the newest tourist attractions in Börzsöny, just half an hour's walk from Királyrét. The lookout, which attracts hundreds of tourists, offers a fabulous panoramic view of the three-storey building, from which you can see the famous peaks of the Börzsöny, the Bald Mountain, the Great Inoc, the Great Cold Mountain and the Csóványos. Királyrét is an ideal destination for individual or family recreation, as well as for dog excursions.
Are you in the mood for a trip? Vác and its surroundings have some amazing places to visit. Grab your hiking boots and enjoy the active leisure activities on the left bank of the Danube!