recommended route
The classic Spartacus loop (with extras)
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The most famous viewpoint of the Spartacus TrailPhoto: Sztankó Bálint, Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség
The mountain range surrounding the Danube Bend is famous for a hiking trail, the Spartacus Hunting Trail, which winds through the secluded corners of the Visegrád Mountains crossing steep slopes horizontally. This trail, known for its natural forest scenery and panoramic cliffs, is complemented on this classic circular route by the misty wilderness of the Szent László valley dotted with fords.
The Visegrád Mountains are a distinctive landscape unit characterized by steeply carved slopes, prominent rock formations, and especially deeply cut (sometimes developed into gorges) valleys. The hiking trail with the most exciting route in this small, heavily segmented mountain range is the Spartacus Trail, established in the 1930s for hunting purposes and opened to the wider public in 2015. It winds through areas of sharp cliffs, raw rock surfaces, and distinctly steep slopes, maintaining roughly the same elevation throughout. Therefore, hiking it offers a genuinely carefree nature experience: the splendid forest scenery and views of the Danube Bend’s forests easily hold the attention since there’s no need to climb, allowing you to just walk along the excellently routed narrow path. This crosses the side of Öreg-Pap-hegy, one of the peripheral mountains of the collapsed volcanic center.
The route’s turning point visits Jenő hut, which is rentable for daytime stays, and a secluded viewpoint from where you can look back at the earlier crossed slopes. Finally, we descend into the Apát-kúti, or Szent László valley, which with its old beech woods, winding creek, and adventurous trail offers perhaps the most beautiful valley hiking path around the Budapest hills.
The loop hike starting and ending in Pilisszentlászló takes half a day to a full day depending on pace, and with good footing (in good weather) is recommended for everyone.
The detailed description of the hike can be read under the Route description menu.
Author’s recommendation
- The Spartacus Trail is easily walkable for anyone under ideal conditions but has real danger of slipping on exposed sections in muddy or snowy weather. In such cases, passage is recommended only for experienced hikers.
- Crossing the fords of the Szent László valley can be difficult or impossible during stream flooding.
- There are restaurants and shops available in Pilisszentlászló.
- During the spring and autumn hiking seasons on good weather weekends, the route can attract crowds, so it is advisable to plan your visit outside these times.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- In rainy weather or winter, snowy terrain, definitely start only in hiking shoes or boots and be cautious! The trail passes through exposed sections where slipping is a real danger.
- There is no water along the Spartacus Trail, so especially in summer, make sure to carry enough!
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- Buses depart from Szentendre, from the HÉV station to the Pilisszentlászló, municipal office bus stop.
Directions
- The route starts and ends at the village center, by the bus stop.
Parking
- In Pilisszentlászló, it is advisable to park at the edge of the village, by the football pitch.
Coordinates
Equipment
- Basic hiking equipment: boots or hiking shoes, season-appropriate clothing, drinking water, food. For navigation use the Természetjáró app.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Questions and answers
Ratings and reviews
Photos from others