Cserhát geo-tour with extras (performance tour)

We could never complain about the route organized by the BTHE team: with excellent organization and thematic guidance, they led us into the Cserhát. The only flaw of the route was the logistics: the starting and ending points are not the same, so those who arrived by car must also use public transport. If someone is not too comfortable, they might even enjoy the train ride on the "little red" through the hilly, model landscape-like region.

We set off from Galgaguta to explore the unknown countryside. Initially, we walk in the young acacia groves typical of the Cserhát, which with the arrival of spring and the progress of foliage, start turning the paths into green tunnels. Not long after, we proceed through fields and arable lands, enjoying the scent of flowers and the fresh spring breeze. 

The awakening kaleidoscope of nature can be admired not only in the forest and fields, but also in the streets of Vanyarc. Here, the spring is even more vibrant with fruit trees and flowers in a hundred colors in the gardens, even though just a few days ago these plants were still sleeping their winter sleep in gray. From this radiant spring forest, only the first stop of our route can briefly interrupt us. In Vanyarc, at number 12 Sziráki Street, the organizers not only offered refreshments but also allowed us to peek into a small private exhibition displaying rocks and fossils showcasing the multi-million-year-old treasures of the area.

Besides the mineral finds created over unimaginable long periods, we could admire the imprints of once-living animals, tools used by prehistoric humans, and a petrified tree in the small exhibition room, which was filled almost to the brim by years of enthusiastic research by the host. 

Leaving the village, we returned to the green arable fields, where in the morning sunshine and renewed spring mood, we continued towards one of the main attractions of our route and a local landmark, the andesite flow located on the side of Nagy-hegy (Big Hill).

At this unique attraction, all participants often linger longer, as it’s impossible to get enough of both the stone flow and the bent andesite columns resembling organ pipes. These rows of columns, resembling stone slides and considered a rarity both in Europe and worldwide, are special because both bent and straight stone formations can be found among them. This 15-million-year-old geological curiosity became a member of the European and Global Geopark Network in 2010. Slightly later, in the spring of 2014, a stone collection was established here, presenting typically local rock types under a characteristic concrete building.

Descending from Nagy-hegy, we emerged from the forest and moved again across open terrain towards the secluded small estate, Ordaspuszta. We wound along a wide dirt road among the 300-400 meter high "hills" of the area, where spring at this time still only painted patches on the landscape. But the sunshine could even breathe life into the pale colors of the forests that had drained in winter, showing the many shades of gray and brown in reality.

We crossed the babbling Ordas creek, then again proceeded along green fields to our checkpoint in Ordaspuszta. After a pleasant refreshment, we left the charming small estate of only a few houses in the direction of Szandavár. The characteristic andesite cones of Várhegy and Szanda-hegy dominate the landscape from afar, signaling our route and the location of our next attraction.

We approached Szandavár along forestry roads and paths surrounded by dense acacia groves, overcoming its 527 meters altitude with little elevation difference but steep, rocky terrain. The castle, which was of little significance in the past, was blown up in 1551 to prevent the Turks or other enemies from nesting within its walls again. Nowadays, only a few wall remains indicate that a fortress once stood here, but it is definitely worth climbing up, as from the steep rocks we can admire a unique panorama dominating the surroundings. 

It’s worth lingering on the castle hill as well, enjoying the endless view before descending to Szandavárlja on the blue route via the Mária spring. After walking through the small village with its three streets and collecting the verification stamp, we headed towards Becske. 

At the end of marked and unmarked paths, the landmark of Becske, or one might say the crown jewel of Csiga-hegy, appears among the trees—a stupa. The Buddhist shrine and the meditating Buddha statue on top have silently proclaimed the philosophy of enlightenment since 2008. From here, the finish is only a few hundred meters away.