Kalandozz Velem! challenge hike

The Csillagtúrázz Velem! challenge hikes cover a distance of 49 kilometers, composed of two circular routes: first the Csúcsra Velem! circle, followed by the Tekeregj Velem! circle. This distance combination is a true mixed bag: along the route, springs, lookout points, historical sites, ancient trees, rocks, gorges, and vineyards await participants. Although the distance is not short, the density of sights helps forget about this.

First, we complete the Csúcsra Velem! circle

Starting from Velem on the side of Holt Hill, we begin a gentle ascent, then continue through Sötét Valley, passing the Pütyör Spring (water source). Upon reaching the former technical border line, we start the intensive climb, completed in two parts: at two-thirds up, we make a detour to the largest cave in the mountain range, the Kalapos-kő Cave (the entire approximately 30-meter cave system is crawlable). Returning to the technical border path, we finish the previously started climb.

On the summit, as the name Széles-kő suggests, a wide rocky ridge greets us. We continue the hike along level ground toward Kalapos-kő, whose rocky area contains most of the mountain range’s rock overhangs and caves. The most spectacular among these is the Limax Cave, visible by crawling. A rock group further along leads us to the Holler Cave, also suitable for bivouacking. After reaching the border zone, following a short ascent, we descend back to Sötét Valley.

Starting at the valley bottom, we begin to conquer Írott-kő, passing the Ebenspanger and Fairy (Tündér) Springs, which are the highest springs of the mountain range after Hörmann Spring, but are not developed, so they cannot be used to quench thirst. A few meters from the springs stands the tragically historic Gyilkos Rock, which we bypass to climb the ridge. This ridge is also the Hungarian-Austrian state border. On the Austrian side, we can see significant deforestation traces, whose only positive effect is the magnificent view. After overcoming the gasping climb, we reach Írott-kő at 882 m elevation, from whose lookout tower, approximately 900 meters high, we can admire the panorama. In clear weather, the Bakony, Balaton Uplands, Little Hungarian Plain’s landmark hills (Ság Hill and Somló), Sopron Mountains, Little Carpathians, Lake Fertő, and the Alps are visible in the distance.

We pass through clearings on the way down, followed by the refreshing rock formation of Asztal-kő. We reach Velem via the Hosszú Valley Forest Reserve, where fortunately the tree stand is still intact.

Next comes the Tekeregj Velem! circle

We again leave the village via the Nuschy promenade: on the charming path through the stream valley, passing the Vasa Well once more, we say goodbye to Velem. After overcoming a steep climb, we reach Borha Valley, which contains a now closed artificial mine tunnel, and the Borha Spring (water source). Following the spring, another ascent brings us to the Red Cross, bordered by old oaks. From the cross, we follow the main ridge, undulating, passing the Kopasz-Kendig, Kendig, and Hármashatár-hegy trio. It is worth stopping at Kendig’s side to admire the panorama. We leave the main ridge at Hörmann Spring (water source) and continue on a steady descending path to Styrian Houses. Next to houses built by Styrian foresters, we can find an arboretum; if time allows, it is worth taking a short loop under the centuries-old, mostly evergreen trees. After prolonged ups and downs, our next sight is the Rock Spring, which unfortunately became clogged; in the eponymous rock, we can observe a statue of the Virgin Mary. From the spring, through Zeiger Saddle to Tábor Hill, the hardest climb of the hike awaits us; after overcoming it, we are rewarded with a panorama from the side of Tábor Hill toward the main ridge. We descend back via the already visited route to Zeiger Saddle, then mainly on descending paths reach Seven Springs, passing several panorama points from which we can see Rőti Valley and Óház Peak.

After the spring follows a short climb to the St. Germain Cross, erected by the Austrians opposite the Trianon Cross. After the cross, the Devil's Plate rock formation awaits, which also serves as a natural watering hole during rainy weather. From here we aim for Pintér Peak, from which we enjoy a great panorama toward Tábor Hill–Cross Well side ridge, then descend to Calvary Hill where first we take a detour to the Trianon Cross overlooking annexed territories, then we visit the freshly renovated Calvary church. Descending from the Calvary stations, we head to Kőszeg, reaching the inhabited area with Crown Guard bunker, the Holy Crown memorial park, and the ice cellar trio inviting a stop.

We quickly leave the houses behind: we start climbing in the most spectacular gorge of the mountain range, the Devil's Ditch, toward the bastion of Suleiman Lookout, from where we can see Kőszeg and the surrounding mountains. After the lookout, we descend into King Valley, where we can also see the preserved trunk of the oldest sweet chestnut tree in Hungary. Climbing out of the valley, we bypass the crumbling entrance of Szálasi bunker, then passing the centuries-old Fatalin beeches, we reach Óház Peak, the site of Kőszeg’s former castle. Unfortunately, the castle lookout awaits renovation and is currently not visitable. From the peak a strong descent follows; refreshment would be possible at Mossy Well, but it has not been in operation for years. Continuing down, we reach the top of Pagans vineyard, first via the upper field road, then the field road running at the valley bottom towards Csák. In Csák, the row of historic wine cellars is the main sight, and at Hordómosó Spring, we can take water for the last time. From Csák, we return to Velem via the foothill road under rows of vines.

Start location: Velem village Cultural House and Club Library (9726 Velem, Rákóczi Street 18.)

Start time: May 31, 2025, 6:00–8:00

Finish location: Velem village Cultural House and Club Library, until 21:00

Distance and elevation gain: 49.2 km, 2026 m elevation gain

Time limit: 13:00

Awards: Certificate, badge

Entry fee: 4800 HUF, pre-registration possible on this page until May 27 (pre-registrants receive a 300 HUF discount, payment is at the venue)

Services: confirmation sheet, itinerary, colored map, ribbon markings where necessary, refreshments along the route (cold drinks, muesli, sweets, vouchers, breads), finish line breads

Recommended equipment: mug/water bottle (no plastic cups at refreshment points), pen/pencil, mobile phone, hiking stick, headlamp, Természetjáró app

Organizer: Vasi Vándorok Sports Association

• Contact number before, during, and after the hike: András Soós: +36 30 691 6971
• Website
• Facebook page

General information about the Csillagtúrázz Velem! challenge hikes on Természetjáró.hu can be found here.