Tekeregj Velem! endurance hike

The Csillagtúrázz Velem! endurance hikes Tekeregj Velem! route is a real mixed bag: along the route, springs, lookouts, historical sites, ancient trees, rocks, gorges, and vineyards await participants. Although the distance is not short, the density of sights helps forget about it.

We leave Velem behind on the Nuschy promenade: on a scenic path along the brook valley, passing the Vasa Well again, we say goodbye to Velem. After tackling a steep climb, we reach the Borha Valley, which has a man-made, now closed adit on its side, and there the Borha Spring (water source). After the spring, a further climb leads us to the Red Cross bordered with old oak trees. From the cross, we continue along the main ridge: we undulate while climbing the trio of Kopasz-Kendig, Kendig, and Hármashatár Hill. It is worth stopping on the side of Kendig to admire the panorama. We leave the main ridge at Hörmann Spring (water source) and follow a continuously descending path to the Styrian Houses. Alongside houses built by Styrian foresters, there is also an arboretum; if time allows, it is worth a short stroll under the centuries-old, mostly evergreen trees. After extensive undulation, our next sight is the Rock Spring, unfortunately blocked, where in the namesake rock we can observe a statue of the Virgin Mary. From the spring, through the Zeiger Saddle to Camp Hill, awaits the toughest climb of the hike, after which our reward is a panoramic view from the side of Camp Hill towards the main ridge. We descend back to the Zeiger Saddle on the already hiked route, then mostly on a descending path we reach the Seven Springs, touching several viewpoints from which the Rőti Valley and Őház Hill can be seen.

After the spring, a short climb follows to the St. Germain Cross, erected opposite the Trianon Cross by the Austrians. After the cross, the Devil's Dish rock formation awaits, which also serves as a natural watering place in rainy weather. From there, we head to Pintér Hill, from where we can enjoy a great panorama towards the Camp Hill–Cross Well side ridge, then descending to Calvary Hill, where we first make a detour to the Trianon Cross overlooking detached territories, then see the newly renovated Calvary Church. Next to the Calvary stations, we descend to Kőszeg, reaching the inhabited part where the Crown Guard Bunker, the Holy Crown memorial park, and the ice cellar trio invite a stop.

We quickly leave the houses behind and begin climbing in the most spectacular gorge of the mountains, the Devil's Ditch, towards the bastion of Suleiman Lookout, from where we can see Kőszeg and the surrounding mountains. After the lookout, we descend to King's Valley, where we can also inspect the trunk of the eldest sweet chestnut tree in our country. After climbing out of the valley, we skip the dilapidated entrance of the Szálasi Bunker, then touching the centuries-old Fatalin Beech Forests, we reach the Őház Hill, the site of the former castle of Kőszeg. Unfortunately, the castle lookout is awaiting renovation and is currently not accessible. A strong descent follows from the top; the Mossy Well could provide refreshment, but it has not operated for years. Continuing down, we reach the top of the Pagans vineyard, first on the upper vineyard road, then on the vineyard road running at the bottom of the valley towards Cák. The row of historic wine cellars is the main sight in Cák, then at the Hordómosó Spring we can take water for the last time. From Cák, on the foothill road, under rows of vines, we return to Velem.

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

Start time: May 31, 2025, 10:00–12:00

Finish location: Velem village Cultural House and Club Library, until 22:00

Distance, elevation gain: 34.6 km, 1293 m elevation gain

Time limit: 9:00

Prizes: certificate, badge

Entry fee: 3300 HUF, pre-registration possible on this page until May 27 (pre-registrants get a 300 HUF discount, payment at the location).

Services: proof sheet, itinerary, colored map, tape marking where necessary, on-route refreshment points (cold drinks, muesli, sweets, vouchers), finish arches (breads)

Recommended equipment: mug/water bottle (plastic cups not provided at refreshment points), pen/pencil, mobile phone, trekking pole, headlamp, Természetjáró app

Organizer: Vasi Vándorok Sports Association

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

The Csillagtúrázz Velem! endurance hikes general information on Természetjáró.hu.