Vándorolj Velem! challenge hike

The "Csillagtúrázz Velem!" challenge hikes’ "Vándorolj Velem!" route offers the chance to explore the Hungarian side of the Kőszeg Mountains in one day. To do this, three loops must be completed starting from Velem:

We start with the Csúcsra Velem! loop

Starting from Velem on the side of Holt-hegy, we begin a gentle ascent, then continue through Sötét-völgy valley, passing the Pütyör spring (water refill possible). Upon reaching the old technical border trail, the intense climb begins, divided into two sections: At two-thirds up the ascent, we take a detour to the mountain’s largest cave with 4 entrances, the Kalapos-kő Cave (the entire approx. 30 m passage system can be explored by crawling). Returning to the technical border trail, we finish the earlier ascent.

On the summit, Széles-kő welcomes with its wide rock ridge. Maintaining elevation, the hike continues towards Kalapos-kő, whose rocky landscape hides the mountain’s most rock fissures and some caves. The most spectacular among these is the Limax Cave, discoverable by crawling. A bit further lies the excellent bivouac site of the Holler Cave, then reaching the state border, after a short ascent we descend back to Sötét-völgy.

Starting from the valley floor, we begin climbing Írott-kő, passing the Ebenspanger and Tündér springs, which are the highest springs after Hörmann spring but are not developed, so cannot be used for drinking. A few meters from the springs stands the tragic history site of Gyilkos Rock; bypassing it, we climb to the ridge, which is also the Hungarian-Austrian border. On the Austrian side, serious forestry is visible, with the sole positive effect being the wonderful view. After overcoming the exhausting climb, we reach the 882 m high Írott-kő, and from the lookout atop about 900 meters high, enjoy the panoramic view. On clear days, the Bakony, Balaton Uplands, the Little Hungarian Plain’s landmark hills (Ság Hill and Somló), Sopron Mountains, Little Carpathians, Lake Fertő, and the Alps’ ranges can be seen in the distance.

Descending over cutting routes, the Asztal-kő rock formation is a refreshing sight. We descend to Velem through the Hosszú-völgy Forest Reserve, fortunately still safe here.

After a rest, the Vizezz Velem! loop follows

Leaving civilization behind on the Nuschy promenade, we reach the first spring, Vasa-kút, along a scenic stream valley path, then continue uphill on forest paths toward Szent Vid Mountain. Before reaching the summit, we take a detour to the sadly ruined Szent-kút: a massive fallen tree almost completely blocks the spring’s outlet. After climbing the exhausting stairs to the Szent Vid summit, a whitewashed chapel offers views towards Szombathely. After the chapel, we avoid the OKT monument and Calvary. Here begins the real up-and-down spring hike: Gyertyán-kút, the free Jávorkút, Borha Spring, Enikő Spring, and Elektromos Spring are consecutive stops. At Wisinger Major, it’s worth seeing the huge atlas cedar, just a few meters off the hiking trail. Alongside the spring route, countless old sweet chestnuts can also be seen. Before Velem, the last visited spring is Cseke Spring. We return to the cultural house through the old winery row in Velem.

Closing with the Tekeregj Velem! loop

Leaving the village again via the Nuschy promenade, retracing the scenic stream valley path and passing Vasa-kút again, we say goodbye to Velem. After beating a steep climb, we reach Borha Valley – which features an artificial, now closed adit – and the Borha Spring (water refill possible). Following the spring, more climbs lead us to the Red Cross bordered by venerable oak trees. From the cross, we follow the main ridge: ascending with ups and downs the Kopasz-Kendig, Kendig, and Hármashatár Mountains triangle. At Kendig's side, it’s worth stopping to admire the panorama. The main ridge is left at Hörmann Spring (water refill possible), from where we descend continuously to Stájerházak. Next to houses built by Styrian foresters lies an arboretum, and if time allows, a short loop under century-old mostly evergreen trees is recommended. After a long series of ups and downs, our next sight is Szikla Spring, which unfortunately is clogged; the Virgin Mary statue in the namesake rock can be observed. From the spring, through Zeiger Saddle to Tábor Mountain, the tour’s hardest climb awaits, rewarded by panoramic views from Tábor Mountain’s side to the main ridge. We descend back along the already covered Zeiger Saddle path, then mostly on descending trails, reach Hétforrás, passing several viewpoints offering views toward Rőti Valley and Óház Peak.

After the spring, a short climb leads to St. Germain Cross, which the Austrians erected as a counterpoint to the Trianon Cross. After the cross, Ördögtányér rock formation awaits, which in rainy weather also serves as a natural watering place. From here, we head to Pintér Peak, enjoying excellent views toward Tábor Mountain–Kereszt-kút side ridge, then descend to Calvary Mountain, where we first take a detour to the Trianon Cross facing the annexed territories, then visit the freshly renovated Calvary Church. Descending to Kőszeg, the inhabited area with Koronaőrző Bunker, Holy Crown Memorial Park, and ice cellar trio invites stopping.

Quickly leaving the residential buildings behind, we begin climbing in the most spectacular trench of the mountains, Ördög Ditch, towards Suleiman Lookout Bastion, from where Kőszeg and the surrounding mountains can be seen. After the lookout, descending to King’s Valley, we can admire the trunk of the country’s oldest sweet chestnut tree. After climbing out of the valley and avoiding the dilapidated Szálasi Bunker entrance, we pass the centuries-old Fatalin Beeches and reach Óház Peak, the site of Kőszeg’s former castle. Unfortunately, the castle lookout is awaiting renovation and is currently closed. From the peak follows a steep descent; a refreshing stop could be the Mohás-kút, which unfortunately has not been operational for years. Continuing down, we reach the top of Pogányok vineyard hill, first on the upper route, then through the valley’s route to Cáka. The main sight at Cáka is the historic winery row, and the last chance to refill water is at Hordómosó Spring. From Cáka, we return to Velem via hegyaljai road under vineyards.

Starting point: Velem village Cultural House and Club Library (9726 Velem, Rákóczi Street 18)

Starting time: May 31, 2025, 6:00–7:00 (8:00)

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

Distance, elevation gain: 60.8 km, 2500 m elevation gain

Time limit: 15:00

Awards: certificate, badge

Entry fee: 5300 HUF, pre-registration possible on this site until May 27 (pre-registrants receive a 300 HUF discount, payment on site)

Services: certification sheet, itinerary, colored map, ribbon markers where necessary, refreshments during the route (cold drinks, muesli, sweets, voucher, breads), finish walls (breads)

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

Organizer: Vasi Vándorok Sportegyesület

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

General information about the "Csillagtúrázz Velem!" challenge hikes is available on Természetjáró.hu.