From Zebegény to Nagymaros via Törökmező

Itinerary

• From the Zebegény train station, we set off northeastward following the Z mark, which passes through the Malom lodge and the Nomádia Yurt Camp in the Malom valley. 
• The K and Z marks run together for a short section. At their junction, we continue on the Z mark passing the Törökmezei fishing lake, then either to Törökmező on the right branch of the Z◼ or across the wooden bridge following the K mark. 
• From Törökmező we follow the K mark to Kövesmező, to which nature trails also connect.
• From Kövesmező, we descend on the K+ mark to the Nagymaros-Visegrád train stop. 

Detailed about the route

From the picturesque Zebegény, we head north along the Z mark along the Malom stream. The peaceful murmur of the stream, originating near Kóspallag and flowing into the Danube near Zebegény, can only be heard during dry periods when the hiking trail runs directly beside it. From its deeply carved bed, it can be inferred that its flow suddenly rises after snowmelt and heavier rains. This most significant stream in the southern part of the heavily dissected, water-poor Börzsöny never dries up even in the hottest summer. It is worth observing the andesite, which forms the base of the volcanic mountain range, in the stream bed.

After crossing the stream (which can be a minor challenge when flooded), the path alternates between woods and clearings. After leaving the Camping meadow, the Malom lodge hides among the trees; it operates every day of the year with prior arrangement, along with two 11-person tents of the Nomádia Yurt Camp, which can be used as accommodation from May to October.

From the left joins the National Blue Trail K mark, then after 100 meters it turns right over the wooden bridge. At the junction, it is worth making a short detour on the Z mark to the Törökmezei fishing lake. The artificial pond formed by damming the Malom stream exhibits a special phenomenon during scorching summer heat; if you stop in front of the house and take a short walk along the shore, you can observe how green algae proliferate in the shallow water with almost no shade, making the water appear neon green from the shore. The lake managed by the Nagymaros Kékduna Fishing Association holds carp, roach, and crucian carp.

From here, you can continue in two directions. You can return toward the dam on the K mark, which crosses the Malom stream on the small wooden bridge mentioned earlier, then climbs the hillside guiding to the tourist house (as shown by the track), or continue on the Z mark. The latter also leads to the tourist house but with a steep climb and detours toward the spring of Fehér-kút (which you can find a few steps away on the Z● mark). In this variation, turn right on the Z◼ mark and walk 100 meters there. 

It is worth taking a longer break at the Törökmező tourist house. You can prepare your lunch/dinner at the fire site from your backpack, but there is also a buffet, a café, and on weekends a restaurant offering various dishes. Numerous possibilities for physical activities are available on-site: a playground for the little ones, a sandy volleyball court and an asphalt soccer field for larger groups. The special feature of Törökmező, the adventure park built on tree trunks, provides challenges not only for children but also for fitter adults. In the amusingly named TörökmeZOO animal park, you can see meerkats, ostriches, peacocks, arctic foxes, guinea pigs, tapirs, raccoons, parrots, and domesticated animals.

From here, we follow the route of the National Blue Trail. We walk past the edge of Törökmező, then enter the forest. The ZT mark also joins us, touching several stations of the Törökmező nature trail. The signs help identify distant mountain peaks or share how shepherds guided animals in the shade of orchards using certain tricks. The trail leads from Törökmező up to the Julian lookout tower on the Hegyes peak, while presenting us the forests, meadows, plants, animals, and cultural-historical aspects of Southern Börzsöny; tasks also await us between stations.

Where the Z▲ mark joins from the left, the Nagymaros Chestnut Nature Trail also runs with us for a short section. At the three affected stations, you can learn about the mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles living in Börzsöny, illustrated with numerous photos.

At Kövesmező, a fire site equipped with a cauldron tripod, benches, and tables invites you to stay. It is worth finding the splendid panorama clearing at the east end of the parking lot, where the Visegrád Citadel stands on a rocky, jagged mountain peak rising above the Danube, visible between the trees. After admiring the view, it is worth walking to the next sign of the Törökmező nature trail on the opposite side of the meadow on the K mark, from where you are guaranteed to take a few more steps through a special, pleasantly scented pine forest. 

From here, we start a steep descent on the K+ mark, only pausing at the lookout point to enjoy the view of the Danube Bend, Visegrád, and the castle.

Our mark accompanies us to Nagymaros train station.