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The cozy gorge valley of the Zsunyi StreamPhoto: Szabó Eszter, Hungarian Hiking Association
On our route, we explore the gorge of the Zsunyi stream, which also poses challenges. The leafy canopy-covered, gently descending, comfortable trail sometimes tests us when we have to cross the valley over the stream, which is sometimes powerfully reshaped by the late winter floods.
In the heart of the Cserhát, this hike follows a section of the winding path of the Zsunyi stream, which originates west of Lucfalva, from Cserhátszentiván to the border of Ecseg. The stream continues from here into the Szuha stream and then to the Zagyva, which is the largest water catchment area of the Western Mátra and the Cserhát.
On the route, we encounter different faces of the Zsunyi: in narrower parts, it carves a deep trench with fast-flowing current, while in other sections it is a wide, babbling, peaceful stream that weaves around smaller and larger stones it has had to carry so far. The babbling of the stream provides the soundtrack to the hike.
Along the way, we meet countless old memories. If we were to travel back to the years between the two world wars, near Cserhátszentiván, embraced by forests, we would find a warm-water beach fed by a spring erupting from the mountain. To its northeast and southwest, miners working with pickaxes would be hammering in the Bézma side, manually extracting andesite usable as building material. In the southern part of the gorge, at the border of Ecseg, the water mills would be turned by the waters of the Zsunyi and Szuha streams; we could see the Maria and Margit water stairs that assist the operation of the mills. To climb up to the wooden lookout above the quarry, we would only need to turn back the clock to the 2000s. The old memories are recalled by the stations of the Cserhátszentiván nature trail running along the route.
The hike also has watery experiences. Not only do we meet the Zsunyi stream, but there are two springs bursting forth along this section. Near Ecseg, we find the renovated Mill Spring enclosure, with a table and benches awaiting the tired traveler. The other water source is around halfway along the route, the Triple Spring. Slightly iron-rich and at a temperature higher than usual, its water quenches the thirst of visitors all year round.
If you come with family or a larger group, want to have a barbecue picnic, or just rest outdoors, the perfect venue for this is the meadow in Cserhátszentiván between the bridge and the larger quarry, where a huge open space, benches, tables, a fire pit, and a covered shelter await us. The view from here overlooks gently rolling Cserhát ridges behind the village houses.
The detailed description of the route can be read under the Route Description menu.
Author’s recommendation
- During higher water flow (winter snowmelt and spring), it is advisable to wear ankle-supporting closed shoes, as crossing the swollen stream can be technical at times. A hiking pole can also greatly help maintain balance.
- In Ecseg, turning into Zrínyi Passage, you can walk along the famous wine cellar row.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
At the end of winter and in spring, when the stream swells, crossing it is more difficult. Most stones in the bed move. Let’s be careful!
Tips and suggestions
Bring a water bottle that you can fill with the cool and delicious water of the Triple Spring!
Roadbook
Itinerary
- For the first 100 meters of the path towards the southeast, follow the signs of S+ and the Green Trail (green color, resembling the letter Z), then cross the bridge over the stream!
- (At the quarry, you can make a short detour following the K+ signs northeast towards the former beach and the abandoned quarry.)
- Follow the K+ signs along the stream southwards until the end of the route!
- In Ecseg, at Heroes' Square, turn right towards the church to reach the bus stop!
Detailed description of the route
From the Cserhátszentiván bus stop, head southeast along the street following the S+ and the Cserhát Nature Park Green Trail (green color, resembling the letter Z) signs! After about 100 meters, turn right off the asphalt after the curve and cross the bridge over the Zsunyi stream towards the meadow! Here you will find large covered resting benches, a shelter, and a fire pit, from where the K+ signs will guide us for the rest of the route. The spot is not only worth stopping for a rest or picnic, but also to take a look at the deeply cut cavity of the quarry.
Before continuing along the road parallel to the houses, you can make a short there-and-back detour on the section between the left edge of the quarry and the stream. On this 300-meter detour, also marked by K+, you will first encounter the remains of a former beach, then peek into another quarry.
Returning to the K+ sign, head southwards, and soon the Zsunyi stream will join us on the right, accompanying us for the rest of the way. After a 1.6 km walk and crossing the stream, we reach the Triple Spring; its water can quench our thirst all year round.
We cross the Zsunyi's path several more times, then cut across a meadow. On the left, a built resting place draws attention to the beautifully restored Mill Spring, whose water can also quench our thirst. A few steps further, we find the ruins of the former Lower Mill and the memorial next to it. From here, we descend across open terrain to Ecseg along the babbling stream, now known as the Szuha stream. The confluence of the two streams can be located a bit north of the mill pond. In the village, the signs lead us to the center, from which it is just a few steps to the church and the bus stop.
Hármas-forrás
Alsómalom
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- You can travel to Cserhátszentiván by regional bus. It is recommended to get off at the Cserhátszentiván, felső stop. The buses run rather infrequently, so it is worth planning the trip in advance!
- At the end of the hike, you can travel back from the Ecseg, church bus stop.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
- The hike starts from the Cserhátszentiván bus stop. The first steps should be taken southeast on the S+ and the Cserhát Nature Park Green Trail (green color, resembling the letter Z) signs, then follow the route description!
- At the end of the hike, the K+ signs accompany us to Heroes' Square in Ecseg. Here we turn right towards the church! A 100-meter walk will take you to the bus stop.
Parking
- You can access Cserhátszentiván and Ecseg from Hatvan and Salgótarján via Route 21, and from Balassagyarmat via Route 22 through small villages.
- Neither settlement has a built parking lot, but around the bus stop in Cserhátszentiván and at Heroes' Square in Ecseg, you can find plenty of parking opportunities.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Basic hiking equipment: hiking shoes or boots, season-appropriate clothing, some drinking water, food. For navigation, the Nature Walker app.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions