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Mountain Bike
· Pilis Mountains
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Pilis Bike Lavender route (Kesztölc, Erika Café Park and Ride)
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Along the Pilis Bike Lavender route, with Pilis Peak in the backgroundPhoto: Farkas Péter, Hungarian Hiking Association
The Pilis massif is rich in both natural curiosities and cultural memories, not to mention its impressive appearance. Therefore, it is clear that it is worth exploring both up close and from afar, to walk around this limestone, dolomite elevation, which is also the easternmost edge of the Transdanubian Hills.
In the first half of the route, we approach the Pilis and cycle along a level cart road running along its side from the south, then continue through Pilisszántó so that we can admire the village edge from perhaps the most beautiful and spectacular viewpoint. The farthest turning point of the tour is Piliscsaba, where, gaining new momentum, we can admire the same from another direction as well.
We do not claim that it is an easy tour, as several long climbs await us. But we definitely state that it is worth fighting through these challenges because a plethora of experiences awaits us along the way. From the world of 13th-century Pauline monasteries through cave formations developed in limestone rocks, to the sacred significance of the Pilis, we experience a thousand effects on the tour, not to mention the joy brought by movement and the irreplaceable beauty of spending time in the open air.
Author’s recommendation
- Compared to the many stony and gravel roads in the area, the forestry road on the side of Pilis is particularly earthy. Therefore, after substantial rain, it's better to choose another route, as you may encounter heavy mud.
- As it is a one-way route, if you want to return to the starting point, the train will help you.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- We travel through traffic in the village of Pilisszántó, so pay extra attention. This is especially true for the long descent where you should not accelerate too much!
Tips and suggestions
Roadbook
Itinerary:
- Follow the green cyclist pictogram to Szántó Saddle!
- At the saddle, when reaching the asphalt, switch to the blue cyclist pictogram and follow it until the end of the route.
Description:
Kesztölc - Szántó Saddle (PB12)
- Terrain: asphalt, gravel road
We leave Kesztölc on a low-traffic paved road connecting it with Klastrompuszta. The quality varies greatly, from mirror-smooth freshly laid sections to cracked potholes. We start a persistent climb towards the monastery ruins. It is a rare exception that we can legally cycle here on the National Blue Trail. Upon arriving at Klastrompuszta, take a short break for the next section, as entering the forest requires overcoming a few hundred meters of steep, slightly technical terrain. After that, it becomes easier again, and we continue almost flat along the hillside. We mainly ride on limestone gravel roads, but for a longer section, we ride on a nicely smoothed road sprinkled with fine gravel. This section of the road is a relaxing, quiet part of our route.
After the stone niche area, a stunning view unfolds towards Pilisszántó and its exceptional location. The settlement had heavy traffic in ancient times, as the Roman military road passed here. The milestone placed in AD 230 next to the road—still visible beside the Roman Catholic church—reminds us of it. It's worth making a short detour in the village to visit the Orosdy Castle built in 1895 along Kossuth Street – Orosdy Street. The building, frequently renovated, now operates as a pilgrimage hostel.
The mountain is known not only for countless natural values but also for its sacred significance. Soon, alongside Dobogókő, Pilisszántó also became a pilgrimage site. To our left along the way hides the Rock Theatre between the trees. At its entrance stand the memorial of Albert Wass and the Trianon wooden monument. Above the hollow, on one of the rock ledges, we can see the blessing Jesus statue from the 2016 winter solstice. A few steps away is the Blessed Virgin Chapel designed by Imre Makovecz. From its foreground, we get a wonderful panorama over the village view all the way to the Buda Hills. The Pilis Cross rises above the building. On the Star Path opened in 2007, carved columns recall great figures of Hungarian history.
Szántó Saddle - Iluska Spring (PB6)
- Terrain: asphalt, gravel road
Once on the asphalt, we only need to hold the brake lever; an easy coasting awaits us. After a few hundred meters of sliding, turn right towards the arable fields and cycle towards the forest! Here it's worth looking back once more and saying goodbye to the mountain views. Our last climb follows on a compacted road studded with speed bumps towards the Iluska Spring.
Iluska Spring - Klotildliget (PB7)
- Terrain: gravel road
Near the Iluska Spring, our route merges with a similar cycling trail coming from Pilisvörösvár. However, we turn right and continue, only needing to follow the small blue cyclists painted on the trees along the fence, then turn left. After passing a built resting place, we only have to roll into the Klotildliget railway station.
Iluska-forrás (pihenőhely)
Public transport
The village of Kesztölc is not served by a railway line; therefore, it cannot be reached by public transport that allows bicycle transport. If you absolutely need to use the train, Piliscsév railway station could be a solution.Get Timetable to destination
Directions
From Piliscsév railway station, we can reach Kesztölc along the PB12 route.
Parking
The cul-de-sac village embedded into the side of Pilis can be approached by car from the north or south. At the park and ride spot, there is limited parking, but you will certainly find space in the more remote parts of the village.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
- On every cycling trip, carry a spare inner tube, pump, tire levers, and a few basic tools in case of technical problems.
- Wearing a helmet is highly recommended!
- Always start with sufficient food and drink!
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions