Smoothly to the top of Pilis

Itinerary:

• From Pilismarót, we pedal up the green cycling mark to the Két-Bükkfa saddle
• We cover a few hundred meters without a sign, then in the southern part of the saddle behind the barrier we find the yellow cycling mark, which leads to the Boldog Özséb lookout
• Rolling back down to the saddle, then descending on the road 1111, at the exit of Kakashegy we look for the blue cycling mark
• At the Király-kúti saddle, we turn left off the blue route and again follow the yellow cycling mark to get back to Pilismarót

Details about the tour:

After leaving the village, a familiar and quite characteristic scene greets us. A gently flowing stream runs alongside the forestry road, accompanying our route for quite a distance. After a few hundred meters, we reach a Y-junction, reaching one of the corner points of our day. Now we go straight ahead, but at the end of our route, we will return here from the left side. In short: up on green cycling mark, down on yellow.

The steadily and persistently climbing strip of asphalt winds pleasantly through the forest, sometimes passing the Pilismarót mill stream, sometimes a clearing. Reaching the Hoffmann guesthouse, the result of our climb becomes noticeable; we can look out from among the foliage more and more often. After the next bigger left hairpin turn, a spectacular view unfolds before us. It is worth resting here a bit and refreshing before the next section. As a relaxation, by turning right off the road, you can visit the Pilisszentlélek Pauline monastic ruins (500 meter detour).

The asphalt of the forestry road has so far shown a rather mixed picture, but in the above section, we find surprisingly good quality in places. It can be said confidently that in some sections, mirror-smooth asphalt awaits us. The feeling of climbing seems never-ending – you have to endure it until exactly the 12th kilometer. Here we reach the 1111 road winding from Esztergom, on which after pedaling a few hundred meters we find ourselves in Két-Bükkfa saddle. In the built rest area, we can rest well deservedly.

A short rest before the next effort

For continuation, we look for the asphalt road starting behind the barrier, marked with the yellow cycling mark. Except for some waves, our route continues to climb, and it’s no coincidence, as we are heading to the highest point of the Transdanubian Mountains. Honestly, this part that awaits us can only be moderately exciting. Around the cracked asphalt, the forest also shows a rather uniform face, and unfortunately, there is no view to speak of. These kilometers must be seen as an investment, which will pay off with interest when reaching Pilis Peak.

At the summit!

The first signs that we are really close are the asphalt changing to crushed white gravel, then the eerie remains of the former air defense rocket base appearing. The lookout, created from the former geodetic tower, was handed over in 2014. On clear days, we can enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the top. At its base, a resting place and bicycle rack assist regeneration. In cooler weather, it is advisable to prepare a windbreaker, as windy weather is often encountered here.

After admiring the view, we roll back on the previously known road to the saddle. This time, it will be easier; you only have to pedal hard in one or two places, otherwise you can coast easily. At Két-Bükkfa saddle, turning right onto the main road, we head toward Pilisszentkereszt. The next section is the only one where we have to ride with traffic, so be very careful! After a few kilometers, a bus stop appears on the left. After thorough checks, cautiously turn left into the parking area! From here to the finish, we proceed again on traffic-free roads.

After leaving some forest edge buildings, we can feel in nature again. After the longer descent, we have to activate the right muscles again. At the split of the blue and green cycling marks, as usual, we stay on the asphalt following the blue cycling mark. After a few minutes, we will finally be past the last serious climb of the day. Crossing the slope and admiring the beautiful panorama opening to the right, we quickly find ourselves at the Király-kúti saddle.

Turning onto the home stretch

Sharp left turn, passing the barrier, we follow the yellow cycling mark. From here, perfect road quality awaits us; this section was fully renovated in 2022, so we can expect a true cycling experience. After a short climb, after a 180-degree hairpin turn, we find ourselves on a ridge. Interestingly, on the left, we can admire the ski lift of the Dobogókő ski slope. From here, a beautiful descent awaits us, coasting on mirror-smooth asphalt on one of the most beautiful roads in the area. After a few minutes, we pass at the foot of Rám mountain, which is worth visiting if time and strength allow. Then we ride near the exit of the legendary Rám Gorge. The name Árpádvár towering solitary on the right hints that this area is surrounded by many legends.

In the remaining section, alongside ever more beautiful views, we can enjoy the easier part of cycling, the descent. Finally, we reach the junction mentioned at the very beginning of the tour, from where only a few hundred meters remain to Pilismarót.