Hollókő loop

Itinerary

• We run from the parking lot following the K mark all the way to the Alsótold cemetery (6.5 km).
• At the Alsótold cemetery, we continue on the ZT mark for over one and a half kilometers (quite sparse marking).
• At the junction, we turn right to follow the S+ mark for a longer stretch.
• At another junction, we turn right again onto the S mark.
• Upon reaching the Remete-hegyi saddle, we switch to the K mark, which leads back to the starting point through Ófalu.

Detailed description of the run

We leave the parking lot via the trail behind the Küszöb Information Office, and after a few steps, we catch sight of the Hollókő Castle amid stunning views. After the obligatory photo, follow the K mark turning sharply left onto the path, then climb up the undulating, narrow ridge of Szár Hill. From the enjoyable, technical path, we can sometimes enjoy views to the right and left through the foliage. After crossing the summit, Farkaskút valley appears, and shortly thereafter we see the Kéz lookout, which is a truly special viewpoint in Hungary. The huge wooden hand symbolizes God's hand and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills.

Then a rather steep and rocky descent awaits us to the border of Felsőtold. Crossing the stream, the landscape smooths out and we run along an easy, flat section parallel to the elongated village. Passing along the edge of forest and meadow, we run past a series of hunting stands. We continue on an uneventful route to the edge of Alsótold, then at the cemetery's edge we say goodbye to the K mark and follow the Z mark of the nature trail according to the map. In reality, the markings are hard to see here, so the Természetjáró app might help with navigation.

We leave the fenced orchard and the waterworks, then continue running along meadows. At an unmarked crossroads, we turn sharply right and continue on the S+ mark shown on the map. We begin the long ascent, passing meadows, scrubby and bushy areas, finally returning to the forest after a long time at the end of a clearing. We pant up a persistent climb, joining the S mark and continue on it. At the S▲ junction, we reach the highest point of the route (from here 180 meters to the Dobogó lookout, where a dangerously deteriorated geodetic tower stands). Continuing, at the imposing Remete-hegyi saddle junction, we switch to the K mark of the National Blue Trail, which will lead us back to the village. Thanks to a nearby spring, the ground here is often marshy.

We run on a pleasant dirt road where we can stretch our steps and thus our pace. The castle visible between the trees signals that we are slowly approaching the starting point. We cross the Hollókő stream on a small wooden bridge, then climb up across the meadow to reach the iconic, World Heritage Old Village of Hollókő. Jogging on the cobblestones feels like a time travel. At the end of the street, turning right, we can almost see the parking lot serving as the starting point.