Hungarian Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra)
One of the oldest continuously marked long-distance trails in Europe, crossing Hungary's hill and mountain regions from west to east.
Route overview
The Országos Kéktúra (National Blue Trail), often cited as one of the oldest continuously waymarked long-distance hiking trails in Europe, dates to 1938 and runs approximately 1,150 kilometres across Hungary from Írott-kő on the Austrian border in the west to Hollóháza near the Slovak border in the east. The trail crosses Hungary's main upland regions, including the Bakony, the Mátra (home to the country's highest peak, Kékestető), and the Zemplén hills, linking forested ridgelines, historic castles and traditional Hungarian villages. Completing the full route earns hikers recognition through Hungary's long-standing Blue Trail badge programme; most hikers walk it in stages over months or years rather than as a single continuous trip.
Trail facts
- Country
- Hungary
- Region
- Nationwide (Hungarian uplands)
- Distance
- c. 1,150 km
- Typical duration
- 6–8 weeks
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 27,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- April–October
- Trail type
- Point-to-point
Safety context
Generally moderate upland walking on well-marked paths; standard forest and hill-walking precautions apply.
Given the trail's length, most hikers complete it over multiple separate trips across months or years rather than in one continuous through-hike.
Highlights
Kékestető, Hungary's highest peak, in the Mátra hills Bakony forest uplands Zemplén hills near the Slovak border Historic castles along the route
Why find a buddy
A trail traditionally walked in stages over time is well suited to a regular hiking partner who can join for successive sections.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.