Hiking Trails and Destinations in and near Pécs
Pécs is home to many beautiful and exciting hiking destinations worth visiting at least once. In the following, we introduce several hiking trails, including some we have personally explored.
Hiking Trails and Destinations in Pécs János Lookout Tower, Tubes The János Lookout Tower (János-kilátó) stands on Tubes, the highest point in the western part of the Mecsek Mountains at 611 meters. You can reach the lookout tower by climbing a staircase, and at the top you’ll be rewarded with an excellent panoramic view of southern Transdanubia. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Papuk mountain range in Croatia and easily spot Badacsony, one of the beacons near Lake Balaton. The easiest way to get there from Ifjúság Road is by taking bus 103 or 34 to Misinatető. From there, it’s about a 35-minute walk to the lookout tower. This is a simple and comfortable hike with stunning views, accessible year-round, as the lookout tower is open in every season. Jakab-hegy, Zsongor-kő, Babás-szerkövek We invite you on a 13.5 km hike that, while not the easiest, offers a truly unique experience. Starting from Éger Valley (Éger-völgy), this approximately 4.5-hour trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views and a visit to a medieval monastery ruin. The 430-meter elevation gain adds to the challenge, but the journey is well worth the effort. The easiest way to reach Éger Valley is by taking bus 23Y from Megyeri Square and getting off at Ürög felső. Having personally completed this hike, we highly recommend bringing plenty of water and some sandwiches to stay energized along the way. Meleg-mányi Valley, Nagy-Mély Valley, the Ruins of Kantavár Having completed this hike ourselves, we can confidently say it is one of the most beautiful trails in the area. The route is lined with streams and water features, and in the right season (namely spring), you might even come across wild garlic. However, we’d caution hikers to be careful, as it can easily be mistaken for toxic plants. The hike spans approximately 13.2 km and can be completed at a comfortable pace in about five hours. While the 420-meter elevation gain adds some challenge, the stunning natural surroundings more than make up for it. The easiest way to reach the starting point is by taking bus 34Y from the MTA-székház to Dömörkapu, where the trail begins. Tettye, Misina, Dömörkapu We invite all readers to join us on a short and easy hike. This 6.9 km route can be completed in just three hours, offering breathtaking viewpoints that will leave you in awe. The easiest way to reach the starting point is by taking bus 2A to Árkád, transferring to bus 33, and getting off at Tettye, Havihegyi út. The hike begins at Tettye Square. This relatively easy round-trip is perfect for those who don’t want to spend half a day hiking but still wish to experience the healing and calming power of nature. Photos by: Szabolcs Lécser Hiking Spots near Pécs There are plenty of hiking opportunities outside Pécs as well. Below, we’ve listed trails to suit all preferences. Pécsi Lake, Orfűi Lake, Balázs-hegy Lookout Tower This easy and diverse hiking route is an excellent choice for nature lovers. The nearly 9 km trail can be comfortably completed in about three hours, with only a 200-meter elevation gain. Orfű is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Mecsek region, and its picturesque lakes make the experience even more special. The easiest way to reach Orfű is by taking a regional coach from the Pécs long-distance coach station. Zengő, Püspökszentlászló This round-trip leads to Zengő, the highest peak in the Mecsek mountain range. Starting from Püspökszentlászló, the 7.2 km route takes about 2.5 hours, with a 360-meter elevation gain. This moderately difficult hike is perfect for those looking for a challenge, as the trail up to Zengő is quite steep. Access to the village is restricted to permit holders, but you can easily reach Hosszúhetény by regional coach, followed by a short walk to Püspökszentlászló. Whether you’re seeking an easy stroll or a more challenging adventure, each of these hikes promises a rewarding experience. We highly recommend any of these trails—each one is well worth exploring! Translated by: Zoé Eötvös
No matter which direction you choose, Pécs and its surroundings offer a variety of exciting and beautiful hiking trails.
