Summer Climbs on Hungarian Crags

Visiting Hungary? No idea where to climb? Despite being a flat country we have some hills and rocks. Let me give you a summary and some advices. I also prepared a map of local crags (see below or jump).

Although the highest point (altitude above sea level) of Hungary is around 1000 meter, you can reach some crags for sport climbing within a short drive or just inside the capital Budapest! Hungary is located in the midst of Carpathian basin, surrounded by countries with alpine regions. To the North, East and South the curve of Carpathian Mountains rise over altitude of 2500 meter. Getting up earlier in the morning you can have your climbing day for example in High Tatra region in Slovakia. One day climbing trips to Austria for the Alps are also reasonable. But if you have a half a day, no money for fuel or just fed up with driving, do not hesitate to come out and check one of our compact, friendly climbing sites. New edition (2007) of Climbing Guidebook of Hungary is available in local Mountex stores.

For beginners who need easier routes and safety over all, I suggest Oszoly Rocks next to the village of Csobánka, just a half an hour drive (15 km) to the North of Budapest. >50 routes, mainly easier grades (II-V). There are some challenging VIIs for braver ones as well. Or you have only a few hours between two courses or meetings? Come out and touch the >200m boulder traverse of Francia-bánya, which is ideal for regular training purposes. Rocks are situated in Buda's green area, 20 minutes from the city by means of public transportation. Keep in your mind, in the summer time usually there are some dog-days with high temperature (>30˚) in Hungary, on those hot days climbing could be no joy, especially power routes with small holds.

Best crags for middle level sport climbers: Oszoly, Tardos-bánya, Hámor, Bárány-kő - Csóka-kő. Professionals do not have to miss Kis-Gerecse, with most famous and hardest sport routes of Hungary, many at UIAA IX-X grades (~7c-8b).

Past weeks I was lucky enough to visit several local sites: Hámor, Veszprém, Tardos-bánya, Oszoly of course. [Notice: actually, I live in Csobánka, in the neighbourhood of Oszoly Rocks, some 100 meters from the walls. And on working days Francia-bánya of Budapest is also a regular weekly training place for me. I was growing up upon green hills of Buda, a lot of childhood memories come into my mind. Arriving home from the school, bag thrown into the corner, and let us go. I spent so many time in those forests. We Hungarian people say: "I know every tree out there."]

Map of crags is opened for all of you, please feel free to collaborate. It is just in draft, lots of crags are not covered yet, updates are coming continually. Please leave your comments, suggestions, questions as usual. Travellers, climbers, you turn. You rock.


view larger map

local rock climbing websites

• mhssz.hu (Mountaineering and Rock Climbing Association of Hungary)
  
• szikla.hu ('szikla' means 'rock' in Hungarian language')
  
• sportpiac.hu
• local organisations, clubs in Hungary
  
• linkfarms: rock climbing, mountaineering
• flickr photos as always :)
  

[disclosure: Starting this blog, I did not decided whether to publish only in Hungarian, consequently for a limited audience. As you see, it has not been decided, yet. Maybe there are others out there who are interested in the content of kirandulo blog. It is a good opportunity to practice my English as well. Occasionally you will see some posts in English, so don't be surprised. I hope you don't mind. Hey girls an' guys, all of you read and speak an advanced English, anyway! Say warm welcome for global crowd. New posts in English are coming soon again. And please leave your comments and oppinion as always. Your ideas help me a lot, thanks in advance.]